Many people choose a memory card for an Android device according to the following principle: the cheaper the microSD of the required size, the better. But this approach is fundamentally wrong, since some memory cards are more expensive than others not because of the brand (although, perhaps, because of it too), but because of their characteristics. In this article we will tell you how different microSD differ from each other, which devices support them, what to do if the purchased memory card does not support it, how to check the real speed of microSD and much more. At the end of the topic there is a cheat sheet that contains key points from the article.
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What is the benefit of a faster memory card?
Photo from New York Magazine
If microSD is needed only as a flash drive (in other words, you are going to use it only for infrequent recording of films and music - for example, at sea or on a train), then for this you do not need to choose a drive with the highest possible speed - hardly an extra 15 minutes of downloading media files from a computer to the device’s memory card are worth the money that is asked for advanced microSD.
But if you are going to use a memory card to expand the storage of a smartphone or tablet (by storing photos and applications on it), then it is better to pay more, but get maximum speed - the speed of launching applications and saving photos and videos will depend on the microSD.
Recommendations
If you have already purchased a memory card for your camera, here are some tips to help extend the life of your device:
- Avoid exposing the memory device to temperature changes;
- protect the drive from contact with moisture;
- Do not expose the flash drive to magnetic radiation;
- Do not remove the drive from the camera while it is turned on.
By following operational safety recommendations, the memory card will last a long time. However, it all depends on the quality of the purchased products.
Memory card format
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At the moment, there are three formats of memory cards on the market (not to be confused with the form factor - SD and microSD):
- (micro)SD is a memory card with a capacity of up to 2 GB, using the FAT32 file system.
- (micro)SDHC is a memory card with a capacity of 2 to 32 GB, using the FAT32 file system.
- (micro)SDXC - memory card with a capacity of 32 GB or more, using the exFAT file system.
Obviously, the best choice is microSDXC - not only because of its support for larger volumes, but also due to the exFAT file system, which does not have a 4 GB limit (if without rounding, then 4,294,967,295 bytes) per file size.
What size is best to choose for a memory card?
Many may think that this is a strange question: the more gigabytes of memory, the better. In reality, everything is not so simple. First of all, some gadgets have a maximum capacity limit for SD storage. Besides, if there is no need for large storage, why pay more? In any case, when choosing the size of the best memory card, you can rely on the following data:
32 GB is enough for 40 minutes of video in Full HD format. Cards of this size can be used with smartphones, tablets and other Android devices. They are also inserted into compact cameras.
64 GB holds up to 90 minutes of FHD video. A 64GB card is a good choice for low-cost smartphones that lack internal storage. The volume is also suitable for car DVRs and cameras.
128 GB. A card of this capacity can record almost 3 hours of Full HD video. Suitable for any photo or video equipment. For example, when used in a DSLR camera, you can save up to 1000 RAW files.
256 GB or more. A drive with this capacity can be purchased for a modern smartphone capable of shooting 4K video. In addition, such a flash drive turns into a good portable drive or can be used in video consoles for installing games.
Memory card compatibility with Android
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Unfortunately, support for specific types of microSD is added to certain devices by gadget manufacturers, and not by Google along with the operating system, so there is no universal method for checking the compatibility of a memory card with your smartphone or tablet. The most reliable ways are to contact the manufacturer's technical support or view the characteristics of the gadget.
If you can’t find out the device’s compatibility with memory cards, you should resort to common sense: older devices do not support the microSDXC format - in other words, memory cards larger than 32 GB will not work on them.
Huawei devices definitely need to find out the form factor of the memory cards that are supported by their smartphone. The fact is that some gadgets of the Chinese corporation (at the time of writing - the Mate 20 series, as well as the P30 and P30 Pro smartphones) can only work with branded memory cards. Their form factor, called Nano SD, is exactly the same as that of Nano-SIM SIM cards.
FAT32 Format program interface
If your smartphone or tablet does not support a memory card with a large capacity, but it is simply necessary, then you can resort to an unofficial solution: format a large-capacity microSD into the FAT32 file system (although it officially cannot work with drives with a capacity larger than 32 GB). To do this, we recommend using the free FAT32 Format program, which you can download from the official website (by clicking on the screenshot there). But keep in mind: there is no guarantee that a formatted memory card will work on a previously unsupported device (although the probability is high). In addition, the performance of the FAT32 file system on drives with a capacity of more than 32 GB is much lower than on memory cards with a smaller capacity. Therefore, you should resort to this method only as a last resort - if you cannot do without a capacious microSD.
How to choose an SD memory card by form factor
There are three versions of SD drives, which differ in size:
SD is the largest form factor: 32 x 24 mm. Nowadays these drives are found mainly in large devices.
miniSD is a card measuring 20 x 21.5 mm. Currently, no manufacturer produces devices for it, so such drives are almost never used.
microSD is the most popular form factor. These are the smallest cards that we buy for smartphones, tablets, cameras and many other gadgets. Card size: 11 x 15 mm.
