The correct choice is an MHL-to-HDMI adapter, because it directly converts the smartphone’s USB-C or micro-USB output into an HDMI signal, allowing both video and audio to stream to a TV that lacks wireless capabilities. This works through the MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) or SlimPort standard, which repurposes the device’s charging port to carry uncompressed HD video and multi-channel audio, making it ideal for a hotel TV with only a wired HDMI input. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your knowledge of display connectivity standards and adapter types, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly choose a wireless display adapter or a simple USB hub. Remember: if the TV has no wireless and only HDMI, you need a direct wired bridge—MHL or SlimPort is the cable that turns your phone into a mini media player. A handy memory tip is “MHL = Mobile HDMI Link,” reinforcing that it’s the smartphone-to-TV adapter for wired video output.
220-1101 Mobile Device Accessories Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 connect their smartphone to a hotel TV to stream a presentation during a conference. The TV has only an HDMI port and no wireless capabilities. Which accessory is most appropriate for this task?
Why wrong: A USB hub only expands USB ports and does not output video signals to HDMI.
B
An MHL-to-HDMI adapter
MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapters allow smartphones to output video and audio to HDMI displays.
C
A Bluetooth speaker
Why wrong: A Bluetooth speaker provides audio output only, not video, so it cannot display the presentation.
D
A wireless display adapter like Chromecast
Why wrong: Wireless adapters require the TV to have an HDMI port and wireless capability, but the scenario states the TV has no wireless capabilities, making this option non-functional.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An MHL-to-HDMI adapter
An MHL or SlimPort adapter converts the smartphone's USB-C or micro-USB output to HDMI, enabling video and audio output to an external display. A USB hub, Bluetooth speaker, or wireless display adapter would not directly connect to a wired HDMI port.
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-A hub
Why it's wrong here
A USB hub only expands USB ports and does not output video signals to HDMI.
✓
An MHL-to-HDMI adapter
Why this is correct
MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapters allow smartphones to output video and audio to HDMI displays.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A Bluetooth speaker
Why it's wrong here
A Bluetooth speaker provides audio output only, not video, so it cannot display the presentation.
✗
A wireless display adapter like Chromecast
Why it's wrong here
Wireless adapters require the TV to have an HDMI port and wireless capability, but the scenario states the TV has no wireless capabilities, making this option non-functional.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A USB hub only expands USB ports and does not output video signals to HDMI.
Scenario analysis trap
Wireless adapters require the TV to have an HDMI port and wireless capability, but the scenario states the TV has no wireless capabilities, making this option non-functional.
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: An MHL-to-HDMI adapter — An MHL or SlimPort adapter converts the smartphone's USB-C or micro-USB output to HDMI, enabling video and audio output to an external display. A USB hub, Bluetooth speaker, or wireless display adapter would not directly connect to a wired HDMI port.
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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