The cost of a memory card for a phone can vary quite a bit depending on the storage capacity, speed, brand, and features of the card. Generally speaking, most phone compatible memory cards will cost between $10 and $100. The lowest capacity cards like 16GB can be found for around $10, while high capacity cards like 512GB tend to cost over $100. Faster read/write speeds, well-known brands, and additional features like durability will also raise the price of a memory card.
What factors affect the cost of a phone memory card?
Here are some of the key factors that influence the cost of a memory card for a phone:
Storage Capacity
The main factor that affects a memory card’s price is its storage capacity. Higher capacity cards that can hold more photos, videos, apps, and files cost more than lower capacity cards. For phone usage, common capacities are:
- 16GB – Costs around $10
- 32GB – Costs around $15
- 64GB – Costs around $20
- 128GB – Costs around $40
- 256GB – Costs around $55
- 512GB – Costs over $100
As you can see, the cost gradually increases as the storage doubles. 16GB is sufficient for light use, while 128-256GB is recommended for phones used to take lots of photos and video.
Speed Rating
The speed class or rating of a memory card also impacts its cost. Faster cards have higher read and write speeds, which allows quick transferring of files to and from the card. Standard cards have speed classes like Class 10, UHS-I U1, or A1. Faster options like UHS-I U3, V30, or A2 cost more as speed increases.
Brand
Well known brand names like SanDisk, Samsung, Sony, and Kingston generally cost more than lesser known brands. The major brands invest in product research, development, and marketing – which gets passed on to the consumer through higher prices. However, the big brands also make high performing and reliable memory cards.
Extra Features
Additional features like durability, waterproofing, and temperature resistance can also increase the cost of a memory card. For example, SanDisk’s Extreme line of durable and temperature resistant cards cost more than their standard line. Features tailored for action cams, dash cams, or other specialized uses will also raise the price.
What are the price ranges for different memory card capacities?
Here is an overview of the typical price ranges you can expect to pay for memory cards in different storage capacities:
| Capacity | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 16GB | $5 – $15 |
| 32GB | $10 – $25 |
| 64GB | $15 – $35 |
| 128GB | $25 – $60 |
| 256GB | $40 – $100 |
| 512GB | $60 – $250 |
Of course, these are just general estimates – prices can go higher or lower. But this table gives you a good benchmark for comparing different storage sizes and capacities at a glance.
As you can see, there is quite a large jump in price between the 64GB and 128GB sizes. Cards below 128GB tend to be more budget-friendly, while larger capacity cards get progressively more expensive. Also keep in mind that not all brands offer sizes above 256GB.
How much do memory cards cost from different brands?
The brand producing a memory card has a big impact on its price too. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for a 256GB memory card from some top brands:
- SanDisk – $40 – $80 for 256GB
- Samsung – $50 – $90 for 256GB
- Sony – $50 – $100 for 256GB
- Kingston – $45 – $70 for 256GB
- PNY – $35 – $60 for 256GB
- Lexar – $40 – $70 for 256GB
- Silicon Power – $35 – $50 for 256GB
- Patriot – $40 – $60 for 256GB
As you can see, the major brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Sony, and Kingston are generally the most expensive. Meanwhile, lesser known brands like Silicon Power or Patriot offer similar specs and capacity for cheaper.
Of course, prices fluctuate frequently based on sales, discounts, new product releases, and availability. But this gives you a good representation of the price differences between top memory card brands for a medium-high capacity like 256GB.
Which memory card brands are the highest quality?
The top memory card brands known for making the highest performing and most reliable cards include:
- Samsung – A top brand for Android phones and known for quality.
- SanDisk – Extremely popular brand and pioneer in memory cards.
- Sony – Respected brand that makes fast, durable cards.
- Kingston – One of the biggest brands in memory products.
Sticking with well-known major brands is the safest bet for getting a memory card that will have good speeds, durability, compatibility, and longevity. Avoid cheap no-name brands that could result in poor performance or data loss.
What is the cheapest memory card brand for phones?
Some of the cheapest memory card brands include:
- Silicon Power – Budget-friendly prices for decent performance.
- PNY – Low cost memory and storage solutions.
- Patriot – Affordable cards that offer good speeds.
- Adata – Known for inexpensive but capable memory cards.
- Transcend – Competitive pricing on their memory card lineup.
- Toshiba – Low prices but quality memory products.
While you can save a good amount going with a budget brand, keep in mind that paying less may mean slower speeds, less reliability, shorter lifespans, and less support if issues arise. But for light or occasional use, a cheaper card may be sufficient.
Should I buy a used/refurbished memory card to save money?
Purchasing a used or refurbished memory card can sometimes save you money compared to a new card. However, there are some downsides to going this route:
- Card may have reduced lifespan or wear from previous use
- No way to verify original quality or authenticity
- No warranty or support
- Risk of data loss or corruption
- May not work as fast as claimed
For such a vital phone accessory that protects all your data and memories, it’s generally worth spending a little extra on a new card from a reputable brand with a warranty. The savings from buying used or refurbished are rarely worth the risks.
How can I find memory card sales and get the best price?
Here are some tips for finding the best memory card deals:
- Check online prices frequently – flash sales and limited deals are common.
- Sign up for retailer newsletters and create price alerts for models you want.
- Look for coupons, promo codes, and bundles with adapters to save extra.
- Buy in bulk multi-packs for the deepest volume discounts.
- Shop during peak deal times like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day.
- Consider manufacturer refurbished cards that offer big discounts.
With some deal hunting strategies, you can easily save 20-50% off retail prices for memory cards. Sites like Amazon, Best Buy, Adorama, B&H Photo Video, and Newegg often have the best card sales.
How much more do I have to pay for high-speed vs standard cards?
High-speed memory cards will generally cost 20-50% more than cards with just standard/basic speed ratings. For example, a 256GB Samsung EVO Select (A1/U1 rated) costs around $45 while the faster EVO Plus (A2/U3 rated) costs around $65. So in this case, you’re paying about 45% more for the faster version.
Higher minimum write speeds will also impact cost – a V30 card will be more expensive than a V10 card with all else being equal. More advanced controllers, cooling, and memory technology in high-speed cards contribute to their price premium over more standard options.
For phones that record high-resolution video or graphics-intensive games, a high-speed card is worth the extra cost. But for normal phone usage like shooting photos or standard videos, a budget card with decent speeds can work very well at a lower price.
Conclusion
Memory cards for phones range widely in price from $10 for a basic 16GB card to over $100 for a high-capacity 512GB card from a top brand. While you’ll pay more for extra storage, faster speeds, and leading brands – taking advantage of sales and deals can help you find the best balance of price and performance.
Carefully consider how much storage you need, what speeds you require, and how prominently you’ll use the card when weighing budget vs premium options. In most cases, sticking with well-known major brands is worth the extra cost over cheap unknown brands to ensure reliability and longevity. With memory cards being so critical for preserving data and memories, ultimately it’s better to spend a little more for quality you can depend on.