One should be at the bottom one at the top. I understand space on the phone is a premium but a second port would make the phone so much more usable. Wired headphones, flash drives, camera modules, speaker modules, keyboards, even connection to a TV, all could be used while charging. It’s a shame it’s not a thing, USB is extremely versatile port, but you only get one and it’s used for charging half of the time. (I am aware dongles exist)
Wired headphones… could be used while charging
Sure is a shame nobody ever came up with a way to do that before.
The person who decided a headphone jack is superfluous should be found, tarred, feathered, and left naked and alone deep in the alaskan wilderness covered in pigs blood for the wildlife to enjoy.
They should also be be required to use a dongle for every tool they use to survive with a limit of only 1 tool at a time
We should rewire their home electrical outlets to some other country’s standard and force them to use a dongle every time they plug a device into the wall.
I believe Steve Jobs is already dead. And those who inherited his billions probably don’t mind all those extra AirPod sales, especially if people keep losing them.
Jobs died before the headphone jack was removed (iphone 7 in 2016, while Jobs died in 2011).
The villain we’re looking for is Jony Ive, Apple’s product designer until 2019. All other companies just copied Apple’s lead so if there is a responsible party, it’s him.
Yea fuck him too, bit ol’ Steve was quite a fan of the whole “remove every slightly extra option and then sell it back to the user” way of doing business.
“Courage” the cowardly port.
Steve Jobs died in 2011, the headphone jack disappeared from the iPhone 7 in 2016.
It wasn’t Steve Jobs who took it away. Steve Jobs probably would have taken it away, but he also probably would have insisted on developing a technically superior but proprietary wireless technology.
Pretty sure they removed it after they bought Beats long before AirPods existed.
I honestly don’t think it made a noticeable difference in terms of selling AirPods, it simply reduced cost.
I only buy phones with 3.5mm jacks on principle, and yet I stilled jumped at the chance to get Pixel Buds cheaper when I got my 5a because of how convenient they are. The decision between wired and wireless is now nearly exclusively because you prefer either fidelity or convenience over the other. Not whether or not your phone supports them. Besides, if you’re picking fidelity you probably scrutinize much more on a phone than headphone jack or not.
I’m pretty sure the rise of BT headphones is solely due to Apple removing the headphone jack.
Yes, I know BT headphones have existed before, I was an audio/technology editor, so yes I know. Which is why I also know how tough it was to get some half-decent BT audio adapter or earphones 10 years ago, even tho BT 2.0 was in every phone for close to a decade already. Then within few weeks to months after the jack removal and introduction of AP, the market got flooded with them. Don’t tell me it’s a coincidence.
It may sound like a good thing to have so many choices, except you’re losing the original choice of whether you want it in the first place. Combined with another lovely trend Apple has kickstarted - non-removable batteries - it just means yet more ewaste.
And I’m sorry, but the whole idea of “true wireless” is fucking terrible. I use sporty BT earphones I can hang around my neck or just put in a pocket when I’m not using them. Fiddling with 3 separate small things every time I want to take earphones in and out is madness. Of course you’ll loss something eventually.
Then within few weeks to months after the jack removal and introduction of AP, the market got flooded with them. Don’t tell me it’s a coincidence.
You can crawl the way back machine though and find that this just isn’t really true in an appreciable way. Yes, after 2016 we start to see more and more wireless headphones but is that because of the iPhone or because Moore’s Law means standards increase, production gets cheaper and form factors get smaller?
It may sound like a good thing to have so many choices, except you’re losing the original choice of whether you want it in the first place.
I don’t disagree with you at all which is why I still make it a point to only buy phones exclusively with 3.5mm jacks still included.
And I’m sorry, but the whole idea of “true wireless” is fucking terrible.
That’s just, like, your opinion, man. That’s totally subjective and your taste. The ability for me to put earbuds in under earpro is masterful. That I can do work and keep my phone somewhere off to the side and out of harms way is beneficial to me. That I don’t have to worry about routing a cable through my clothes to prevent it getting grabbed by moving machinery and parts is a definite benefit.
And I’m sure absolutely none of that applies to you and that’s okay! It’s why I still advocate for 3.5mm jacks because my use, and your use, is totally different and deserve different accomodations.
standards increase, production gets cheaper and form factors get smaller?
Here we can be pretty sure, because Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP, allowing stereo sound, has been widely available since mid-00’s (I got my first phone with it in 2005), BT chips cost pennies even then and mono earphones of that size were old news too, so none of that was anything special. And it’s not like Apple were the ones to make it affordable anyway.
I’ll credit Apple for putting it together in a meaningful way, but of course they had to do it the asshole Apple way. Honestly, Apple designers should be charged with crimes against humanity for their popularisation of built-in batteries and other disposability features, and all the idiot designers who followed that example, with them. If not on principle, then for all the ewaste.
