Accessories September 11, 2022 review added: USB-C hub / dock recommendations for Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, and S8 Ultra

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

By the way, yes, it is a very real and weird coincidence that my previous updates were always on the 11th of a month as well.

Update 3 (September 11, 2022):

I used the CalDigit SOHO Dock for a real purpose for the first time. I used its HDMI port to hook up to my 4K LG TV, and I wanted to charge the tablet at the same time as I knew it would be drawing a lot of power.

• I used the USB-C cable that was included (~1 foot) with the CalDigit SOHO Dock to go from the Dock's output USB-C port to the tablet.
• I tried both the 6-foot Anker Powerline+ II and the 3.3-foot JSAUX cables to go from the Anker 736 100W charger to the CalDigit SOHO Dock's USB-C charge port.
• I had a 6-foot HDMI cable going to the TV (I also tested it with a 10-foot HDMI cable just to see, and it also worked fine).

The HDMI display worked fine, other than that the TV cut off the very top and bottom of the image, but it didn't cause many problems, especially with the tablet in Samsung DEX mode. In non-DEX mode, I couldn't see the status bar at all, although using my Bluetooth mouse, I was still able to pull the notification shade down just fine without seeing the top.

However, I had a problem with the charging. The tablet was still losing power faster than it was charging, although it definitely was charging some. I played musical chairs with the USB-C cables and found that the short USB-C cable that CalDigit included, which I believe I had read from their website should handle the dock's maximum of 100W, was the culprit. I know the tablet can only charge at a maximum of 45W, and I know that you can only achieve 45W charging if you're using Samsung's own charger that you have to buy separately, but eliminating CalDigit's USB-C cable out of the equation solved the charging problem. Note that I had hardly touched the Dock since I bought it, except for some basic tests just to make sure it worked, so I doubt if their included cable became damaged - and it was still working for HDMI delivery, just not for a high-enough wattage charging at the same time.

I'm currently using the 3.3-foot JSAUX cable from the dock to the tablet, and the 6-foot Anker between the Anker charger and the dock.

Update 2 (May 11, 2022): Ordered the following:

• 2x Anker Powerline+ II USB C Cable, USB C to USB C (6ft, 60W) USB-IF Certified Cable, Type C Charging Cable, Fast Charge for MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iPad Air 4, Galaxy, Pixel, and More(Red)

Update 1 (April 11, 2022): Ordered the following:

• CalDigit USB-C Gen2 10Gb/s SOHO Dock - Up to 4K 60Hz, HDMI 2.0b, HDR, DisplayPort 1.4, 10Gb/s USB A & USB C, UHS-II microSD and SD Card Readers, Bus Power and Passthrough Charging Support

and

• JSAUX USB C to USB C 3.1 Gen 2 10Gbps 100W Cable [3.3ft/1M], 4K@60Hz Monitor Video Cable Thunderbolt 3 Compatible with MacBook Pro, MacBook, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, Pixel and More Type-C Devices-Blue

For USB ports, the dock only has one USB-A port (and one USB-C port available when charging), but I think most of the time this will be enough. Note that the dock manufacturer's site has video and charging firmware updates (from a year ago). I did update my dock to the latest firmware when I received it. As of September 11, 2022, v1.2.7 from December 2021 is still the most recent.

Original post:

I intend this thread for anyone to share their experiences with various USB-C hubs they try with their Tab S8 variants, or even what others are looking for in a hub. I'll be getting a Tab 8 Ultra, but it's estimated it'll be another month and a half (~ April 15th) before I receive my pre-order.

Myself, I'm looking for some hopefully not compromised but not break the bank USB-C hub. If a hub had all the features I list below, I'd consider paying more for one.

Features I've been researching for:

