Choosing the right SD card for your phone is crucial to expand storage for photos, videos, apps and more. But with so many types and brands of SD cards on the market, how do you know which ones will work with your specific phone?
The quick answer is that you need to match your phone’s SD card requirements for capacity, speed rating, and physical size to ensure compatibility. Phones can only accept SD cards up to a certain capacity, require certain read/write speeds for optimal performance, and only fit certain physical SD card sizes.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about picking an SD card for your phone. We’ll cover:
- SD card sizes and types
- SD card speed classes and ratings
- Checking your phone’s SD card compatibility
- Best SD cards for different phone brands
- Tips for buying and using SD cards
So whether you have an Android phone or iPhone, you’ll learn exactly what to look for when shopping for the right SD card. Let’s dive in!
SD Card Sizes and Types
The first step is understanding the different SD card sizes and types available today. This determines the maximum capacity the SD card can hold along with the devices it can work with. Here’s a quick rundown of common SD card sizes:
Standard SD
The original SD card design measures 32mm x 24mm x 2.1mm. They offer capacities up to 2GB, making them too small for most phones today. Standard SD is outdated.
SDHC
Short for Secure Digital High Capacity, SDHC measures the same 32mm x 24mm x 2.1mm. But they can store between 4GB and 32GB. Most modern smartphones can use SDHC.
SDXC
Secure Digital eXtended Capacity SD cards also maintain the same physical size as standard SD. But SDXC cards can store a huge 64GB all the way up 1TB. High-end Android smartphones and some iPhones can use SDXC.
microSD
At 15mm x 11mm x 1mm, microSD is much smaller in physical size. But microSD cards offer the same capacities as standard SD, SDHC and SDXC from 4GB up to 1TB storage. MicroSD is more common in smartphones.
miniSD
MiniSD is a rare, older variant measuring 21.5mm x 20mm x 1.4mm. Most phones don’t take miniSD anymore, so this is unlikely to be compatible with your device.
So in summary, SDHC and microSD are the most common SD card types that work with phones, offering between 4GB to 512GB capacity. Older or lower-end phones may only work with up to 32GB. Higher-end phones can accept up to 1TB SDXC or microSDXC.
SD Card Speeds Explained
In addition to size and capacity, SD cards are also rated by their speed class. This determines how fast they can read and write data. For optimal device performance, it’s important to get an SD card with sufficient write and read speeds. Here are the main speed classes to know:
Class 2
The minimum speed class, Class 2 SD cards can sustain minimum sequential write speeds of 2MB/s. This is too slow for most phones.
Class 4
Class 4 SD cards reach 4MB/s write speeds. This may be the minimum for basic smartphones.
Class 10
Class 10 SD cards achieve 10MB/s minimum sustained writes. This is fast enough for 1080p video recording and is ideal for most smartphones.
U1, U3
U1 cards guarantee 10MB/s minimum write speed. U3 pushes that to 30MB/s, ideal for 4K video recording. This works great for high end Android phones and iPhones.
V30, V60, V90
Indicates the minimum write speeds in MB/s for recording 8K, 4K and 1080p high-frame rate video respectively. Top of the line for premium smartphones.
So in most cases, Class 10 cards offer the best bang for buck in terms of speed. But getting a UHS U1 or faster card ensures optimal performance with your smartphone, especially for HD video recording.
Checking Your Phone’s SD Card Compatibility
Now that we’ve covered the SD card basics, how do you know which SD card sizes, capacities and speeds your particular phone model supports? Here are some tips for checking compatibility:
Consult your phone’s user manual
The easiest way is to check the user guide or manual that came with your smartphone. The technical specifications will outline the maximum SD card capacity and recommended speeds.
Search online for your phone’s specs
If you don’t have the manual, search “[your phone model] SD card compatibility”. You should find the technical specifications for your phone online listing the supported SD card details.
Contact your smartphone manufacturer
Alternatively, you can contact your phone’s manufacturer directly. They should be able to confirm the exact SD card capacity, sizes and speed class compatible with your device.
Refer to SD Association’s list
The SD Association has a list of host devices including smartphones that work with SDXC and SDHC cards. Look for your phone model on this list for guidance.
Read product reviews on retail sites
Often customer reviews on sites like Amazon or Best Buy will mention what SD cards work or don’t work for a particular phone. This can provide real-world guidance.
Following these tips should give you the exact specs of SD card your phone needs. Write down the compatible card capacities, physical sizes and speed classes before you go shopping.
Best SD Cards for Popular Phone Models
Here are some quick recommendations for the best SD cards for some of the most popular smartphone models today across iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other Android phones:
| Phone Model | Recommended SD Card |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6S, 7, 8 | SanDisk 128GB microSDXC |
| iPhone XR, 11 | SanDisk 256GB microSDXC |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | Samsung EVO Plus 128GB microSDXC |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 | SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSDXC |
| Google Pixel 3 | SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC |
| Google Pixel 4 | Samsung EVO Select 256GB microSDXC |
| LG G6 | Kingston 128GB microSDXC |
| LG V40 ThinQ | Samsung EVO Plus 256GB microSDXC |
| Motorola Moto G6 | SanDisk Ultra 256GB microSDXC |
| Motorola Moto Z3 | SanDisk Extreme 512GB microSDXC |
These recommendations are based on the SD card specs compatible with each phone. Be sure to verify the compatibility for your specific model.
Tips for Buying the Right SD Card
Keep these tips in mind when shopping for an SD card to maximize compatibility and performance:
- Buy from a reputable brand – Stick with trusted brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston.
- Check speed class symbols – Get a Class 10, U1, U3, V30 card appropriate for your phone.
- Confirm physical size – Double check that you get the right SD or microSD size.
- Don’t just buy highest capacity – Get the right capacity for your needs as phone’s have limits.
- Check return policies – Buy from stores with generous return policies in case it doesn’t work.
- Search for deals – SD card prices fluctuate frequently, so search for sales.
Following these tips will ensure you buy the right SD card the first time without hassle or incompatibility issues.
Using SD Cards in Phones
Once you’ve purchased an SD card compatible with your phone, here are some usage tips:
- Format the card in your phone first – This sets up the optimal file system.
- Configure camera and apps to use SD card – By default they may store data internally.
- Offload photos and videos regularly – Transfer to computer so the card doesn’t fill up.
- Regularly back up SD card – Back up your data in case the card gets corrupted, damaged or lost.
- Avoid removing the card when in use – Always eject the SD card properly before removing.
- Beware of public wifi transfers – Use encryption when transferring data over public networks.
Following phone manufacturer guidelines for properly inserting, ejecting and using SD cards will ensure the card works reliably.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SD card for your phone involves getting the compatible capacity and speed for optimal performance. Carefully check your phone’s technical specifications, research SD card options, purchase from reputable brands, and use the card properly once installed. Following these guidelines will allow you to maximize external storage so you can take more photos, videos and carry more files on your smartphone.