That’s just, like, your opinion, man.
Of course it is. But to be clear, I’m not against all wireless. So I’m not comparing ‘true wireless’ with classic cabled earphones, but with wireless earphones that have a cable connecting them and controls/battery somewhere between them. I wish designers would concentrate on improving this style rather than producing millions of buds people keep losing or discarding and then re-buying.
(Ed: I mean even TW can exist if people want, but the Apple effect makes everyone think that’s the only way to make earphones.)
I don’t disagree with you at all which is why I still make it a point to only buy phones exclusively with 3.5mm jacks still included.
👍
The decision between wired and wireless is now nearly exclusively because you prefer either fidelity or convenience over the other.
How do you figure? The only benefit wireless has over wired is the lack of cable, but it brings the drawback of added cost, limited usage due to being battery powered, limited lifespan due to limited charge cycles, and connection issues.
I think there is a place for both but BT audio is far from surpassing wired audio, which is why it shouldn’t be a forced choice. Manufacturers see little downside to removing the 3.5mm port as it only reduces cost and increases add-on sales which both increase profit. It’s not like we have a choice in the matter as consumers. We take what they give us.
I hate how we’re stuck in a limbo between headphones jacks and usb-c. Like the change was bad to begin with, but if you’re going to switch to usb-c, then do it fully.
USB-C for everything honestly would have been good if they had. But we’re stuck in a limbo
Soon you’re gonna feel lucky that your phone has even ONE port.
Give it 5 years and Apple will have removed their lightning and/or USB port and gone wireless on everything.
Apple is going to be compelled to offer USB-C as a wired charging connection in Europe if it offers a wired charging option.
Which means bye bye charging port
Well, if they are forced to bring back removable batteries which may be seem the case in a few years (unless they befuddle the EU authorities), they might have to bring back X if they remove it as well…
I’m disappointed Moto Mods didn’t take off. They would’ve been a great way to provide a hermetically sealed phone with all the optional stuff you wanted slapped on the back. Beefier battery, better controls, all the ports you want, etc. Like, a phone with a weak internal battery but then a magnetically attached external one so you don’t even have to open open the back of the phone to hot-swap.
Apple itself or rumors have already shown they have thought about removing the port altogether.
The “if” is the kwy here. The rules said "if it has a port … it must be USB-C. They won’t have a port soon.
“Brave”
The worst part is AirDrop sucks. BT audio is still mediocre at best too.
I’m sure Apple is working on some new wireless standard called “magic connect” or some shit like that. It will be 13.8% better but make all previous devices obsolete and incompatible pushing people to trash their old stuff and buy some new overpriced, proprietary stuff.
Then when they introduce this new standard, their next presentation slide will pat themselves in the back because they are such a “green” company.
I’m no expert but I’m pretty sure the EU rules state that if it has a port it has to be USB-C (or whatever the current standard is in the future).
Agree on Bluetooth audio but what are you on about, AirDrop works fine and I use it to push large files between my iPhone and my Mac all the time.
Wireless is the future 🔮
Is wireless charging even possible?
To give more details since somebody else gave you the short answer: Not only is it possible, most mid-to-high-end phones and all watches have that feature today. Google “Qi charging”, which is the modern global standard (although many devices are still on their own incompatible standards – Galaxy Watch, I’m looking in your direction).
Yeah, you set your phone on this pad, and it charges without being directly connected.
Yes but it currently wastes a lot of electricity and doesn’t charge the phone as fast in general.
I’ve been wireless charging for a long time now. Does Apple not have wireless charging?
Yes it has been around for a number of years but is fairly inefficient and limiting in my experience.
On the plus side it’ll make waterproofing way easier. And ports are often the first thing to break on phones in my experience. Honestly my biggest disappointment will be the loss of the SIM slot, since e-SIMs give me the creeps. I like that my relationship to the cellular provider is on a part I can pop out.
Yeah gadget makers were able to water proof Walkmans back in the 80s and these were devices with probably a dozen real physical buttons, a headphone jack and battery compartment, and hinged wide open to let a cassette tape inside. Waterproofing as well as durable buttons was something that was solved decades ago regardless of what Apple’s marketing bullshit has led people to believe.
Oh I agree but it’s obviously easier to waterproof a phone with ports. Besides that ports and buttons are the most common point-of-failure (I’m looking at my kid’s headphones on my desk where the power button was crushed in and my to-do list is to open it up and see if it’s repairable). Honestly my biggest complaint comparing the old Walkmen to modern phones isn’t the buttons and ports (I remember how miserable the buttons were on my 100-meter waterproof Casio watch back in the '80s) but rather the screws. I hate that glue has become a standard tool in electronics assembly. If I never have to do the gamble of the “hot enough to loosen the sealant but not to hot to damage it” dance with a heat-gun again it will be too soon.
