Originally Posted by
fietsbob
Commonly I see one end of USB patch cords use the same plugs, but the other end is different for various devises that are using it.
The answer to Why (?) is Way beyond my pay grade and station in life ..
Smart phones tend to be designed for a sleek, thin form factor. micro usb fits that better than mini USB, which is more popular on bulkier electronics like bike headlights, digital cameras, digital video cameras, game controllers etc.
There are USB standards, for both the connectors and the speed designations.
Figuring out the difference is as easy as googling the difference between drop bars and flat bars.