The nomenclature for legacy power adapters used with Android devices reflects the evolution of charging technology. Initially, many of these adapters utilized proprietary connectors, but the industry gradually coalesced around the Micro-USB standard. As an illustration, a user might refer to the charger used with a pre-2015 Samsung Galaxy phone as its specific power supply, even though it adhered to the Micro-USB specification.
The adoption of Micro-USB provided a degree of standardization and interoperability, simplifying the charging process for consumers. Prior to this widespread adoption, finding a compatible charger could be challenging due to the various proprietary connectors used by different manufacturers. This standardization also contributed to a reduction in electronic waste, as a single charger could potentially be used across multiple devices.