Never stop from moving the heat gun. And getting a touchless laser thermometer can help to know what temp youre at.
This is what life is when all viable phones are made by two giant tech companies.
- I never understood why space should be at premium. A phone does not need to be as thin as possible. 1½-2cm thickness is reasonable in my eyes, and would allow so much more ports and/or buttons. I would have use for 2-3 extra buttons.
- The biggest pro of two opposing ports: you could always charge your device regardless of orientation. With just a port on the bottom charging while scrolling in the bed is often uncomfortable
The biggest pro of two opposing ports: you could always charge your device regardless of orientation. With just a port on the bottom charging while scrolling in the bed is often uncomfortable
This is my biggest problem with my switch! I have to awkwardly hold it when I’m trying to ay laying on the couch or in bed. I hear the Steam Deck has a port on top for charging so it’s already begun!
Can confirm top port for the SteamDeck. Perfect for relaxed gaming while charging. :-)
And most people add a bulky case anyway. Just integrate that shit into the phone!
Bring back the headphone port! Bring back the headphone port! Bring back the headphone port!
headphone jacks are still available for mid ranged androids, even along with a charger. pretty much the only win we can get for purchasing a mid ranged androids.
Not being ridiculously overpriced is another advantage imo.
It never dissapeared - you just started buying devices without one
The selection is pretty slim.
Can’t be that important if people don’t actually choose with their wallets (Xperia 5 II owner btw)
Rn I’m hoping the 5 V will be announced soon, my 1 II’s battery is absolutely fucked lol.
I’d rather have another USB port actually. It’s just so much more versatile.
Honestly, this. I’m not happy that they took away my headphone jack, but if they’d replaced it with a second USB port I would have been okay with it.
Occasionally, I’ll use my phone to play a show, with a USB to HDMI. I used to keep a wireless charger next to the TV for that use case.
Sony says hi :)
Lg v60, 2 screens, headphone port, Microsd.
Good night, sweet prince.
Man I miss LG being in the phone market.
I would rather have 2 usb c ports that way you can use it fir other stuff as well
Bring back the the headphone port!
I started using wireless headphones back when I had Sony Ericsson 530i dumb phone. Also phones back then didn’t have headphone ports either. Who the hell cares about it?
Owners and enjoyers of good headphones.
They’re all wireless for years.
I think you misunderstand what I mean by “good” headphones. You’re caught in the electronics hype cycle. Good headphones exist outside of that cycle. Also good wired headphones you never have to charge, the battery never dies. If you take care of them they never become ewaste.
One should be at the bottom one at the top. I understand space on the phone is a premium but a second port would make the phone so much more usable. Wired headphones, flash drives, camera modules, speaker modules, keyboards, even connection to a TV, all could be used while charging. It’s a shame it’s not a thing, USB is extremely versatile port, but you only get one and it’s used for charging half of the time. (I am aware dongles exist)
I think you’re just a very conservative person who’s totally out of loop.
I’m an incredibly liberal person who enjoys nice things.
I used to think this but a dedicated mp3 player is superior to using a phone for audio anyway
If all you play is local media then maybe. I like to stream music from my own server though and also listen to podcasts on the go.
This is why I made my dedicated audio player device an older LG phone with a headphone jack and microSD, and more importantly their quad DAC. Great wired audio fidelity and the ability to drive high impedance headphones/IEMs on the go while running on Android so I can run streaming and last.fm scrobblers. WiFi/data and Bluetooth are usually off but there when I need it. At least where I am, this was cheaper than an Android-powered dedicated Digital Audio Player. Of course a proper DAP would have more features like physical playback controls and being able to use them as DACs for other devices, but I’m happy with my old G7.
What do you use for a dedicated mp3 player? These days all I see are dying (flash chips) used SanDisk Sansa players, cheap Amazon ones, and super audiophile level $400 ones…
You know what? As long as the second port isn’t gimped in any way (can do video out + all the typical USB things), then I might forgive them for taking away the headphone jack.
Weird headphones don’t use ucb-c, there is already a standard for headphones and it’s the 3.5mm audio jack.
That’s not the only standard though. There is also 6.3mm jack, XLR and many other open and proprietary connectors.
I want XLR my next phone! 😀
a) I have a USB-c headset at work
b) the 3.5mm headphone jack can’t be used to transfer data (at a good rate)
Not sure what exactly you mean by headset. But headphones and IEMs will use a 3.5mm or 1/4" jack. My sennheisers use it, my beyerdynamics use it, my audio Technicas use it. Even my KZ IEMs and moondrop IEMs use it. This is a universal standard for a reason.
