Which connector can deliver both power and data?

The USB-C connector is known for its ability to deliver both power and data through a single cable, making it a highly versatile option for device connectivity. This is particularly advantageous in modern devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as it simplifies the number of cables needed for charging and data transfer.

USB-C supports the USB Power Delivery (USB PD) protocol, which allows for higher power levels to be safely delivered to devices, enabling rapid charging or powering larger devices like laptops. Additionally, USB-C facilitates data transfer at high speeds, supporting various protocols, including USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 3/4, making it capable of transferring data efficiently while simultaneously providing power.

While HDMI and Thunderbolt connectors also support various functions, HDMI primarily focuses on video and audio transmission, and traditional USB connections (other than USB-C) do not deliver high power levels or have as broad a range of data transfer capabilities as USB-C. SATA is exclusively used for data transfer and does not supply power over the connector. This makes USB-C the optimal choice for devices requiring both power and data through a single interface.