UGREEN Micro HDMI Cable Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
An Amazon buyer summed it up bluntly about the UGREEN Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable Adapter: “Not much to say except does exactly as intended!” With an aggregate score hovering at 7.7/10 across verified reviews, the product enjoys strong praise for build quality and compatibility, though reliability issues after a few months and confusion over port types have left some buyers frustrated. This high-speed cable, marketed as supporting 4K@60Hz with Ethernet and Audio Return Channel, is touted for cameras, laptops, tablets, and Raspberry Pi boards—but the gap between its marketing and user reality is telling.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid build quality; gold-plated connectors | Reliability issues after 1-3 months |
| Excellent picture and sound clarity at 4K | Misunderstanding between micro HDMI vs mini HDMI/micro USB |
| Compatible with many devices (Raspberry Pi, Sony cameras, GoPro) | Won’t fit some advertised devices like GoPro Hero White/Silver |
| Plug-and-play simplicity | Reports of glitching video/audio during playback |
| Seller responsive with replacements | Not for smartphones/tablets lacking micro HDMI ports |
Claims vs Reality
The marketing promises "4K high definition experience" with stable signal transmission via multiple shielding and gold-plated connectors. Technically, that aligns with user reports in the short term—several Amazon reviewers noted streaming “4K 60 fps works great, paired with an OLED TV looks amazing.” A verified buyer on Trustpilot confirmed, “I bought this so I can connect my Sony A6000 camera’s micro HDMI output to my TV’s HDMI input… and it works great.”
However, durability claims of "15000+ bending test" and "rugged durability" don’t match every user’s experience. Multiple buyers reported failure after only a month or two. One frustrated Trustpilot reviewer stated: “It didn’t even function well one month.”
UGREEN also stresses "broad compatibility" across multiple laptops, cameras, tablets, and Raspberry Pi boards. While many praised this versatility—“Perfect for my Lenovo Yoga 2” wrote one Amazon buyer—it’s undermined by numerous complaints about device misfit. “Does not fit my GoPro 7… doesn’t fit my Android phone,” reported several reviewers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Trustpilot, and Reddit discussions, build quality emerged as a highlight. Reviewers consistently described the cable as “solid and made well” and “excellent product very good material.” For photography enthusiasts using DSLRs and mirrorless bodies, the sturdy connectors mean fewer worries about loosening mid-shoot. Reddit user comments suggest it’s favored among streamers: connecting cameras to capture cards without glitch has been a repeated win.
Picture and sound quality at high resolutions also gets unanimous approval—whether for projecting laptop screens or reviewing footage from GoPros. A verified Amazon buyer wrote, “The picture quality and sound are really good.” For Raspberry Pi hobbyists, smooth dual-monitor setups at 4K are possible; one reviewer mapped it to a Pi 4 station “with dual monitors… works just fine.”
Seller responsiveness is another standout. Several reviews on Trustpilot noted direct outreach after negative posts, with quick replacements issued—mitigating frustration from early cable failures.
Common Complaints
Port confusion is rampant. The distinction between micro HDMI, mini HDMI, and micro USB is lost on many consumers, leading to mismatched purchases. Several buyers admitted to misordering, with one writing, “I could swear I ordered a micro USB… but looks to be quality made cable despite having no use for it.” This affects smartphone users most, as modern devices rarely have micro HDMI. False assumptions mean wasted shipping costs—one buyer lamented paying “$6 for a stupid label” to return.
Reliability after a few months is another pattern. Reports of cables ceasing to function after minimal use are consistent across platforms. “Did not even work for a couple of months… stopped working after a few months when it was too late to return” captures this frustration. For those expecting a long-lasting, high-use cable for professional streaming or fieldwork, the potential failure window can impact workflows.
Playback glitches also surfaced: “When I’m playing a movie the picture will glitch or the sound won’t come through,” admitted an Amazon reviewer, pushing them back to phone viewing.
Divisive Features
While marketing calls it “plug and play,” user experiences vary. Many indeed enjoyed quick, driverless setup—essential for non-tech-savvy buyers or urgent presentations. Others, particularly those trying to bridge Android devices to TVs, found dead ends requiring extra apps or prompting unwanted virus warnings.
Compatibility with GoPro cameras splits opinion: Hero 7 Black owners often succeed, while Hero 7 White/Silver owners discover the absence of a micro HDMI port. This leaves action camera users divided over its actual utility.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot reports paint a picture of a brand willing to correct errors—seller outreach and replacements were common after faults were raised. Yet the repeated “broken in a month” stories raise concerns about long-term viability. Reddit threads lacked many six-month follow-ups, but the proportion of early fails suggests professionals relying on this cable daily should keep a backup on hand.
Such reliability doubts are amplified by the product’s physical strain claims. While lab-tested durability is marketed, field experience shows that routine wrap-and-pack use in mobile setups sometimes hastens failure. For casual home use where the cable stays connected, longevity appears less of a problem.
Alternatives
The only comparative mentions across data are other UGREEN cables—particularly the 8K@60Hz variant (model 15516) for users needing higher bandwidth and dynamic HDR. That model benefits those working with modern cameras or gaming setups requiring 48Gbps throughput. For mini HDMI devices, UGREEN’s Mini HDMI to HDMI adapter lines are a separate, more relevant alternative, avoiding port mismatch issues entirely.
Price & Value
On Amazon.com, the 4K version sits at $9.99 plus shipping, while eBay listings range around $13.99 for longer runs. Open-box offerings dip slightly lower. Resale appears limited to nearly retail prices, indicating stable perceived value. Community advice emphasizes double-checking port types before buying to avoid wasted shipping costs—a precaution worth the extra minute.
FAQ
Q: Does this cable fit all GoPro models?
A: No. It fits models like the GoPro Hero 7 Black, but not White or Silver editions, which lack a micro HDMI port.
Q: Can I use this with my smartphone or tablet?
A: Only if the device has a micro HDMI port. Most modern smartphones do not, and many tablets lack this port.
Q: Does it really support 4K@60Hz?
A: Yes, when paired with compatible source devices and displays, users report excellent 4K performance without noticeable lag or degradation.
Q: Is it truly plug-and-play?
A: For most devices like cameras and laptops, yes. Some Android setups may require extra apps and have compatibility issues.
Q: How durable is it?
A: Physically solid build, but multiple users report failures after 1-3 months of use, especially in portable, high-use scenarios.
Final Verdict:
Buy if you’re a photographer, videographer, or Raspberry Pi hobbyist seeking a solid, short-term reliable micro HDMI solution with clean 4K output. Avoid if your goal is smartphone-to-TV mirroring or if you need predictable, multi-year use without backups. Pro tip from the community: double-check your port type—micro HDMI vs mini HDMI vs micro USB—before clicking “buy” to save on incorrect orders.
