The Types of Micro SD Cards: Complete Guide on Their Variants and Uses

Explore the world of possibilities with Micro SD cards ! From the expansive space of SDXC to the unmatched speed of UHS-III, dive into our journey through Micro SD card types . Maximize your storage and power your devices with the right choice.

Índice
  1. Standard micro SD cards
    1. Description and basic specifications:
    2. Storage capacity: from 2GB to 2TB:
    3. Data transfer speed: Class 2 to Class 10:
    4. Common uses and device compatibility:
  2. Micro SDHC (High Capacity) cards
    1. Description and basic specifications:
    2. Storage capacity: from 4GB to 32GB:
    3. Data transfer speed: Class 2 to Class 10:
    4. Recommended Use and Device Compatibility:
  3. Micro SDXC (Extended Capacity) cards
    1. Description and basic specifications:
    2. Storage capacity: from 64GB to 2TB (theoretical):
    3. Data transfer rate: Class 10, UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III:
    4. Recommended Use and Device Compatibility:
  4. Micro SDUC (Ultra Capacity) cards
    1. Description and basic specifications:
    2. Storage capacity: 2TB and more (future):
    3. Data transfer rate: UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III:
    4. Recommended Use and Device Compatibility:
  5. Related questions
    1. What are the differences between a micro SDHC and a micro SDXC card?
    2. What rating speed is best for recording video to a micro SD card?
    3. What is the maximum storage capacity that a micro SD card can support?

Standard micro SD cards

Description and basic specifications:

Standard micro SD cards are the most common and widely used format of micro SD memory cards . They are small in size and designed to provide additional storage on various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, music players and portable video game consoles.

These cards follow the specifications established by the SD Card Association and their design is based on the original SD card standard. The physical dimensions of a standard micro SD card are approximately 15mm x 11mm x 1mm .

Storage capacity: from 2GB to 2TB:

Standard micro SD cards are available in capacities ranging from 2GB to 2TB . Storage capacity refers to the amount of data that can be stored on the card. As technology advances, storage capacities have increased significantly, allowing users to store increasing amounts of photos, videos, music, and other digital files.

It is important to note that the advertised storage capacity of a micro SD card may be slightly less due to the way manufacturers calculate gigabytes (1GB = 1 billion bytes). Additionally, some devices may have compatibility limitations regarding maximum supported capacities. Therefore, it is essential to check device compatibility before purchasing a higher capacity card.

Data transfer speed: Class 2 to Class 10:

Standard micro SD cards are classified into different speed classes that indicate their performance in terms of data transfer speed . These classes are represented by a circled number on the card, ranging from Class 2 to Class 10.

  • Class 2 : Offers a minimum data transfer speed of 2 MB/s.
  • Class 4 : Provides a minimum data transfer speed of 4 MB/s.
  • Class 6 : It has a minimum data transfer speed of 6 MB/s.
  • Class 10 : Offers a minimum data transfer speed of 10 MB/s.

It is important to note that these speed classes refer to the minimum sustained sequential write speed of the card. Cards in higher classes also typically offer faster read speeds, allowing for smoother playback and data transfer.

Common uses and device compatibility:

Standard micro SD cards are compatible with a wide range of electronic devices. Some of the common uses include:

  1. Additional storage for smartphones and tablets : Micro SD cards allow you to expand the storage capacity of mobile devices, which is useful for storing photos, videos, music, applications and other files.
  2. Photography and videography : They are widely used in digital cameras and camcorders to store still images and videos. Photographers and videographers can take advantage of different capacities and transfer speeds depending on their needs.
  3. Music and media players : Portable music players and other media devices often support micro SD cards to store and play music files, audiobooks, and other content.
  4. Portable video game consoles : Some portable video game consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, support micro SD cards to expand storage and allow the installation of more games and downloadable content.

It is important to note that device compatibility may vary by manufacturer and model. Before purchasing a standard micro SD card, it is advisable to check the specifications of the device to ensure that it is compatible and to determine the supported capacities and speeds.

Micro SDHC (High Capacity) cards

Description and basic specifications:

Micro SDHC (High Capacity) cards are a variant of micro SD cards designed to offer higher storage capacities than standard micro SD cards. These cards are based on the SDHC standard established by the SD Card Association and offer greater storage capacity compared to conventional micro SD cards.

Physically, micro SDHC cards are the same size as standard micro SD cards , with dimensions of approximately 15mm x 11mm x 1mm. However, unlike micro SD cards, micro SDHC cards use a FAT32 file system to support larger capacities.

Storage capacity: from 4GB to 32GB:

Micro SDHC cards are available in capacities ranging from 4GB to 32GB . These higher capacities than standard micro SD cards allow users to store a greater amount of data, including photos, videos, music and applications.

It is important to note that devices must support the SDHC standard in order to use micro SDHC cards. Some older devices may not be compatible, so it is advisable to check the device specifications before purchasing a micro SDHC card.

Data transfer speed: Class 2 to Class 10:

Micro SDHC cards are also classified into different speed classes , just like standard micro SD cards. These classes indicate the minimum sustained data transfer speed of the card. Speed ​​classes range from Class 2 to Class 10, with minimum sequential write speeds varying by class.

  • Class 2 : Offers a minimum data transfer speed of 2 MB/s.
  • Class 4 : Provides a minimum data transfer speed of 4 MB/s.
  • Class 6 : It has a minimum data transfer speed of 6 MB/s.
  • Class 10 : Offers a minimum data transfer speed of 10 MB/s.

As with standard micro SD cards, higher class cards can also offer faster read speeds.

