Dell TB16 and Dell WD15 both are both devices used for connecting multiple devices to the Laptop without actually connecting them directly to the Laptop. These are known as docking stations.
Dell TB16 is an AC adapter that supports Thunderbolt 3 technology only. This can connect peripherals such as external hard drives, mouses, keyboards, large-screen displays, etc.
Without connecting all the things directly to the laptop. With the help of just one Type-C cable, if connected to a Laptop or PC, it can connect all the other devices.
Dell WD15 is an Ac adapter that can support the Display port over USB – C alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3. Dell WD15 allows access to other external devices without directly connecting them to the laptop or PC.
Key Takeaways
- Dell TB16 provides better power delivery, supporting up to 180W, while WD15 supports up to 130W.
- TB16 offers superior connectivity, featuring multiple USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and VGA, whereas WD15 has fewer USB 3.0 ports and lacks VGA support.
- Dell TB16 requires Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, whereas WD15 works with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections.
Dell TB16 vs WD15
The difference between Dell TB16 and Dell WD15 is that one supports Thunderbolt technology only while the other can also use USB – C alternate mode. Both docking stations have the same number of display support, which is three but have a big difference in resolution and compatibility.
Dell TB16 has much more resolution in the case of the display. For a single display, we get 5120 x 2880 at 60 Hz. For dual display, we get 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz; for triple display, we get 2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz.
The operating system is Linux and Windows, with no UASP support. In Dell TB16, any DC Input power is not applicable.
Dell WD15 has much less resolution for display in comparison. For a single display, we get 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz. For dual display, we get 2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz; for triple display, we get 1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz.
The operating system is Linux Windows with no UASP support as well. Dell WD15 has a DC input power of 19.5 VDC at 3.34 A.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Dell TB16 | Dell WD15 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | Headphone with a line out | Headphone and microphone combo with output |
| Connection | The system is connected by a 1 x Thunderbolt 3 Type-C cable | The system is connected by 1 x Mini DisplayPort Female |
| Interface Data rate | Maximum Interface Data rate is 5 Gb/s | The maximum Interface data rate is 40 Gb/s |
| Power | Maximum power consumption for Dell TB16 is 180 W with AC adapters | Maximum power consumption for WD15 is 130 W with no AC adapter |
| Weight | The weight of TB16 is 26.1 oz or 740g | The weight of WD15 is 14.9 oz or422.42g |
What is Dell TB16?
Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16 is a device that is used to connect all the needed but external devices to the Laptop or PC without making a series of messy wires.
Using a single Thunderbolt 3, which is a C-type cable, helps connect all the other external electronic devices.
Firstly all other external devices like a keyboard, mouse, external hard drive, speakers, screen display or any other technologies are connected to the docking station in a proper way. Then with the help of just one type-c cable, it can be connected to the Laptop or PC.
There is 1 mini Displayport, 1 Displayport, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, and 1 Thunderbolt 3 ports. Along with this, we get 1 headset connector, 1 microphone connector, 1 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45), and different USB ports. The power or Dc-in is 7.4 mm.
Problems like no video on the monitor attached or video on the attached monitor flickering and distorted, or problems in audio or any USB port not working might come. But all these problems are fixable with help.
This performs as one of the best docking systems.
What is Dell WD15?
Dell Docking Station WD15 is also a docking station that also helps in connecting other external devices. Dell WD15 also helps in connecting external devices to the laptop or PC with a USB-c cable interface.
Along with Thunderbolt 3 technology, this also supports Display Port over USB-c alternate mode.
Dell WD15 is compatible with Dell laptops with a USB-c port and also supports Display Port over USB-c alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3. This does not work with all USB-c ports. Dell WD15 have 1 mini Display Port, 1 HDMI and 1 VGA port.
In Dell WD15, we also get 1 audio line-out and 1 headphone or microphone. For network ports, we get 1 Gigabit Ethernet. In USB ports, we get 2 USB 3.0 ports where one is with Power Share USB, 1 USB 3.0 port and 2 USB 2.0.
Every technology has problems, and this docking station with problems like the video on the attached monitor flickering and distorted, no video on the monitor attached or problem in audio or any USB port not working might come.
This docking station is also under one of the best, with some different features from Dell TB16.
Main Differences Between Dell TB16 and WD15
- Dell TB16 have a much higher resolution than WD15, as we can see.
- Dell TB16 is seen to consume more power of 180W while on the other hand, WD15 is seen to consume less power than 130W
- The weight of Dell TB16 is seen to be 740g, while on the other hand, Dell WD15 weighs 422.42g.
- In Dell TB16, we see more ports which are 5, while on the other hand, for Dell WD15, we get 3 video ports.
- The audio and network port features are the same, but the feature of USB varies. Dell TB16 have 6 USB ports, while Dell WD15 have 5 USB ports.
- Dell TB16 only works for a system that supports Thunderbolt 3 technology, while for Dell WD15 it only works if the technology supports either Display Port over USB-c alternate mode or Thunderbolt 3.
Last Updated : 13 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The comparison table is very useful. Now I can make a more informed decision about which docking station to purchase.
The benefits of Dell TB16 and Dell WD15 are presented in a very objective manner, offering valuable insights to potential users. Thank you for the detailed analysis.
It’s not worth investing in these docking stations if they’re prone to problems. I’d rather look for alternatives that offer reliability and functionality without issues.
The detailed specifications and comparisons are quite helpful. However, I still have concerns about the reported problems with video, audio, and USB ports.
I believe Dell TB16 is a superior docking station based on its resolution and power consumption. It seems more advanced and suitable for my needs.
I really appreciate the detailed comparison between Dell TB16 and Dell WD15. It’s very informative.