1. A removable Power Delivery (PD - I believe 3.0 is the latest) USB-C cable, preferably higher power for other or future devices, but 45W minimum. I don't like hubs that have a built-in cable. In one way they're convenient, but a) they're short, and 2) if something happens to that cable, you might as well toss that whole device unless you want to start electrically and mechanically modding it. If I find a hub that matches all my other "wants" below, then an attached cable might not be a deal killer, as long as it's a rugged type, and preferably longer but even without being longer or rugged, I'd consider it as a last resort.
2. Has at least 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port (10 Gb/s).
3. Has at least 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 data port or faster. So the device would have the cable going to the Tab 8, a Power Delivery cable powering both the hub and Tab 8, and yet another place for a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 or faster data connection.
4. A gigabit ethernet port.
5. At least one HDMI port.
6. A MicroSD port - I know the Tab 8 Ultra already has a MicroSD port, and I'll likely keep a card in it, but I still want to be able to access another one natively (not through an additional USB adapter connected to the hub).
7. It would be nice to have a DisplayPort as well, but I'd consider a hub without one.
8. A 3.5mm audio port would also be nice. Not necessarily a deal-killer without one, but in lieu of one, I'd require at least one additional USB-C port of any type specifically for using USB-C headphones, although I'm willing to test my USB-A ->USB-C adapter, which works fine with my USB-C headphones on my desktop PC.
9. I'd prefer either at least a well-known brand (like Anker), or if not well known, then I'd prefer to buy either at a local brick and mortar store like Micro Center, Best Buy, OfficeMax, or even Walmart if I must, or at Amazon.com for easy returns if there's an issue early on.
10. We'll see if I've forgotten something in this list.

You can safely assume I've already done a lot of looking already, but certainly not uber-exhausted every option.

 

[skrowl]

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B08NDGD2V5 is the one I've been considering. I think it checks all your boxes. I have a smaller Anker USB-C dock, but it has no ethernet and I've been thinking of upgrading.

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerExpand-Adapter-Delivery-Ethernet/dp/B08NDGD2V5 is the one I've been considering. I think it checks all your boxes. I have a smaller Anker USB-C dock, but it has no ethernet and I've been thinking of upgrading.

From what I can tell, that one is limited to USB 3.0 (5 GB/s). If it had USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gb/s) I wouldn't hesitate even though it's got the attached cable - at least the cable is ruggedized.

I don't see it on Anker's site so I think it's an old model - might be from before 3.2 Gen 2 was available. They have a model 341 which is much cheaper although doesn't have an ethernet port, and at the same price as that 11-in-1, you can get a newer model that has the 10 Gb/s ports, although no DisplayPort - only HDMI.

It looks to me that the only Anker hubs and docking stations that support at least 10 Gb/s are their model #s in order of the most expensive at the top to lease expensive at the bottom, with the bolded one being the best compromise that I've found so far:

• Docking stations - I think the distinguishing feature to separate them from Anker's hubs is that they aren't USB-C powered (I'll add that to my list). That said, I'm not clear if any of them can be alternatively USB-C powered, or at least do so with a limited set of capabilities.
  • 777 (12-in-1) - sold out on Anker's site, available elsewhere but at fairly crazy prices.
  • 575 and 577 (both 13-in-1) - in stock, but although cheaper than the crazy prices for the 777, still fairly crazy.
• Hubs:
  • 655 (8-in-1) - Definitely slightly ruggedized built-in cable, in addition to that cable's convenient L-shape, plus an easy place to plug it into to stash when not plugged into a device. Fits most of the bills except only has one USB-C port, which would be in use for powering it and charging your device. Maybe it's possible to at least use some of the features of the device without powering it separately, but I want to be able to power it/charge my Tab 8 and use a data USB-C port at the same time. Definitely a compromise contender. I wish it had one more USB-C port I could dedicate to data or USB-C headphones while still powered/charging.
  • 555 (also 8-in-1) - built-in cable not ruggedized, so to me, not worth the lesser price. I've used non-ruggedized Anker cables before, and I don't recommend them for something that's going to be plugged and unplugged repeatedly, although I do highly recommend Anker in general - especially their ruggedized stuff.
  • There is also another "old" Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 with ruggedized cable, but has the two special caveats of not have a MicroSD slot (only full-size, so would always need an adapter), and no ethernet port.

 

[skrowl]

The Anker 655 and 555 are the only ones with a USB 3.2, though you're unlikely to have any accessories that take advantage of that.

Anker 655 - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Delivery-Ethernet-microSD-Charcoal/dp/B09MF6TJLW

Vs the one I linked above, on the 655 you lose out on displayport, only get 2 USB-A instead of 3, and no USB-C at all other than the power delivery input. Maybe they'll make a refreshed version of the 11 in 1 with USB 3.2 at some point.

Pluggable makes a great one that has everything you want including a 3.2 A and 3.2 C port - https://plugable.com/products/tbt3-udz . . . . . . but it's $339!

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

The Anker 655 and 555 are the only ones with a USB 3.2, though you're unlikely to have any accessories that take advantage of that.

