Best microSD card 2023 • 6 microSD cards Reviews

What is a micro SD card and how does it work?

The micro SD format is the smallest flash memory on the market today. Its dimensions are 15x11x10 mm. The micro SD card was developed by the American company SanDisk and later adopted by the SD Association. Due to the benefits of its extremely small size, the micro SD card immediately achieved widespread use.

What types of micro SD cards are there?

Firstly, you may see the original micro SD cards, which have a maximum memory of 2 GB. Those cards are generally considered obsolete though. In comparison, the next generation is called the micro SDHC card, and it has a maximum capacity of 32 GB. Lastly, the micro SDXC cards can hold up to 2 TB of content, a huge increase over the original!

Micro SDXC cards are ranked according to class. Each class tests the card’s writing speed. Class-two cards, for example, have a speed of 2 MBps, in comparison to class-four cards which have a speed of 4 MBps, and so on. There is also the UHS (ultra-high speed) class, which has its own sorting system. The UHS class includes the following subclasses: UHS-I, UHS-II, and UHS-III.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Micro SD Cards

In our opinion, one of the most important advantages of micro SD cards is that they allow for a significant amount of information to be stored within a very small amount of space. Using these cards, documents, photographs, and other digital files can be easily transported. Furthermore, the relatively low price of these cards also continues to decline, making them readily available to most consumers.

Nonetheless, in our opinion, one disadvantage of micro SD cards is that they won’t provide much storage capacity in comparison to other similar devices, such as thumb drives or larger external hard drives. Still, that gap has shrunk in recent years. Additionally, due to their small size, micro SD cards are easy to lose. So, if you tend to misplace things, this will be a test to be extra careful with these tiny cards.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Shopping Criteria for a Micro SD

Before you go out to buy your new micro SD card, there are a few more important factors that you should keep in mind in order to make the best possible decision. We don’t want you to be disappointed with your new purchase after testing your new micro SD card!

• Personal use
• Memory capacity
• Writing and reading speed
• File formats
• Durability
• Brand

Personal Use

You may need a micro SD card for your smartphone, e-reader, tablet, camera, computer, or gaming console. Maybe you want one just to move information between devices. Whatever it is, your intended use will determine which card is best for you.

Generally, any kind of micro SD card is tested to be suitable for storing pictures. In comparison, if you’re planning to record high-quality video, you should certainly look for a card that’s best compatible with video. The same applies if you would like to install mobile applications on the card.

Memory Capacity

A card’s memory is normally measured in gigabytes (GB). As you probably know, not all micro SD cards offer the same storage capacity. More memory means you can store more information. But you should also test the maximum capacity supported by the device in which you plan to use the micro SD card.

Writing and Reading Speed

The speed class of a micro SD card indicates its minimum sustained writing speed. This speed is measured in MBps. Do note, however, that with the development of the SDHC and SDXC models, the SD Association established the new UHS Speed Class.

This factor is essential to a smooth experience on your smartphone. These days, in our opinion, we recommend looking for a class 10-card minimum. For video recording, you should use higher classes like the V60, which best allows for recording in 4K and 8K format.

File Formats

The format, which is also known as the file system, is the way by which a memory unit organizes stored content. That’s why it must be formatted prior to using any kind of storage unit. There are a handful of different formats you could test, including FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT.

Don’t overlook this feature when picking out your micro SD card, because not all devices or computers support the same kinds of formats. For example, the new SDXC cards will only function with the exFAT format, and that’s only compatible with Windows XP SP2 and higher.

Durability

The durability of a micro SD card is crucial since it’s often used to store important content or information. There’s nothing worse than losing your files, especially if you don’t have a backup!

Luckily, the top brands offer highly resistant, secure micro SD cards. These cards are made to withstand shocks and resist the impact of magnetic forces or X-rays. Some can even withstand immersion in water without damage. Accidents certainly can happen, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Brand

The brand of a micro SD is important because it’s often linked to quality, warranty, and cost. Some of the biggest micro SD manufacturers are SanDisk, Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba, and Kingston.

A good manufacturer will guarantee that the specifications are accurate and that the card will function as needed. When buying a micro SD, always make sure it’s not counterfeit, because there are many fake cards out there.

Related Links and Sources

• https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/microsd
• https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/what-is-sd-card.html
• https://medium.com/hackernoon/whats-the-difference-between-sd-and-micro-sd-memory-cards-dba4ff23c4f1

FAQs

What are the primary uses of a micro SD card?

Currently, micro SD cards are most commonly used with smartphones. They allow you to store a large number of files, save backups, and even boost your phone’s internal memory. Micro SD cards are also frequently used in compact digital cameras and drones.

Another increasingly common use for micro SD cards is for gaming console memory. For example, micro SD cards can be used with Nintendo’s newest console, the Nintendo Switch.

What do the labels on micro SD cards indicate?

The label found on micro SD cards can reveal important information about their specifications. The logos may indicate which devices they’re compatible with, their speed, and with which interfaces they’re compatible. The storage capacity is normally shown as well.

How do I use my micro SD card?

Using a micro SD card is pretty easy. Just insert the card into the dedicated slot found on whichever device you’re using. You may need to wait a few seconds before the device recognizes that a card has been inserted. We tested that it’s a good idea to insert or remove the card while the device is off. Never force the card into a slot. If it doesn’t seem to fit, you’re probably inserting it the wrong way.

If your device doesn’t have a micro SD slot, there are some adapters that convert micro SD cards into a more common, standard SD size. For computers that don’t have a built-in micro SD card reader, you can get a USB adapter that will allow you to read the card.

What are the new specifications for video and applications?

The SD Association recently added two class variables to SD card specifications: the Video Speed Class and the Application Performance Class. The former indicates a card’s compatibility with video recording. The latter, meanwhile, shows how suitable the card is for use with applications.

The values used for the Video Speed Class range from V6 to V90. The associated speeds range from 6 MBps for V6, to 90 MBps for V90, which allows for 8K video to be recorded.

Who should get a micro SD card?

Micro SD cards are great for anyone looking to expand the memory on their smartphone or camera, in addition to those looking for a lightweight, space-saving storage unit.

How do I care for a micro SD card?

Like most electronic items, micro SD cards require some care from their users. Luckily, these cards are very durable, and some could even withstand going through the washing machine. We don’t suggest trying that though!

Micro SD cards should be kept in low-humidity environments. As we mentioned earlier, it’s best to remove and insert them while the device is off to avoid any damage or loss of data. It’s also a good idea to store micro SD cards in a case when they’re not in use in order to prevent the card from getting bent or broken.