When choosing an SD card for your Android phone, there are a few key factors to consider: the SD card’s storage capacity, speed rating, and brand. Picking the right combination of these features will ensure you get an SD card that’s optimized for your phone’s needs.
What is the Purpose of an SD Card?
SD cards provide additional storage space for your Android phone. They allow you to store more photos, videos, music, apps, and other files. Most Android phones have limited built-in storage, so adding an SD card can significantly increase the phone’s overall capacity.
Here are some of the main uses for SD cards on Android phones:
- Storing photos and videos – SD cards provide extra room for all the photos and videos you take with your phone’s camera.
- Downloading more apps – Apps take up storage space, so having an SD card allows you to download more of them.
- Saving music for offline listening – You can store more songs, podcasts, and other audio files on an SD card.
- Serving as a backup destination – An SD card can act as a backup drive for important files like contacts, messages, and calendars.
- Viewing large files – SD cards give you space to save documents, presentations, and other large files for viewing on your phone.
So in short, the main purpose of an SD card is to dramatically increase your Android phone’s storage capacity for photos, videos, apps, music, and files.
SD Card Capacity – How Much Do You Need?
SD card capacities available today typically range from 4GB up to 1TB. When choosing one for your Android phone, consider these factors:
- Phone’s Existing Storage – Check how much built-in storage your phone already has. If it’s 64GB or more, a smaller SD card like 16GB may suffice. For phones with 32GB or less, go with at least a 64GB card.
- How You Use Your Phone – The more photos/videos you take and apps/games/music you have, the bigger card you’ll need. Plan for your expected usage, not just what you use now.
- Future Growth – Since you can’t easily upgrade later, estimate how your storage needs will grow over the life of your phone.
- Budget – Larger SD cards cost more. Decide how much you can reasonably spend for the capacity you need.
Following are some recommended SD card capacities based on phone internal storage:
| Phone Internal Storage | SD Card Capacity |
|---|---|
| 32GB or less | 64GB to 256GB |
| 64GB | 128GB to 256GB |
| 128GB | 128GB to 200GB |
| 256GB or more | 64GB to 128GB |
Aim for an SD card capacity that’s at least double your phone’s built-in storage for good measure. So if your phone has 64GB internal storage, a 128GB SD card would be a suitable choice.
SD Card Speeds and Classes
SD card read/write speeds are measured in MB/s (megabytes per second) or Mbps (megabits per second). Faster cards have quicker data transfer rates, which improves performance when saving photos/video, launching apps, or doing file transfers.
There are two main speed classifications used for SD cards:
- Speed Class – Rated as Class 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, etc. Higher numbers mean faster write speeds. Class 10 is common for Android phones.
- UHS Speed Class – Rated as U1, U2, or U3 for ultra high-speed cards. U1 supports 10 MB/s minimum write speed. U3 is fastest at 30 MB/s.
Cards may have both Speed Class and UHS ratings, such as Class 10, U1 or Class 10, U3. Here are the read/write speeds typically associated with the different UHS classes:
| UHS Speed Class | Minimum Write Speed | Maximum Read Speed |
|---|---|---|
| U1 | 10 MB/s | 104 MB/s |
| U3 | 30 MB/s | 312 MB/s |
For Android phones, Class 10 U1 cards are sufficient for most users. Class 10 U3, or A1/A2 ratings, provide faster speeds – but also at higher prices. Consider a U3 card if you take a lot of 4K video or do many file transfers.
Best SD Card Brands
It’s advisable to stick with major established brands when buying SD cards. Some of the top options include:
- SanDisk – One of the best known SD card manufacturers, makes a range of capacities and speeds.
- Samsung – Another very reputable brand for microSD cards and internal phone storage.
- Kingston – Has been producing SD cards and flash storage since the 1990s.
- Lexar – Reliable supplier of SD, microSD and CompactFlash cards.
- PNY – Offers good value SD cards across lower-to-higher capacities.
A few other brands like Sony, Transcend and Patriot also make quality SD cards, but overall it’s advisable to buy from one of the major established brands listed above.
Avoid no-name generic cards that can be less reliable or prone to early failure. Also be wary of counterfeit cards – always buy from a reputable retailer. The small savings of a generic or knock-off card isn’t worth the risk.
MicroSD vs SD Cards
SD cards come in two main physical sizes – full-size SD and the smaller microSD. Here’s a brief comparison:
- Size – Full-size SD cards measure 32mm x 24mm. MicroSD cards are much smaller at just 15mm x 11mm.
- Capacity – MicroSD cards are now available up to 1TB, same as full-size SD. Lower capacities can be slightly cheaper.
- Speed – The fastest UHS-III speeds are currently only available on full-size SD cards.
- Device Compatibility – MicroSD is used in phones, action cameras, and drones. Full-size SD is used in cameras, laptops, and other devices.
For Android phones and other mobile devices, microSD is the way to go. Make sure your phone supports microSD cards – some only work with nanoSD.
Where to Buy SD Cards
You can buy SD cards both online and locally in electronics stores. Here are some of the best places to shop for them:
- Amazon – Wide selection of brands/speeds/capacities. Watch for sales and discounts.
- Best Buy – Large computer and electronics retailer. Price match guarantees.
- Walmart – Everyday low prices on tech and electronics.
- Target – Competitive pricing on memory cards and storage.
- Phone Provider Stores – Like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. May have promotions on memory cards.
- Camera/Electronics Stores – Both online and retail shops specializing in cameras and electronics.
Shopping online will give you the widest selection and easy comparison of different SD card models. Be sure to order from reputable retailers and check customer reviews.
SD Card Tips and Recommendations
Following are some additional tips when shopping for and using SD cards:
- Look for read speeds of at least 80-100MB/s if recording high-res video.
- Class 10 U1 cards are good for point-and-shoot use. U3 better for 4K video and high resolutions.
- Avoid ultra cheap no-name cards – pay a little more for established brands.
- Format new cards in your phone before using to optimize performance.
- Be mindful of fakes – buy from reputable retailers, not sketchy sites.
- Back up your SD card data regularly as a precaution.
- Store cards properly – avoid moisture, extremes of heat, magnetic fields, physical shocks.
Following these tips when purchasing and caring for your memory card will help ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SD card for your Android phone involves considering capacity, speed ratings, brand, size, and retailer. Look for a microSD card from a major brand like SanDisk or Samsung. Capacities of 64GB or 128GB offer a good balance for most. Speed Class 10 U1 provides sufficient performance for phones, or U3 for advanced 4K video recording. Purchase from reputable retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or carrier stores to ensure authenticity.
Investing in a quality SD card from a leading brand allows you to safely expand your phone’s storage. With an ample memory card installed, you can take more photos and videos, download extra apps, and store a larger media library for hours of listening and viewing enjoyment.