Home
News
You are here

Samsung Galaxy S III not compatible with previous MHL-HDMI adapters, requires new one

By Victor Hristov

Published: Jun 08, 2012, 8:15 AM

Add us as a preferred source on Google Search

Samsung Galaxy S III not compatible with previous MHL-HDMI adapters, requires new one

Let’s skip the introduction - you already know that the Samsung Galaxy S III is practically the most powerful mobile device to come out yet. It’s amazing, but we appreciated also the fact that it came with a removable battery, expandable memory via microSD card slots and a simple MHL microUSB port for chargin. We can go on and on with the great things about the Galaxy S III, but the way it connects to an HDTV (and you’d want to connect this phone to an HDTV, trust us) is not one of them.

Actually, the way Samsung handled this is horrific - we don’t know the exact reason, but it turns out now that the SGS III requires a special MHL adapter. First, an explanation. MHL is the port on the bottom of your device that acts as a gateway for both charging the device and connecting it to external displays. For the latter, you need an MHL to HDMI adapter, a simple dongle that allows you to further connect to an HDMI cable and a TV/monitor.

All good so far - we’ve seen the same mechanism work in the Galaxy S II, we’ve bought the MHL adapter, and now we’re happy that we can use this in the SGS III... not. UK retailer Clove who just got the new MHL-HDMI adapter explains why:

“Any previous MHL adapter will not work with the S3 due to the pin layout.”

It’s not a huge deal as the adapter itself costs £24.98 including tax (that’s $39), but it’s annoying. And maybe there’s a reason for that, but we honestly don’t know it. You can help us with an explanation and/or thank Samsung in the comments below.

Also below is a link to Clove's web store, in case you want to order your adapter. Note, that if you want to hook up your SGS III to a non-1080p monitor/TV, you might run into problems:

Samsung Galaxy S3 MHL/HDMI Adaptor

source: Clove via SlashGear

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile

View Full Bio

Victor, a seasoned mobile technology expert, has spent over a decade at PhoneArena, exploring the depths of mobile photography and reviewing hundreds of smartphones across Android and iOS ecosystems. His passion for technology, coupled with his extensive knowledge of smartphone cameras and battery life, has positioned him as a leading voice in the mobile tech industry.

Read the latest from Victor Hristov