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It’s remarkable how advanced mobile phones have become in recent years. Where before they could only make calls and maybe play a couple of games, now the latest Android smartphone has the capability on par with a full PC. Much like a PC, Android phones are highly adaptable, with their USB ports supporting a variety of useful gadgets and accessories.
Where such gadgets previously required a full PC setup, multiple brands have successfully condensed functionality into compact devices that are entirely USB-C compatible with your Android smartphone’s port. These gadgets run the gamut from practical, daily helpers to slightly stranger, but still no less useful implements that you’ll be glad to have in a pinch. All of these gadgets are available for purchase on Amazon, where users swear by their efficacy in most cases.
For more information on how we selected these products, check our methodology at the bottom of the page.
1. Carry and transfer data with the Samsung Type-C Flash Drive
Cloud storage has made it easier than ever to move data from anywhere and everywhere, but sometimes you don’t have the time, connection, or subscription to make it happen. In such a case, you can utilize a reliable portable storage device — one of the useful mini USB-C gadgets — such as the Samsung Type-C Flash Drive. This little storage stick offers a hearty 256GB of onboard storage and an impressive read speed of 400MB per second. By Samsung’s estimates, if you plug this drive into your Android phone via its USB port, you can transfer a 4GB file in just 11 seconds. It can plug into any other device with a USB-C port to transfer files, and the casing is nice and sturdy, with rated resistance to water, impacts, magnets, extreme temperatures, and even X-rays.
The Samsung Type-C Flash Drive is available on Amazon for $42.99, where 15,577 users have given it a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Multiple users consistently use this flash drive to easily transfer files between their Android phones, PCs, and Apple products like Macs and iPhones. One user praised the speedy read/write speeds, stating they have not experienced any lag or corruption since using it.
2. Play games with the ECHTPower Gaming Controller
Where phones previously couldn’t handle more than a game of Snake at best, now they can play full console-grade experiences. Of course, a touchscreen isn’t the best way to play console games, so you might want to consider picking up a peripheral like the ECHTPower Gaming Controller. This wired and wireless gaming controller is modeled after a typical Xbox controller, with a traditional button, stick, and trigger layout. While the primary connection method is Bluetooth, you can also connect it to your Android phone via the included USB-C dongle. As for added perks, it’s got drift-resistant hall-effect sticks, a three-speed turbo switch, and a large-capacity battery for lengthy gaming sessions.
The ECHTPower Gaming Controller is available on Amazon for $29.99. It’s got a 4.2 out of 5-star rating based on 5,725 user reviews, most of which praise their overall button quality and easy plug-and-play connectivity. One user notes that the pairing process can be a bit finicky and that the housing for the controller’s USB port is a bit tight, so some charging cables may not fit.
3. Take calls anywhere with Microsoft’s 2-Way Speaker
Mobile teleconferencing has become emblematic of the current social and working culture. While you can participate in a meeting with your phone’s regular speaker and mic, it can get uncomfortable holding it up for hours on end. For a little more comfort, try Microsoft’s Modern USB-C 2-Way Speaker. This audio device features USB-C plug-and-play functionality and built-in support for teleconferencing via Microsoft Teams. Just plug it into your Android phone’s USB-C port, and you’re immediately off to the races. The stereo speaker delivers clear audio, while the internal mic array reduces background noise and captures your voice properly so your conversation partners can hear you. It also works for taking regular calls or just playing music.
You can purchase the Microsoft 2-Way Speaker on Amazon for $65.25. 1,185 user ratings have given this device a cumulative score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Several users call this device a great travel speaker for teleconferencing purposes, praising its compact size and sturdy build. One user did have a minor gripe that, since the speaker is meant to sit flat, its audio plays directly above it, which can be a little inconvenient if you’re not sitting or standing right over it.
4. Cool off with ULBTER Mini Phone Fans
Sometimes, you can find solutions to life’s little problems in unexpected places. For example, if it’s an especially hot day, what would you expect your Android phone to do besides direct you to an ice cream shop? If you’re in dire need of a quick cool-off, just plug an ULBTER Mini Phone Fan into your Android’s USB-C port, and just like that, you’ve got a pleasant little breeze you can carry around with you. These small fans are made of TPE plastic, firm enough to move air, but soft enough that they won’t hurt if someone sticks their fingers in the blades. Just plug them in, and they start spinning immediately. They’re also fairly small and easy to store, though you can also remove the blades from the motor mechanism if you need a little extra storage space in your pocket.
You can buy a set of four ULBTER Mini Phone Fans on Amazon for $9.99. Despite their simplicity, 1,236 Amazon users have given them a cumulative rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Users like how portable and durable these fans are, perfect for a pocket, purse, or travel bag. They do note that the fans have only one speed and can run a little hot after extended use, but they’re handy for a quick cool-off on a sunny day.
5. Get a closer look with Bysameyee’s USB Digital Microscope
All modern Android smartphones have high-resolution cameras built in on both their front and back. Even a high-res camera can’t see absolutely everything, though, and if you need a closer, clearer look at something small, they won’t be able to make it out, nor will you be able to hold it steady. For a steadier, sharper eye, try the Bysameyee USB Digital Microscope. This handheld camera plugs into your Android device via USB, micro-USB, or USB-C to display magnification from 40X to 1000X on your screen. You can adjust the magnification with the onboard dial and get a better look with 8 LEDs. It also comes with an adjustable stand so you can prop it up and get a good look at insects, coinage, and small circuitry.
The Bysameyee USB Digital Microscope is available on Amazon for $21.99, where it has a 4.0 out of 5-star rating from 10,118 users. Users like this microscope’s functionality, especially for its price compared to more elaborate devices and accessories. It does require your Android to have OTG functionality, and it will not work with Mac or iPhone devices, but otherwise, there are no complaints with compatibility. The only really consistent problem is that the stand is a bit hard to balance.
How we chose these products
As with any electronic device, you have a responsibility to plug only quality accessories into your Android phone. It wouldn’t do to plug in some half-baked doodad that doesn’t actually do anything. To ensure the preceding products are worthy of the honor, we searched Amazon for Android-compatible USB devices with a user rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars. Additionally, to ensure those high scores were properly weighted, we narrowed our focus further to products with at least 1,000 user reviews.