And not sure what the data rate has to do with anything. It’s an audio connector, it’s not used to transfer data, it’s used to move the drivers in a set of headphones. As usb-c doesn’t output line level audio, any headset you have that uses it needs its own DAC and amp which is problematic for e-waste reasons.
Headset, as in headphones with a microphone. I use it for MS Teams meetings and a bit of music and it works fine.
The point OP was trying to make is that you can use USB-c for other things besides listening to music.
Since you seem to be an audiophile with a list of fancy headphones (don’t ask me, my Cardo combined with earplugs is fine for the level of listening I want to do) then wouldn’t an offboard DAC / amp that you could keep far longer than a phone, and isn’t restricted by size constraints going to be better than a built-in version?
Also, if you’re worried about e-waste maybe you shouldn’t buy so many headphones. My partner’s Sennheisers have lasted 20 years so far.
I agree with this idea. But it would make it harder to pick up your phone blindly and know which end is the top. I instinctively feel for the usb port on the bottom so it’s oriented correctly by the time my arm swings it into view.
The phone screen can rotate based on orientation. I can use it upside down and it’s fully functional
This sounds neat until you need to use the camera or actually phone somebody on it. Which end is the mic?
Idk about your phone, but my phone has a mic on both ends and a speaker on both (though the speaker placement is a bit different on the bottom than it is on top).
And the 2nd one could go full thunderbolt too
ASUS ROG Phones have them. Also with a headphone jack I think.
I agree. If we’re going to lose the headphone port in favour of connecting to a universal connection (either directly or via an adaptor) then it’s time we have two of them. As for positioning I gather that there are lots of handheld PC’s with the one on top and one on bottom configuration and that it’s generally accepted to be the best way (and my on top 3.5mm and on bottom USB-c seems to work pretty well) so I think you’re right but it would be nice to see manufacturers try out a few different configurations to see in practise what people prefer.
I think on a phone it would make sense for bottom and side, which is the top of a handheld PC. That way you could have the cord sticking out whatever direction was handy for you by turning your phone.
Asus ROG does this
Can USB hubs even allow the phone to be charged and simultaneously control things through the same port? I know I tried that back in the USB2 days and found it infuriatingly false, since had set up a wired USB mouse and game controller to my tablet for portable shooters. One particular hazard is I’ve found that combining bluetooth headphones and game controllers can result in unplayably-bad latency on Android, so wired options would be nice.
Yes they can and do. The pins are separate and power delivery is both faster and more efficient than it used to be.
I think yes. USB-C docks are the proof.
I can’t relate at all. My phone is a PHONE, with options of short-term entertainment. I have other devices for other “computery” activities. I personally almost never use even my single USB-C port, thanks to wireless charging and wireless headphones. Sounds like your phone is your main device.
For what current flagship phones cost they should absolutely be capable of general purpose computing.
Maybe come with a usb-c dock and screen as well for convergence.
Well, it depends what you imagine “general purpose computing” is. Android OS is primarily targeted at phones, with specific set of requirements, so I don’t think it can ever match desktop OSes, without major sacrifices from the both worlds.
Many countries not so well off like us in the West do not have the luxury to have a smartphone and a computer. So options with 2 USB ports would be interesting. The bastardisation of the smartphone is a disgrace.
What exactly is getting bastardized? Phones never had 2 USB ports. And there are still new phones with headphone jack (Zenphone 10 comes to my mind). Yes, many brands dropped it, but it’s not a conspiracy (or at lest doesn’t have to be), it’s just basic economics.
What I call bastardisation is the many steps stopping us from using our phone as general computing platforms. Our phones have no reason to be confined by software locks like locked bootloaders, root login, etc.
As for the lack of 2 USB ports, it pictures that phones where never thought as general purpose computers. Maybe two ports is not the way to go but the lack of an interface which can act as a display output and a USB connection like what we have now with Thunderbolt on the desktop is a shame. The inability to turn my phone, which is more powerful than my current laptop, into a normal computer unencumbered by software and hardware restrictions is a shame.
The path taken by Pinephones and their Linux ecosystems is a step in the right direction. It shows that smartphone companies can do better.
As you said, it’s basic economics, it’s more profitable for them if we buy a new phone every two years, so they lock us out of our properties with software and hardware restrictions because they can.
Wireless USB never took off. Essentials company was promisimg with PH1, it had wireless USB port. only released two wireless USB compatible devices for it though.
Well modern USB is great because of decent throughput, high power delivery, multiple protocols over it, and good compatibility.
Of course removing all of those didn’t work out.
I still keep a drawing of my ideal phone from years ago and I also has two ports like you mention. I totally agree!
can i see?