Anker 655 - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Delivery-Ethernet-microSD-Charcoal/dp/B09MF6TJLW

Vs the one I linked above, on the 655 you lose out on displayport, only get 2 USB-A instead of 3, and no USB-C at all other than the power delivery input. Maybe they'll make a refreshed version of the 11 in 1 with USB 3.2 at some point.

Pluggable makes a great one that has everything you want including a 3.2 A and 3.2 C port - https://plugable.com/products/tbt3-udz . . . . . . but it's $339!

Yeah, that Pluggable's price definitely is in my "scary expensive" range. It looks like it does require an AC/DC power brick, though, so it's not powered by USB-C either.

I'm definitely coming across some interesting hubs - some even with both detachable & rugged included USB-C cables, but then they don't support any higher than 5 GB/s and/or some other things. I know I expect too much, but I keep hoping to at least find something with all but one of my preferences. LOL!

To think outside the box for a minute, I'm pretty sure I could use two PD hubs, one connected through the other, to get most if not all the features I'm looking for, but I doubt if I'm ready to go down that road of variables.

After bunches more research, I'm leaning heavily towards the Anker 655, at least until/if I need something even better, or something to augment the solution if I really need more ports later on. Let us know if you proceed to get any, and what you think of it.

 

[skrowl]

Out of curiosity, what USB thingee are you plugging in that needs > 5gbit / USB 3.0 speed?

Edit - I honestly like the Anker 555 over the 655. You lose the 3.5mm audio jack, but gain a USB-C for $20 less. Not sure if USB 3.1 gen 2 vs 3.2 makes a difference to you. They're both 10gbit.

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

Out of curiosity, what USB thingee are you plugging in that needs > 5gbit / USB 3.0 speed?

Some of my faster USB-A flash drives, and if I can find an extra USB-C port solution (or use an adapter for USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 -> USB-C 3.2 Gen 2) I'd also like to be able to plug my Pixel 6 Pro into the tablet - if one will see the other properly and be able to access its storage fine.

Another possibility I've been considering is a USB-C monitor. If there's ever a time it would be handy to have an external even larger than the 14.6-inch monitor, it might be most efficient to get one that is both powered by and data connected solely via one USB-C connection. No idea if they make PD USB-C monitors - I'm pretty sure they have USB-C monitors with an extra USB port or two on them. Overkill for just a hub, but would be handy if I really needed an extra monitor.

I do have a cheap USB 3.1 Gen 2 (technically the same as 3.2 Gen 2) male USB-A -> female USB-C adapter. It works great for my USB-C headphones, but I haven't tested its data speed capabilities yet. I doubt, though, if such an adapter would work for a USB-C monitor. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if a USB-C monitor wouldn't work through any hub or docking station that wasn't made with that use specifically in mind.

 

[skrowl]

Pixel 6 Pro's USB port is only USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

Pixel 6 Pro's USB port is only USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 1

Ah yes, thank you. I think I had read that but forgot. Is there any official source for that information (a link)?

Disregard, found the answer on my own previous thread LOL! https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...en-2-on-the-pixel-6-pro.4350777/post-85815357

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

@skrowl this is an interesting one, although still doesn't have an extra USB-C port nor a ruggedized cable, but check it out.

Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter – DA310

Dell 7-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter - DA310 | Dell USA

Dell DA310 USB-C Mobile Adapter - Shop the widest 7-in-1 ports which offers video, network, data connectivity & upto 90W power pass-through for your laptop.

www.dell.com

 

[hpmoon]

What makes any of you think that there's anything in the S8 Ultra pipeline that could possibly come close to testing the limits of USB 3.2 Gen. 1? I think Gen. 2 is totally irrelevant.

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

What makes any of you think that there's anything in the S8 Ultra pipeline that could possibly come close to testing the limits of USB 3.2 Gen. 1? I think Gen. 2 is totally irrelevant.

Although I am motivated to buy a hub as a result of my pre-ordering the Tab S8 Ultra, even if its USB-C port is also limited to 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, I would still prefer a 3.2 Gen 2 hub as there may be other devices in the next five years which would employ 3.2 Gen 2 or faster, that I would also want to use the hub with.

I don't plan on buying another hub for at least five years unless there is a very strong reason to - such as USB 4.0's fastest generations and Thunderbolt 4+ compatibility - if I manage to obtain any combination of devices and accessories that will support the same fast speed.

I can even do speed tests and comparisons if I get a Gen 2 hub, as I have a non-PD/non-charging much simpler USB-C 3.0 hub that I got for free several years ago. For all intents and purposes, USB 3.0 is the same as 3.1 Gen 1 and 3.2 Gen 1, and all three are rated at 5 Mb/s. There are so many factors that can affect speed, I'll certainly be curious what the result is, but as I said, even if a Gen 2 hub won't be faster with my current devices' bandwidth limits, that may change.

