Micro SD cards

MicroSD Cards

Let’s take a look at the basics of microSD cards, as there are a few things that are worth knowing before you buy.

microSD, microSDXC cards and microSDHC cards: what’s the difference?

When browsing microSD cards, you’ll probably notice that they aren't referred to as microSD cards at all! You’ll see them referred to as either micro SDXC cards or micro SDHC cards. What’s the difference between these types of cards?

On a basic level, nothing at all. Standard micro SD cards are the same size and shape as micro SDXC and micro SDHC cards. The difference is mostly in capacity – the ‘HC’ in SDHC stands for ‘high capacity’, while the ‘XC’ in SDXC stands for ‘eXtended capacity’. Card technology has come along far enough that these two types have effectively replaced standard SD.

Which is better, SDHC or SDXC? It depends on what you prioritise. SDHC cards can reach up to 32GB of storage, while SDXC can theoretically store up to 2TB (though microSD cards tend not to go this high). SDXC cards can also support faster transfer speeds – for instance, let’s compare the SanDisk 32GB Extreme microSDHC and the Sandisk 128GB Extreme PRO microSDXC. Both have the same capacity. The SDHC has read speeds of 100MB/s, while the SDXC can manage up to 170MB/s. This is the main reason why SDXC cards tend to be used more in video recording, where fast speeds are necessary to keep up with the high volumes of data. The other side of the coin, of course, is that the SDHC card is more affordable.

Read speeds and write speeds

When shopping for memory cards, you’ll see a lot of discussion of read speeds and write speeds. If you’re not sure what these terms mean, here’s a quick primer.

Read and write speeds are used across all different data storage devices, not only SD cards but also hard drives and USB flash drives. They are used to measure a device’s performance and transfer speed – read speed refers to how fast a device can open a file, and write speed refers to how fast it can save it. These speeds are measured in megabits per second.

Faster speeds have two main benefits – faster file transfers mean it’s quicker to get your images off the card and onto your device and into the cloud. This improves workflow and generally makes life easier. The other benefit is that a fast card can keep up with a fast camera. If you’re shooting lots of high-res images in burst mode, or capturing 4K video, then your card needs to be able to keep up with the volumes of data being thrown at it. To make the process of picking a card easier, the SD association has come up with speed classes to categorise them.

microSD card speed classes

Here’s a quick overview of card speeds:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do microSD cards last?

Current technology means that microSD cards are rated to last for around 10 years, assuming proper care and storage. Of course, they may last longer than that!

Can microSD cards carry viruses?

Yes, a writable microSD card can have a virus transferred to it by any OS. If you think your microSD card has been infected with malicious software then the best thing to do is format it as soon as possible.

Which microSD cards work with the Nintendo Switch?

Any type of microSD card should work with a Nintendo Switch, though for optimal experience, Nintendo recommends choosing a card with a speed rating of UHS-I or higher.

How do microSD cards get corrupted?

Card corruption can be caused by any number of things, but most commonly the cause is physical damage, or improper removal from a device. Take good care of your microSD card, store it in a safe place, and make sure to always eject it properly from a device before removing it.

Can microSD cards be used in cameras?

Generally no, most cameras require you to use SD cards or other similarly sized formats like CFexpress. An exception is action cameras, which generally take micro SD cards. If in doubt, double-check your camera model online – it should be easy to clear up which cards are compatible with a little light googling.

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