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USB-C mechanical design is flimsy and pathetic.
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Clear as mud:
I was about to post a new thread comparing USB-mini-B to USB-micro-B, but I see it's already being discussed!

I just wanted to say, manufacturer datasheets typically have a lower insertion cycle count for mini-B than for micro-B, but in the real world, in my experience, mini-B is more reliable than micro-B.  The real-world experience seems to be opposite of what the datasheets would suggest.  I first became aware of the insertion cycle count from datasheets at least 5 years ago, when typically mini-B had a specified insertion count of 1500, and micro-B had it specified as 10,000.  Looking at modern data sheets now, I see the same thing except that some of the mini-B ones now say 5000 instead of 1500.

My 20 year old cell phone with mini-B connector still works fine, meanwhile I have repaired quite a few micro-B connectors on other phones.  And I'm not the only one who thinks mini-B is more reliable.  For example, in this video, 4:24 through 4:34, the person says he prefers mini-B because it is more reliable and robust.  Maybe it's just the through-hole vs. surface-mount issue that was already discussed, but I'm pretty sure I have dealt with micro-USB connectors that became internally loose even while still fastened securely to the PCB.
wraper:

--- Quote from: Clear as mud on September 17, 2020, 05:46:25 pm ---My 20 year old cell phone with mini-B connector still works fine, meanwhile I have repaired quite a few micro-B connectors on other phones.

--- End quote ---
Real world experience at sample size of 1  Versus connector which is orders of magnitude more widespread.  :palm: Also I guess that mini USB was not used for charging unlike micro USB which were plugged/unplugged daily. A decade ago I worked at mobile phone service center for several years. And I can say that micro USB with good TH mounting simply never failed. Only connectors without TH got sometimes ripped from PCB, often together with pads. Good luck breaking off connector on the picture below.

--- Quote ---but I'm pretty sure I have dealt with micro-USB connectors that became internally loose even while still fastened securely to the PCB.
--- End quote ---
It almost never occurs. Mini USB is way worse in this regard.

Berni:
Okay i admit i only had a sample size of 2 phones that got plugged in daily for years and half a dozen regularly used MiniUSB devices that stayed plugged in most of the time. And the single SMD only MiniUSB i that had ripped off and had to be soldered down again was from a friend that asked me to fix it.

I haven't actually broken a microUSB myself. The half a dozen ones that i had to replace was from friends and relatives that broke them. So i have no idea what was it that ultimately broke it, but most of the time the connector had to be completely replaced because it would not make contact, or would only make contact when held at some special angle.

Or it might be bias that i find the old Mini has a more mechanically solid feel. Putting sideways forces on a newer Micro connector feels like it bends and gives as you put more force on it, while the Mini feels like it has next to no give to it at all, also seaming to have less wobble and play when wiggled around. Yes the retention force on Mini is pretty poor but i never found it so poor that the connector would just fall out of it, besides the ubiquitous USB-A connector has identical retention force issues yet is still used everywhere.

In terms of my phone i moved to using magnetic connectors (via a tiny adapter) because it mates and unmates all by its own when the phone is simply brought close to it. Since i got used to charging the phone overnight every day even tho i don't need to since smartphone battery life has gotten a lot better, but fumbling with plugging in a microUSB was too annoying on a daily basis.
SilverSolder:
+1 for Micro-USB, a paragon of reliability in our household, using ancient phones that still work perfectly with their Micro USB chargers.   One Blackberry Curve is >10 years old and still in daily use - a real fighter, refuses to die!  :D    I would say the blackberry gets recharged every 3 days or so (another benefit of older phones, they don't use so much power).  So, we are looking at more than 1,000 charging cycles for its Micro USB port...  including various accidents tripping over charging cords in its life...  and it shows NO signs of wear.
Clear as mud:
Point taken about sample size and all that.  If general consensus on the forum is that the manufacturer datasheets are correct, and micro-USB is more reliable than mini-USB, I'll go with that.

Also, my phone is not as old as I thought.  Motorola W385 did not go on the market before 2007.  The USB port is used for charging, but the initial battery only needed to be charged once every two to three weeks.  (I never use the phone very much.)  The replacement battery I got must be made out of used cells even though I paid extra for a new-quality one - it only lasts about 3 days.
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