 

[hpmoon]

Although I am motivated to buy a hub as a result of my pre-ordering the Tab S8 Ultra, even if its USB-C port is also limited to 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, I would still prefer a 3.2 Gen 2 hub as there may be other devices in the next five years which would employ 3.2 Gen 2 or faster, that I would also want to use the hub with.

I don't plan on buying another hub for at least five years unless there is a very strong reason to - such as USB 4.0's fastest generations and Thunderbolt 4+ compatibility - if I manage to obtain any combination of devices and accessories that will support the same fast speed.

I can even do speed tests and comparisons if I get a Gen 2 hub, as I have a non-PD/non-charging much simpler USB-C 3.0 hub that I got for free several years ago. For all intents and purposes, USB 3.0 is the same as 3.1 Gen 1 and 3.2 Gen 1, and all three are rated at 5 Mb/s. There are so many factors that can affect speed, I'll certainly be curious what the result is, but as I said, even if a Gen 2 hub won't be faster with my current devices' bandwidth limits, that may change.

Much agree with your forward-looking analysis, and only meant to clarify that the speed advantage isn't relevant to mobile phones at this time. Also, it is indeed infuriating that the standards committee mindlessly keeps rebranding the USB tiers with no rhyme or reason, as if trying to punish consumers and damage retail sales.

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

Much agree with your forward-looking analysis, and only meant to clarify that the speed advantage isn't relevant to mobile phones at this time. Also, it is indeed infuriating that the standards committee mindlessly keeps rebranding the USB tiers with no rhyme or reason, as if trying to punish consumers and damage retail sales.

Yeah, the USB 4 naming structure, even worse than 3.x, is frustrating.

 

[skrowl]

Also, it is indeed infuriating that the standards committee mindlessly keeps rebranding the USB tiers with no rhyme or reason, as if trying to punish consumers and damage retail sales.

USB 3.1 Gen 1 is basically the EXACT same as USB 3.0, but it sounds much cooler from a marketing perspective!

 

[hpmoon]

USB 3.1 Gen 1 is basically the EXACT same as USB 3.0, but it sounds much cooler from a marketing perspective!

And here's the irony: your correction is actually out of date. USB 3.1 Gen. 1 doesn't exist anymore. Now it's USB 3.2 Gen. 1.

 

[V0latyle]

And here's the irony: your correction is actually out of date. USB 3.1 Gen. 1 doesn't exist anymore. Now it's USB 3.2 Gen. 1.

Not entirely correct. Out of date, yes, as the current spec is USB4, but....

USB 3.1 was indeed absorbed into 3.2; whereas 3.1 had two variants, Gen1 and Gen2, 3.2 has three - Gen 1 for 5Gbps, Gen 2 for 10Gbps, and Gen 2x2 for 20Gbps. Thunderbolt is mechanically and electrically compatible with USB type C, and is compatible with USB 3.1/3.2, but supports 40Gbps.

There's a lot of 1.x and 2.0 devices still in use, and contemporary hardware is still being sold with Type A connectors alongside Type C/Thunderbolt connectors....

 

[hpmoon]

Not entirely correct. Out of date, yes, as the current spec is USB4, but....

USB 3.1 was indeed absorbed into 3.2; whereas 3.1 had two variants, Gen1 and Gen2, 3.2 has three - Gen 1 for 5Gbps, Gen 2 for 10Gbps, and Gen 2x2 for 20Gbps.

There's a lot of 1.x and 2.0 devices still in use, and contemporary hardware is still being sold with Type A connectors alongside Type C/Thunderbolt connectors....

Disagree, but it's all fruitless/irrelevant as we agree. If not just by mere logical deduction, since USB 3.2 Gen. 1 is exactly the same as USB 3.1 Gen. 1 and USB 3.0 Gen. 1 as previously (hilariously) branded, then the last incarnation of the same tech is the final branding for that generation. USB 4.0 didn't "deprecate" 3.2, it's just the better (and currently almost non-existent) option.

 

[lenana]

I ordered the Anker 555 for my Tab s8. I know it might not meet all your requirements but I bought it because of the 4k 60hz hdmi output.

 

[skrowl]

This Pluggable Dock just popped up on Amazon. It's expensive, but $100 off for launch discount https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NQQ1G1N