Are the micro-USB-C plug on the side of the controller and the regular USB on the bottom front the same functionality?

Basically yes but you can only charge the RC by micro USB. Regular USB only use for connection to mobile device. If you use the regular USB the micro USB need to be disconnected even not connected with anything.

Thanks. Interesting about the need to disconnect the micro-USB, even if it is not connected to anything (?) - pretty unusual that a bare cable would be even detected, let alone disable things.

Hi, thank you for inquiring, Yes, the USB port on the side and the other one on the bottom part has the same purpose, you could connect your device using those USB ports together with appropriate USB cable as well, however, like what GDL mentioned, you can only charge the RC using the port on the left side and please take note that if ever you're using the USB port on the bottom part, please ensure that the other cable on the left side is completely disconnected to avoid connection issues as well.