The correct accessory is a USB-C hub with power delivery pass-through, because it enables simultaneous high-speed data transfer and device charging through a single port. This hub leverages the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) standard to negotiate power and data lanes independently, allowing the tablet to charge at up to 100W while the portable SSD operates at the full 10 Gbps speed of USB 3.1 Gen 2. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of USB-C alternate modes and power negotiation, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly choose a simple USB-C cable or a USB-A adapter—both of which either block charging or throttle bandwidth. A common memory tip: think “PD = Power and Data together,” or recall the mnemonic “Hub Passes Power, Cable Passes Only Data.”
220-1201 Mobile Device Accessories Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user wants to use a portable SSD with their tablet for video editing. The tablet has a USB-C port that supports USB 3.1 Gen 2. They need to transfer large files quickly and also charge the tablet simultaneously. Which accessory should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A USB-C hub with power delivery pass-through
A USB-C hub with power delivery (PD) pass-through allows the tablet to be charged while connecting the SSD at full speed. A direct USB-C to USB-C cable would not allow simultaneous charging. A USB-A adapter would limit speed, and a wireless SSD would introduce latency and require separate power.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
A USB-C to USB-C cable
Why it's wrong here
A direct cable connects the SSD but does not provide a charging path for the tablet.
✓
A USB-C hub with power delivery pass-through
Why this is correct
This hub allows the tablet to charge via the hub's PD port while the SSD connects at USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A USB-C to USB-A adapter
Why it's wrong here
USB-A is limited to USB 3.0 speeds (5 Gbps), not the 10 Gbps of USB 3.1 Gen 2, and does not support charging.
✗
A wireless SSD with Bluetooth 5.0
Why it's wrong here
Wireless SSDs have slower transfer speeds and require separate power, not meeting the need for fast wired transfers and charging.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A USB-C hub with power delivery pass-through — A USB-C hub with power delivery (PD) pass-through allows the tablet to be charged while connecting the SSD at full speed. A direct USB-C to USB-C cable would not allow simultaneous charging. A USB-A adapter would limit speed, and a wireless SSD would introduce latency and require separate power.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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