When looking to expand the storage capacity of your phone, one of the options is to use an SD card. SD cards allow you to add more storage space to your phone in order to store more photos, videos, music and apps. However, not all phones support SD cards and the maximum SD card size can vary depending on your phone model. In this article, we’ll look at what size SD cards different phone models support.
Quick Answer
The maximum SD card size supported depends on your specific phone model. Most modern Android phones support SD cards up to 512GB. Older Android models generally support up to 2TB. iPhones do not have SD card slots. For specific SD card support, check your phone’s technical specifications.
SD Card Sizes Explained
SD cards come in different storage capacities. The main sizes available are:
- 32GB
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
- 512GB
- 1TB
- 2TB
The GB stands for gigabytes and indicates how much data the card can hold. A 32GB card can hold 32 gigabytes of data, a 64GB card can hold 64 gigabytes, and so on.
The higher the capacity, the more photos, videos, music and app data you can store on the card. A 32GB card may be sufficient if you just need some extra space for photos. But if you want to download lots of apps and games, a 128GB or 256GB card would be better.
SD Card Speed Classes
In addition to size, SD cards are also categorized by speed classes, such as Class 2, Class 4, Class 6, Class 10, UHS-1, UHS-2, etc. The speed class indicates the minimum guaranteed write speed of the card in MB/s (megabytes per second).
Higher speed classes can improve performance when transferring files to the SD card or recording high-resolution videos. For general use, Class 10 cards and above are recommended. For recording 4K video, UHS-3 or V30 rated cards are ideal.
SD Card Types
There are three main types of SD cards used in phones:
- SD (Secure Digital) – The original SD card format. They are large in size compared to micro SD cards.
- microSD – A smaller form factor around the size of a fingernail. Micro SD cards are commonly used in phones and small devices.
- SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) / SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) – Variations of SD cards that support higher storage capacities. SDHC supports 4GB-32GB. SDXC supports 32GB-2TB.
Micro SD cards are by far the most common type used in smartphones. They are compact enough to fit in the SIM tray of most phones.
Maximum SD Card Size for Android Phones
Most modern Android smartphones support microSD cards up to 512GB. However, the maximum size can vary between models. Here are some examples for popular brands:
Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S22/S22+/S22 Ultra – up to 1TB
- Galaxy S21/S21+/S21 Ultra – up to 1TB
- Galaxy S20/S20+/S20 Ultra – up to 1TB
- Galaxy S10/S10+/S10e – up to 512GB
- Galaxy S9/S9+ – up to 512GB
- Galaxy S8/S8+ – up to 512GB
- Galaxy S7/S7 Edge – up to 256GB
- Galaxy S6/S6 Edge/S6 Edge+ – up to 128GB
The latest Galaxy S22, S21 and S20 models support SD cards up to 1TB (terabyte). Older Galaxy models tend to max out at 512GB.
Google Pixel
- Pixel 6/6 Pro – No SD card slot
- Pixel 5 – No SD card slot
- Pixel 4/4XL – No SD card slot
- Pixel 3/3XL – No SD card slot
- Pixel 2/2XL – up to 256GB
- Pixel/Pixel XL – No SD card slot
Google Pixel phones currently do not support SD cards, except for the Pixel 2/2XL which supports up to 256GB.
LG
- LG G8 – up to 2TB
- LG G7 – up to 2TB
- LG G6 – up to 2TB
- LG G5 – up to 2TB
- LG G4 – up to 2TB
- LG G3 – up to 2TB
Recent LG flagship models tend to support SD cards up to a maximum of 2TB.
Motorola
- Moto G Power (2022) – up to 1TB
- Moto G Play (2021) – up to 512GB
- Moto G Power (2021) – up to 512GB
- Moto G Stylus (2021) – up to 512GB
- Moto G Fast – up to 512GB
- Moto G Power (2020) – up to 512GB
Motorola’s Moto G series phones generally support SD cards up to 512GB or 1TB.
OnePlus
- OnePlus 10 Pro – No SD card slot
- OnePlus 9/9 Pro – No SD card slot
- OnePlus 8/8 Pro – No SD card slot
- OnePlus 7/7 Pro/7T – No SD card slot
- OnePlus 6/6T – No SD card slot
Unfortunately, OnePlus phones do not have SD card slots.
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi 12 Pro – No SD card slot
- Xiaomi Mi 11 – up to 512GB
- Xiaomi Mi 10 – up to 512GB
- Xiaomi Mi Note 10 – up to 256GB
- Xiaomi Mi 9 – up to 256GB
- Xiaomi Mi 8 – up to 256GB
Xiaomi’s flagship phones tend to support SD cards up to 512GB. Some models like the Xiaomi 12 Pro lack a card slot.
