MicroSD cards are a popular type of removable flash memory card used in smartphones, tablets, and other small electronics. But not all microSD cards are the same. There are different sizes, speeds, and designs that are optimized for different uses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the key differences between microSD card types so you can pick the right one for your needs.
SD, microSD, and SDXC
SD, microSD, and SDXC refer to the technology standards used for memory cards. The main differences are:
- SD (Secure Digital) – The original SD standard supports cards up to 2GB in capacity.
- microSD – A smaller form factor of SD cards designed for use in small, portable devices.
- SDXC (SD Extended Capacity) – An updated standard that supports cards up to 2TB in capacity.
MicroSD is simply SD in a smaller physical form factor. Most consumer devices now use microSD. SDXC is the newest standard and supports the highest capacities.
MicroSD Card Sizes
MicroSD cards come in different storage capacities. The most common sizes are:
- 32GB
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 200GB
- 256GB
- 400GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
Higher capacity cards are able to store more photos, videos, apps, and other files. 1TB microSD cards are now available which can hold a massive amount of data. But higher capacity cards are more expensive. A 1TB card can cost over $200 while a 32GB card can cost under $10.
Choosing Capacity
When choosing microSD card capacity, consider:
- How much storage you currently use
- The types of files you will store – large videos and photos require more storage
- How frequently you take new photos/videos – frequent users may fill up cards faster
- Your budget – higher capacities cost more
For light users who just need some extra storage, a 32 or 64GB card is probably sufficient. Power users who store lots of large files may want a 128-512GB card. And if budget allows, going with the highest 1TB option ensures you’ll have plenty of capacity.
MicroSD Card Speeds
MicroSD cards are rated by their speed “class” which signifies the minimum read and write speeds they are guaranteed to deliver. There are several speed classes:
| Class | Minimum Speed |
|---|---|
| Class 2 | 2 MB/s |
| Class 4 | 4 MB/s |
| Class 6 | 6 MB/s |
| Class 10 | 10 MB/s |
| UHS Class 1 (U1) | 10 MB/s |
| UHS Class 3 (U3) | 30 MB/s |
Higher speed classes allow for faster read/write speeds which is beneficial when dealing with large files or high resolution content. Class 10, UHS-I U1, and UHS-I U3 are the most common speed classes seen today.
Speed Recommendations
We recommend:
- Class 10 or U1 for Full HD video recording
- U1 or U3 for 4K video recording
- U3 for professional/high bitrate 4K video
- U3 for burst mode photography
Slower Class 4 cards are really only suitable for basic needs like storing documents. For anything to do with photography, video, gaming, or running apps, it’s wise to get a faster UHS-I U1 or U3 card.
MicroSD Card Durability
MicroSD cards have no moving parts and are designed to withstand shock, vibration, water, and other environmental threats. But there are differences in durability:
- Standard – Can withstand some wear and tear but are not meant for extreme conditions.
- Rugged – Tough cards with an extra durable build. Withstand temperature extremes, shock, and water.
- Endurance – Optimized for frequent, sustained write cycles. Ideal for security cameras.
Standard cards are fine for typical consumer use. But for demanding industries like security, specialty drones, dash cams, and body cams, a rugged or endurance model is recommended.
SanDisk Industrial microSD Cards
For extreme conditions, the SanDisk Industrial line offers the highest durability:
- Wide temp range (-40°F to 185°F)
- Waterproof, shockproof, x-ray proof
- Up to 512GB capacities
- Sustained write performance for continuous recording
Industrial microSD cards have an extended temperature range to handle harsh elements and an extremely durable build to survive shock, vibration, water, and other physical damage while continuing to operate reliably.
microSD Card Form Factors
In addition to standard microSD cards, there are other form factors available:
- microSDHC – Standard microSD card dimensions. Popular for most uses.
- microSDXC – Same dimensions as microSDHC but supports higher capacities.
- miniSD – An even smaller variant that requires an adapter to use in standard microSD slots.
Full-size microSDHC and microSDXC cards are recommended as they do not require any adapters and work in the widest range of devices. MiniSD is not as widely used anymore.
Which Devices Use microSD Cards?
Some of the many devices that use microSD cards include:
- Smartphones (Android models)
- Tablets
- Digital cameras
- GoPros and action cameras
- Drones
- Dashcams and bodycams
- Handheld gaming systems
- Laptops
- Security cameras
Virtually any portable consumer electronics device can potentially use microSD cards. They provide a compact removable storage solution.
microSD Card Interface Types
There are two interface standards used by microSD cards:
- UHS-I – This is the most common interface today. Supports 104MB/s transfer speeds.
- UHS-II – A newer interface capable of 312MB/s speeds. Currently only found on high-end devices.
UHS-I is suitable for most needs and is nearly universal across current devices. UHS-II offers triple the performance but device compatibility is still limited.
UHS Bus Modes
UHS-I cards can use different bus modes for added flexibility:
- Default Speed – Uses the standard UHS-I interface clock speed.
- High Speed – Boosts clock speed for double data rate.
- SDR12 – Single data rate optimized for older devices.
- SDR25 – An intermediate data rate mode.
- SDR50 – Double the speed of SDR25.
- SDR104 – Maximum UHS-I speed mode.
The SDR modes provide flexibility for the card to work properly in both new and older devices. SD104 is best enabled for maximum performance in compatible UHS-I devices that support 104MB/s operation.
Choosing the Right microSD Card
With so many types of microSD cards available, here are some tips for choosing the right one:
- Select capacity based on your storage needs
- Faster read/write speeds allow you to work with high resolution photos/videos more efficiently
- Durability is key for cards used in harsh conditions
- Get a name brand from a reliable manufacturer like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston
- Buy from trustworthy sources to avoid counterfeits
- Check that the card has a suitable interface (UHS-I vs UHS-II) for your device
- Compare different models and prices to get the right balance of features and value
Investing in a high quality, higher capacity microSD card from a leading brand ensures reliable performance and ample storage space for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I get a microSD or SD card?
MicroSD is the most common format suitable for the widest range of devices. Unless you need compatibility with full-sized SD card slots, microSD is typically the best choice.
2. How do I choose the right speed class?
UHS-I U3 provides a good balance of speed for most uses from 4K video to gaming and intensive apps. U3 supports transfer speeds up to 30MB/s. U1 cards at 10MB/s work well for Full HD video.
3. What’s the difference between SDHC and SDXC?
Both formats use the same microSD physical design. SDHC supports cards up to 32GB while SDXC supports capacities up to 2TB. Higher capacity SDXC cards are backwards compatible in SDHC devices but will be limited to 32GB.
4. Are microSD cards durable and waterproof?
Standard microSD cards are not rated as waterproof but have some inherent water resistance. Special rugged and waterproof microSD card models are available for demanding conditions.
5. How do I recover data from a damaged microSD card?
A microSD card data recovery service can often retrieve data even from corrupted cards. But take care to stop using a damaged card immediately and don’t attempt repair yourself or you may jeopardize the chance of recovery.
Conclusion
MicroSD cards may look similar, but understanding the key differences in speed, capacity, durability, and compatibility allows you to select the optimal card for your use case. Leading manufacturers like SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston manufacture high-performing microSD models optimized for different applications. Carefully compare specifications like capacity, read/write speeds, UHS interface, and durability ratings when shopping for a microSD. And be sure to buy from a reputable seller. This ensures you get a genuine card that provides reliable performance for storing your photos, videos, apps, and other important data.