There are 3 types of cable connectors that are used for charging phones.

USB-C Charging Cables: This is the most commonly used charging cable, designed to work with all the latest Android phones, and a wide range of tablets, laptops, and more.

Lightning Charging Cables: The Lightning connector is used exclusively with Apple devices, though not all of them. Currently the iPhone still uses a Lightning connector, while the latest iPad models are now using USB-C. A Lightning cable is also required to charge AirPods.

Micro USB Charging Cables: The Micro USB cable is now virtually obsolete. In the past it was the main charging method for phones, small items like toys, and early wireless headphones.

USB-A and USB-C chargers are different in 2 main ways.

Design: USB-A features pin connectors and has a thin, rectangular cross-section, and can only be connected in one direction. USB-C, on the other hand, has an oblong-shaped plug that is smaller, more rounded, symmetrical, and can be inserted in any direction.

Performance: The USB-C standard is a big improvement on USB-A, which enables higher power capacity and much faster data transfer, which is why it is preferred by most major phone brands.