A Samsung or SanDisk micro SD card is usually the best way to go when you want to expand your smartphone or camera storage. With the correct adapter, you can also use these storage cards with laptops and gaming consoles too. Our SD card information page has everything you need to know about micro SD cards specifications, formats, speeds and choices.

The Different SanDisk Micro SD Cards Explained

Currently, there are four standards for micro SD cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC and SDUC. Understanding these standards is crucial to picking the correct micro SD card for your unique data storage environment.

  • The most important point to remember is that the four standards are not forward compatible on the device level. So, a device designated with an SDHC slot cannot read SDXC cards but only SD and SDHC cards. Therefore, you should always check the specifications of your device and pick a card similar to the highest standard that is supported, or which is the common denominator if you’ll use the card in multiple devices.
  • The next important aspect to consider is the total capacity of the micro SD card. Each of the four standards has a maximum capacity, and although this might seem irrelevant on the surface, it can have a significant impact on data storage, portability, and recovery. The reason for this is that the various file systems created on the card have size limitations and portability restrictions. The FAT16, for SD cards with capacities up to 2GB, and FAT32, for SDHC and SDXC cards with capacities up to 32GB, systems are universally supported by computer operating systems and most electronic devices. It is the proprietary exFAT system for SDXC cards with a storage capacity between 32GB and 2TB. Linux is not currently supported and is only available with the latest operating systems and devices that pose the most significant problem.
  • Furthermore, one might be tempted to either format a small capacity SDHC card with the FAT16 system or an SD card with the FAT32 system. Unfortunately, this might seem to work but will quickly result in a corrupted file system as some devices might be hardwired to access certain cards using specific file systems. It’s a particular concern when using adaptors such as a 128GB micro SD to USB converter, as the card will be using exFAT.

Further Considerations When Choosing Samsung Micro SD Cards

For everyday use in a tablet or smartphone, your devices’ specifications conveniently select which card to buy when you follow the guideline above. For use in more specialised devices, such as cameras and gaming consoles, it becomes necessary also to look at some more differences between all the available micro SD cards on the market.

  • The data throughput rating of the micro SD card is an essential factor for recording video with a camera. For a gaming console, a fast and sustainable throughput can prevent lagging and stuttering during gameplay, making all the difference between winning and losing. Again, look at the specifications for your device in this regard because although cards are backwards compatible on this level, you don’t gain anything by using a UHS-II card in a device that can only handle UHS-I.
  • Micro SD cards are also defined by their maximum write speed, using Class 2, 4, 6, 10, U1 and U3 as designations. Class 10 and U1 are the same for all basic purposes, being a write speed of 10MB/s. This classification is sometimes confusing, especially now that manufacturers have also started using “video” ratings for their cards.

Looking at SanDisk and Samsung for Your Next Card

It is always wise to choose cards manufactured by a well-known company, as this assures overall quality. Nobody likes losing irreplaceable family photos because of opting for an unknown card brand because it advertised similar specs as a SanDisk Extreme 64 GB Micro SD at half the price.

  • SanDisk. The company was formed in 1988 and quickly became famous for its innovative and reliable flash memory products. Western Digital acquired the company in 2016 and continues to uphold the name with superior SD cards and SSD’s. The manufacturer backs SanDisk cards to a very high degree, including the provision of software tools for data retrieval. The cards are also waterproof (but must be completely dry before using again) and immune to standard strength X-rays and magnetic fields.
  • Samsung. Founded in 1938, Samsung has since become the recognised powerhouse in world electronics. The company sells its products both under its own name or as components for other companies to use in their products. Choosing Samsung micro SD cards is a solid choice, and you can be confident that the card will function reliably for many years, most probably end up being re-used in the replacement device.

Component Hub sells only genuine SanDisk and Samsung micro SD cards which we have sourced from reputable importers and suppliers. If there is any doubt about the authenticity of our products, we’ll gladly provide a supply chain statement, which is very important because of the high prevalence of fake cards on the market.

Contact us if you have any doubt about which 64GB micro SD Card is the best choice for your device.

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