There are special adapters for microSD cards that change their form factor to SD size. Photo: pixabay.com
UHS interface support
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Some memory cards support the UHS high-speed data transfer protocol. Usually it is indicated on the microSD itself. At the moment, there are several generations of the UHS interface, the choice between which is quite simple - the higher the numerical index, the greater the speed.
- UHS-I - transfer speed up to 104 MB/s.
- UHS-II - transfer speed up to 312 MB/s.
- UHS-III - transfer speed up to 624 MB/s.
- SD Express - transfer speed up to 985 MB/s. At the time of writing, advanced memory cards with PCIe 3.0 / NVMe interface under the SD Express logo are practically not sold.
The mobile device itself may not support the UHS interface - in this case, it makes no sense to overpay for a memory card with this protocol.
Rating of the best memory cards for smartphones
ADATA Premier microSDXC
A budget model that hundreds of users have heard about. Of course, it is impossible to give a 100% guarantee for the protection of personal data from loss, but the device works properly and without failure. This option is more suitable for people who are not greedy, but buy a flash drive as a spare, because anything can happen.
The write speed reaches 25 MB per second, and the read speed is 85 MB/s. Of course, it doesn’t reach the top level, but the card is also in the budget segment, and not in the premium class. As many users note: the main thing is that the drive copes with its main task, and other characteristics are not so important.
The memory capacity is 128 GB, this is enough for the smartphone to take on a second life and be filled with new films or TV series. A nice bonus is the SD adapter, which is sold along with the flash card. So, a person will insert the adapter into a computer or laptop (if it has a special connector) and download everything they need in a couple of clicks, but how long it will take is another question.
The average cost is 530 rubles.
NADATA Premier microSDXC
Advantages:
- Speed class 10;
- Price;
- Memory;
- Works well with the phone.
Flaws:
- There is a high risk that the card will stop functioning;
- Sometimes it doesn't work correctly on the phone.
Kingston Canvas Select microSDXC
This option will become a lifeboat in a sea of budget fakes. The manufacturer has long established itself in the market and has been in demand for more than a quarter of a century. Therefore, if a person cares where to store information, then he will never regret buying this model.
The memory capacity is 128 GB. Write speed reaches 10 MB/s, read speed – 80 MB/s. There is support for UHS-I, which allows the device to be used not only in smartphones, but also in some camera models as a backup drive.
However, the card has some drawbacks. For example, due to the cost of 890 rubles and extensive production, the risk of encountering a defect increases. So a person can buy a device, enjoy it all day, and the next day it turns out that the flash drive is faulty. Therefore, buying a memory card for smartphones is comparable to a box of chocolates: you will never know what filling you will get.
Just in case, transfer all important data to the cloud, and only then trust the card or move on to the next model.
Minimum cost – 890 rubles.
Kingston Canvas Select microSDXC
Advantages:
- Works well;
- Suitable for smartphone;
- Branded;
- Meets specifications;
- Price.
Flaws:
- Risk of getting defective.
Transcend microSDXC
People who cannot take risks should pay attention to this option. In terms of price-quality ratio, it surpasses the previous ones. Also, apart from positive emotions, the purchase will not cause anything. The card will not break the next day or after. With a probability of 89%, the device will last the 2 years stated by the manufacturer and will not fail its owner in a critical situation.
Speed class – 10. Recording reaches 45 MB/s, of course, there may be a small error, but a person is unlikely to notice it. Reading is 95 MB/s, which puts the drive on par with top models. There is support for UHS-I. Memory capacity 128 GB.
The user can use this card in almost any modern device; it will cope with all tasks. It will be possible to download dozens of movies in FullHD, thousands of songs or a couple of seasons of your favorite TV series thanks to such a little friend. Any boring evening will become colorful, and having a card reader, you can watch movies on a laptop with a group or a couple, in conditions of weak Internet. Therefore, buying a flash drive is not such a useless step, but on the contrary.
The average cost is 1175 rubles.
Transcend microSDXC
Advantages:
- Reliable brand;
- 12 month warranty;
- Value for money;
- Write and read speed;
- Adapter included;
- Stylish design;
- Long work.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Samsung MB-MC128GA
This model is intended for people who store a lot of important data on their phone and are very afraid of losing everything at once. The drive from the famous Samsung brand will not lose even a unit of information, will not damage files and will last a long time, making the device richer every day.
This option already belongs to the middle price category and is not an overpayment for the brand, but an investment in the future. A person will be able to sleep peacefully and not think about possible problems.
The information recording speed reaches up to 90 MB/s, which allows the flash drive to be used even in professional equipment. Reading reaches 100 MB/s. There is full support for UHS Class 3. Memory capacity is 128 GB. It has a rating on Ya.Market of 5.0, compiled from more than 200 reviews, which speaks about the quality of the product, only on the positive side.
