The capability split
USB-C is the PD connector: the full PD profile set, PPS and 20V laptop charging only exist over USB-C. USB-A tops out at legacy rates and QC-style fast charging around 18-22.5W - visible in this catalogue where the car charger's USB-A port publishes 22.5W against its Type-C port's 45W. USB-C is also reversible and is now the mandated common charger port for phones sold in the EU, which settles the direction of travel for new product lines.
Why A+C models still sell
Installed base. Cars, airplanes, older laptops and a decade of cables are USB-A. A dual-port A+C charger - the dominant layout in the 45W series - serves a new phone and a legacy device simultaneously, which is why A+C remains the volume configuration even as flagship phones go all-C. The port question to ask is about your market's device fleet today, not the launch headlines.
Stocking rule of thumb
- Premium / Apple-centric channels: 2C layouts from the dual-port series.
- Mixed mass market: A+C at 45W and 65W.
- Travel and automotive: at least one C port for the main device, A for the legacy seat.
- Future-proofing: every new tier you add should be C-first; A is a compatibility feature now, not the platform.
Connector shape is not data speed or power by itself - the types of USB cables guide untangles the cable side of the same confusion.