I would go for USB-C to DisplayPort directly. That would be one relatively inexpensive ($20 to $40 US prices) cable to do the job. Since your display won't charge the MacBook and do video over a single USB-C cable and you have several ports (display side and Mac side) - a dedicated cable would be my choice.
I like the USB-C to HDMI adapter you mentioned for my MacBook since there is only one port and charging plus USB is needed, but on the MacBook Pro you have several ports and can use one per display without too much hassle. It will work for you, though - just not my first choice.
Apple even recommends against using the adapter you mention for bridging between a Mini DisplayPort device and thunderbolt 3.
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204154
Note that although it uses a Mini DisplayPort connector, the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter doesn't support connections to Mini DisplayPort displays.
If you only want two external displays, both 13 inch models of MacBook Pro are suitable. You'll need the 15 inch models to support 4 displays. That might be a non-issue if you only have one Dell display to connect.
I'm not exactly sure what you intend to do, but at the most basic level the answer to your question is yes.
The Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pros can simultaneously support charging and data transfer. However, this will be dependent on the cables/adapters/hubs/docks etc being used. If they support/allow both charging and data transfer then you should have no problems.
In summary, the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports support each of the following:
- Charging
- DisplayPort
- Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps)
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)
[UPDATE]
If you're after independent verification that multiple features are supported simultaneously, then refer to Using USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and adapters on your Mac notebook. You'll notice, for example, that under the heading USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter it states:
The USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter allows you to simultaneously:
- Charge your Mac.
- Connect to other standard USB (USB-A) devices or hubs.
- Connect your Mac to external HDMI video devices such as a TV, projector, or display.
NOTE: Bold emphasis mine.
Now, as I mentioned previously, a lot gets down to what is supported by the individual cable, adapter, etc. For example, even about its USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, Apple says that:
- The USB-A port on the adapter supports data transfer at up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 1) and can be used to connect standard USB devices or hubs.
- The USB-C port on the adapter charges your computer, but it doesn't transfer data.
Note how the USB-A port on this adapter only supports speeds of up to 5 Gbps, while the MBP supports USB speeds up to 10 Gbps. Also note how USB-C port on this particular adapter is limited to only charging. However, the USB-C port on the MBP is not limited in this way, because the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter connects to it and then provides simultaneous functionality to all three of its ports for charging, USB-A devices and HDMI devices.
Now, depending on your specific model of MacBook Pro (you don't specify), the data transfer speeds may vary depending on the port used. More specifically:
Thunderbolt 3 data speeds per MacBook Pro port
MacBook Pro models introduced in 2016 vary slightly in the data speeds
they provide to each Thunderbolt 3 port:
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on all four ports.
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) supports Thunderbolt 3 at full performance using the two left-hand ports. The
two right-hand ports deliver Thunderbolt 3 functionality, but have
reduced PCI Express bandwidth.
Always plug higher-performance devices into the left-hand ports on MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) for maximum data
throughput.
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) delivers full Thunderbolt 3 performance on both ports.
About USB speed
For USB devices, all 2016 MacBook Pro models deliver USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10
Gbps) performance on all Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Use a USB-C to USB adapter to connect a USB-A device or cable to a
Thunderbolt 3 port on your MacBook Pro. Use a USB 3.1 (USB-C to USB-C)
cable to connect a USB-C device.
Source: Connect with Thunderbolt 3 on your new MacBook Pro
Best Answer
Charging
Charging has more to do with the adapter than it does with the cable.
The new MacBook Pro uses an 87W/61W (15" and 13" MacBook Pro respectively) power adapter. So, if you use a 60W power adapter it will charge, but slowly regardless of the cable. To get the maximum speed, you need a charger equal to or greater than the specified power adapter rating.
As of the time of this writing, there are no USB-C power adapter greater than 61W available. Unfortunately, you have to use the Apple supplied power adapter until 3rd party adapters are released onto the market. That said, the 87W power adapter will work just fine on the MacBook Pro 13" (61W).
Any USB-C cable will be able to handle up to 100W of power. My recommendation is to get a good cable from a reputable manufacturer. I have always had good results with Anker products
Data Transfers
If you have a USB-C cable (it conforms to the USB 3.1 specification) it will handle transfer speeds of 10Gbs. Period. If it's a USB-C cable, that's the maximum you will get.
If you have a Thunderbolt device (storage) then you need to get a Thunderbolt 3 cable. Belkin makes a high quality Thunderbolt 3 cable. The data transfer rate is 40Gbs. While it uses a USB-C connector, and carries the USB signal, unlike a USB cable, it also carries the Thunderbolt signal thus the price difference.
Important: You will not get higher data transfer rates by plugging in a USB-C type Thunderbolt cable into a USB-C device. You will get USB-C speeds of 10Gbs
What cable do you get?
The question is, what are you connecting?
If you are connecting a USB device, then get the USB cable. If you are connecting a Thunderbolt device, then get a Thunderbolt cable. Regardless, both cables will charge at whatever rate your power adapter can deliver and will transfer data only as fast as your device will allow.