Other Brands
Here are some examples from other brands:
- Nokia XR20 – up to 512GB
- Oppo Find X5 – No SD card slot
- Asus Zenfone 8 – up to 1TB
- ZTE Axon 30 – up to 2TB
- Sony Xperia 1 IV – up to 1TB
- HTC U12+ – up to 2TB
SD card support varies, so always check your particular phone’s specifications to confirm the maximum size. Some models like the Oppo Find X5 don’t have a card slot.
Maximum SD Card Size for iPhones
Unlike Android phones, iPhones do not have SD card slots at all. So there is no ability to expand the storage using a removable SD card.
Apple positions iCloud as the solution for additional storage instead of SD cards. With iCloud, photos, documents and other files are stored in the cloud rather than on device. You can pay a monthly fee for expanded iCloud storage up to 2TB.
If you need more physical iPhone storage, you’ll have to opt for a model with greater internal storage capacity. For example, choosing the 512GB iPhone 14 Pro rather than the 128GB model.
How to Check Your Phone’s SD Card Support
To check the maximum SD card size for your particular phone model, refer to the manufacturer’s technical specifications or user manual.
Some ways to find this information include:
- Check the phone manufacturer’s website for tech specs
- Find the user guide or manual for your phone model
- Use a site like GSM Arena to compare phone specs
- Try searching “[phone model] max SD card size”
- Check storage info in your phone’s settings
This will provide definite confirmation of how much external storage your phone can handle via SD card.
Using Multiple SD Cards
If the max capacity of one SD card is not enough for your storage needs, you can swap out multiple SD cards.
For example, you may use:
- One 512GB card for apps and games
- A second 512GB card for media like music and videos
Just keep in mind that only one SD card can be used at a time. You would need to eject the first card before inserting the second one.
Using multiple smaller capacity cards can sometimes be cheaper than buying one massive 1TB or 2TB card too.
SD Card FAQs
Why can’t I use a 1TB SD card in my phone that only supports 512GB?
The phone’s SD card slot has a maximum physical limitation it can support in capacity. Think of it like trying to fit a size 10 foot in a size 8 shoe – it simply won’t fit.
Using a too large SD card risks damaging the card reader or corrupting data on the card. Always match the maximum capacity supported.
Can I use a normal SD card instead of a micro SD card?
You need to use the correct physical size card that matches your phone’s card slot. For most phones, this is micro SD. Standard SD cards are too large to fit in the tray.
However, some phones like DSLRs and other devices use full-size SD card slots, so you need the right type for your device.
Do all Android phones have SD card slots?
Unfortunately not. Some brands like OnePlus and Google Pixel have removed SD card slots from their phones.
But many other major brands still support expandable storage. Always check your particular model’s specifications to confirm if a slot is present.
What’s the difference between SDHC and SDXC cards?
SDHC and SDXC refer to technical standards that allow cards to support higher capacities:
- SDHC – SD High Capacity – supports 4GB to 32GB
- SDXC – SD eXtended Capacity – supports 32GB to 2TB
Phones that only support SDHC would be limited to 32GB cards, while SDXC compatible phones can use up to 2TB.
Is it OK to leave the SD card in the phone permanently?
Yes, the SD card is designed to stay in the phone full time if desired. Just be sure to unmount the card before removing it.
However, some people prefer to swap SD cards occasionally. For example, having dedicated cards for media or certain apps. It’s fine to remove the card when needed.
Choosing the Right SD Card Size
When buying an SD card for your phone, follow these tips:
- Confirm the maximum SD card capacity your phone model supports
- Buy from a reputable brand like SanDisk, Samsung or Kingston
- Choose an appropriate speed rating – Class 10 minimum
- Get a micro SD card, unless your device specifically uses full-size SD
- Check reviews and compare prices between retailers
- Beware of counterfeit cards – purchase from authorized sellers
Following phone’s specs for SD card support will ensure compatibility. Shop around between brands and stores to get the best deal based on your needs.
Summary
- SD card support varies between Android phone models – check your specs
- Most new Android phones handle SD cards up to 512GB or 1TB
- Older Android models generally max out at 2TB SD card capacity
- iPhones do not have SD card slots – use iCloud for more storage
- Refer to manufacturer specs or your phone’s settings to verify max supported capacity
- Micro SD cards are commonly used in smartphones
- Faster speed rating cards improve transfer speeds and video recording
- You can use multiple SD cards and swap them when needed
- Always match the phone’s maximum supported card size