Main Difference
USB 2.0 utilizes a polling mechanism to send or receive data; USB 3.0, on the other hand, uses Asynchronous mechanism i.e. it can send and receive data at the same time. The former has the highest speed or HS as 480 Mbps while the latter is ten times faster as offering Super Speed or SS, 4.8 Gbps. 2.0 has a power usage of up to 500 mA relatively less than the 3.0 which offers 900 mA to allow better power efficiency with less power for idle states. USB 2.0 handles merely one direction of data at any time but USB 3.0 uses two unidirectional data ways where one receives data and other transmit it. Data transfer speed is limited to USB 2.0 levels when these devices inter-operate; however, the USB 3.0 comes with improved speed and offers more efficiency in power management as compared to the former.
Comparison Chart
Definition of USB 2.0
As an evolution of the USB 1.1, USB 2.0 is an external bus, also called as Hi-Speed USB, to support data rates with maximum 480Mbps speed. It is an extension and is completely compatible with USB 1.1 and utilizes the same threads and cables. USB 2.0 provides system manufacturers the potential to connect to high working efficiency peripherals in cheap way. Its attached features can be included with little impact to the whole system cost. It has complete forward and backward flexibility with original USB devices and functions with especially developed connectors.
Definition of USB 3.0
USB 3.0 is the third major version of USB (Universal Serial Bus) to interface computers and electronic devices. USB has efficient speed mode to transfer data at up to 5 Gbits. Its connectors and cables are usually different from the previous versions of the USB. This one is the much developed version of USB.
Key Differences
- First of all, the old version’s port colours Black while the newest has a blue delight
- USB 2.0 can be bought at cheap price as compared to USB 3.0
- The data transfer rates offered by 2.0 is 480Mbps, while USB 3.0 comes with 4.8Gbps
- USB 2.0 gets fully charged in up to 7 hours while USB 3.0 takes 5 hours for full charging
- Micros USB 3.0 is much wider than 2.0