The characteristics declared by the manufacturer are pleasing not only to the eyes; to be convinced of this, you only need to watch the test video or carry out the testing yourself.
The average cost is 1,560 rubles.
Samsung MB-MC128GA
Advantages:
- Speed work;
- The parameters are not overestimated;
- Low price for such functionality;
- Brand quality;
- Life time;
- Functionality.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
SanDisk Extreme
This microSDXC model is a great companion for professionals, with applications ranging from webcams to professional cameras. However, the main thing is not this, but the fact that the card functions properly under any circumstances and here we are not talking about technology. According to the manufacturer, the flash drive is able to withstand extreme conditions and then function as before, without violating the stated characteristics. For this reason, 8 out of 10 professionals trust this company.
Write and read speeds are 90 MB/s and 160 MB/s, respectively. Supports UHS-I. VSC speed – V30. The kit includes an SD adapter, which makes use easier and work easier. Memory capacity – 128 GB.
The average cost is 2000 rubles.
SanDisk Extreme
Advantages:
- Speed indicator;
- Work in extreme conditions;
- Works with all devices;
- The choice of professionals.
Flaws:
- There is a usage limit, beyond which you can say goodbye to the card.
How to distinguish a fake from the original
Photo by Shpock
Very often, unscrupulous sellers sell fake memory cards - under the guise of microSD with a tenth class and a capacity of 128 GB, they sell 8 GB memory cards with a fourth class. The problem is that the fake cannot be seen using standard means - the drive controller is programmed in such a way that it provides false information about the volume to the computer. As a result, Explorer in Windows and settings in Android display what the controller reports - a fake volume of 128 GB.
The result of the H2testw program, indicating testing of a fake memory card
To test a memory card, you need to use a special program - we recommend the free H2testw for Windows, which can be downloaded from the official website (it is in German, but in the program itself you can select English. After testing, the utility will display the writing speed, as well as the amount of lost data - if about 55 GB are lost in a 64 GB drive, then its actual capacity is 8 GB. As an alternative to H2testw, you can use FakeFlashTest or any other similar program.
Rating of flash drives for DVRs
SDXC Micro Sony 128GB
This model from a Taiwanese manufacturer will serve the driver for several years, recording almost every movement and removing old videos. For security, there is a special tab that protects the data. Speed class – 10, with a maximum data transfer speed of 100 MB/s. The kit includes an adapter for SD, which makes operation easier.
Using this card, the driver will not lose the necessary information in a short period of time, and the affordable price will be an excellent motivator for purchase. Supports UHS Class 1.
The average cost is 2400 rubles.
SDXC Micro Sony 128G
Advantages:
- Quality product;
- There are no brakes;
- Speed is high;
- Works flawlessly;
- Verified manufacturer.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
CARCAM SDXC 256Gb
This model is designed for trouble-free operation in DVRs for a long time. The technical characteristics of the card are perfect for shooting video in HD and FullHD formats, which will provide the user with almost complete safety.
Due to the fact that the flash drive uses class 10, the risk that some part of the data will be lost or not recorded is minimal.
The average cost is 3000 rubles.
CARCAM SDXC 256Gb
Advantages:
- Good performance;
- Write speed;
- Reliability;
- Data protection.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Samsung EVO Plus MB-MC256GA
Thanks to this model, not a single event will remain only in the driver’s memories. The memory card supports UHS Class 3. The writing speed is 90 MB/s, while reading is 100 MB/s, which is an excellent indicator for modern devices.
If a person decides to buy a memory card from this company, he will forget about even the most common problems for a long time. The drive operates quickly and reliably over a long period of operation, which is confirmed by hundreds of positive reviews and recommendations.
The average cost is 3490 rubles.
Samsung EVO Plus MB-MC256GA
Advantages:
- Quality;
- High speed;
- Functionality;
- Brand;
- Price;
- Long service life.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
How not to buy a fake
Photo by AndroidPIT
Fake memory cards are often sold in unofficial stores and trading platforms such as AliExpress - where returning the device and getting money back is extremely problematic or even impossible. Therefore, even if you find a fake, the lost time and money will not be returned.
To avoid purchasing a fake microSD, you must adhere to the following rules:
- If possible, you should buy a memory card from large retail chains - they purchase goods directly from manufacturers and the risk of getting a counterfeit is minimal.
- If a memory card costs much less than others with similar characteristics (without any promotion or discount), then it is most likely counterfeit.
- Some manufacturers themselves lie about the characteristics of their products, so you should give preference to well-known brands: Samsung, SanDisk, Kingston, Toshiba and the like. Well-known companies value their reputation and produce devices with high-quality components, giving them a long warranty (in some cases even a lifetime).
