Belkin USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter REVIEW | MacSources
A capable adapter for USB-C devices.
One of the things that can be so frustrating when you are using an electronic device is a lack of ports. Docks are being made now to help solve this problem for people using tablets, but what about mobile phones? This is the reason Belkin has developed the USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter — so that people can use their mobile phones alongside their wired headphones while the phone is being charged at the same time.
DETAILS
The USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter makes it possible for you to charge your device while still utilizing USB-C compatible audio products. The adapter is designed to work with Samsung, Google, Huawei, and Apple products. It has one USB-C male connector and two USB-C female ports. The female ports are interchangeable as they both support audio and power delivery. The adapter is fast-charge enabled. It supports pass-through charging up to 60W (enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Pro).
- Dimensions: 5.5" x 1.3" x 0.4"
- 2-year warranty included
- Only available in black
UNBOXING
The box is a simple Belkin-style retail package. The front of the box has a picture of the adapter along with some printed details of the product. The back of the box has a lot of fine print listed and points out that the adapter supports pass-through charging up to 60W. Since this adapter is really designed for mobile devices, I was surprised to find that it could potentially charge my 2016 13-inch MacBook Pro. Once I opened the box I found the adapter housed inside a cardboard inset in the box. Normally I’m a little critical of packaging if it seems to be excessive, but in the case, I don’t have a good suggestion on what else could be used. In addition to the cable, the package includes a regulatory statement, which I think could be provided electronically on Belkin’s website rather than printing it out.
FORM & FUNCTION
The adapter is an appropriate size. It’s 5.5. inches long so it’s quite easily pocket-sized. With it being so compact there is no reason to leave it at home when you go to work remotely. I like that Belkin actually made this a cable and not just a flat-fitting hub because it gives users flexibility on how and where they charge rather than being restricted to a rigid accessory. The USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter does its job well. I tested it by plugging it into my 11-inch iPad Pro. At first, it stated that the iPad was ‘not charging.’ I assessed my connections and finally discovered that the USB-C to USB-A cable I was using was the problem. I pulled out my USB-C to USB-C cable from Apple and used it to connect the adapter to a wall charger. The iPad began charging immediately. After 48 minutes of charging, the iPad gained 33% battery life for a charging rate of 0.69% per minute. I was able to also use the adapter to connect a set of USB-C headphones to the iPad although I must admit that I feel like wired headphones are being phased out for mobile devices since most mobile devices are missing a headphone jack. Still, I think this adapter is a great option for people who have those wired headphones that they want to use.
CONCLUSION
The USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter is a good accessory for users of USB-C devices. It’s compact and functions well. I do wonder how long adapters like this will continue to be developed since wireless connections for charging and listening devices are becoming more and more common-place these days.
For more information, visit belkin.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
Originally published at https://macsources.com on July 6, 2020.