Micro SDHC cards are recommended for devices that support the SDHC standard and require a larger storage capacity than that offered by standard micro SD cards. Some common uses and supported devices include:

  1. Higher resolution cameras and camcorders : Micro SDHC cards offer enough storage space to capture high-resolution images and HD quality videos. They are ideal for photographers and videographers who need greater capacity for their multimedia files.
  2. GPS Navigation Devices : Some GPS navigation systems require micro SDHC cards to store maps, points of interest, and software updates.
  3. Portable video game consoles : Like standard micro SD cards, micro SDHC cards are compatible with portable video game consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, to expand storage and allow the installation of more games and downloadable content.

It is important to check the device's compatibility with micro SDHC cards , as some older devices may not support this standard and may only be compatible with standard micro SD cards. Additionally, it is advisable to consider the device's specific data transfer speed and capacity needs before selecting a micro SDHC card.

Micro SDXC (Extended Capacity) cards

Description and basic specifications:

Micro SDXC (Extended Capacity) cards are an advanced version of micro SD and micro SDHC cards , designed to offer even greater storage capacity. These cards are based on the SDXC standard established by the SD Card Association and are capable of offering wider capacities and higher data transfer speeds.

Like micro SD and micro SDHC cards, micro SDXC cards have the same physical size , approximately 15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm. However, micro SDXC cards use an exFAT file system, which allows them to exceed the 32GB capacity limit set by micro SDHC cards.

Storage capacity: from 64GB to 2TB (theoretical):

Micro SDXC cards offer a wide range of storage capacities, starting from 64GB and theoretically going up to 2TB (terabytes) . This provides users with a large amount of space to store a variety of data, such as high-resolution photos, 4K videos, music, documents and applications.

It is important to note that, although the SDXC standard allows capacities of up to 2TB, micro SDXC cards on the market today are mainly available in capacities of up to 1TB.

Data transfer rate: Class 10, UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III:

Micro SDXC cards are rated based on their data transfer speed . Common speed ratings include:

  • Class 10 : Offers a minimum data transfer speed of 10 MB/s. This class is suitable for capturing Full HD (1080p) video and high-speed recording.
  • UHS-I (Ultra High Speed, Class 1) : Provides a minimum data transfer speed of 10 MB/s. These cards have higher performance compared to Class 10 cards, making them ideal for 4K video recording and high-resolution photo bursts.
  • UHS-II (Ultra High Speed, Class 2) : Delivers even faster data transfer speeds than UHS-I cards. These cards are suitable for applications that require high-speed performance, such as 4K video recording at high frame rates.
  • UHS-III (Ultra High Speed, Class 3) : Provides the fastest data transfer speeds available on micro SDXC cards. They are ideal for demanding applications such as 8K video recording and continuous burst imaging.

It is important to check device specifications and performance needs before selecting a micro SDXC card with a certain speed rating.

Micro SDXC cards are recommended for devices that support the SDXC standard and require large storage capacity as well as fast data transfer performance. Some common uses and supported devices include:

  1. Professional Cameras and Camcorders : Micro SDXC cards offer enough storage capacity to record 4K and 8K video, as well as capture images in continuous bursts. They are ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need high performance and large storage capacity.
  2. Virtual and augmented reality devices : Micro SDXC cards are used in virtual and augmented reality devices to store immersive content, such as games, videos and applications.
  3. Portable Storage Devices : Micro SDXC cards can be used in adapters or card readers to expand the storage capacity of devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.

It is important to check the device's compatibility with micro SDXC cards, as some older devices may not support this standard and may only be compatible with micro SD or micro SDHC cards. Also, note that some advanced features, such as 4K or 8K video recording, may require devices that support UHS-I, UHS-II, or UHS-III speed ratings.

Micro SDUC (Ultra Capacity) cards

Description and basic specifications:

Micro SDUC (Ultra Capacity) cards are a category of memory cards that offer even greater storage capacity than micro SDXC cards . These cards are designed to meet the increasingly large data storage demands in electronic devices and are based on the SDUC standard established by the SD Card Association.

In physical terms, micro SDUC cards are the same size as micro SD, micro SDHC and micro SDXC cards, with approximate dimensions of 15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm. However, micro SDUC cards use an exFAT file system and are designed to exceed the capacity limit of micro SDXC cards, offering even greater storage capacity.

Storage capacity: 2TB and more (future):

Micro SDUC cards are intended to offer extremely high storage capacities . Currently, micro SDUC cards available on the market offer a minimum capacity of 2TB (terabytes). However, it is important to note that these capacities may increase in the future as technology advances and new storage technologies are developed.

It's important to note that micro SDUC cards are relatively new to the market and, at the time of writing, the most common capacities are 2TB. As technology advances, micro SDUC cards with even higher capacities may be released to the market.

Data transfer rate: UHS-I, UHS-II, UHS-III:

Micro SDUC cards support different data transfer speed ratings, just like micro SDXC cards. These speed ratings include:

  • UHS-I (Ultra High Speed, Class 1) : Provides a minimum data transfer speed of 10 MB/s. UHS-I cards are suitable for applications requiring standard data transfer performance.
  • UHS-II (Ultra High Speed, Class 2) : Delivers faster data transfer speeds than UHS-I cards. These cards are ideal for applications requiring high-speed performance, such as 4K video recording at high frame rates.
  • UHS-III (Ultra High Speed, Class 3) : Provides the fastest data transfer speeds available on micro SDUC cards. They are ideal for demanding applications such as 8K video recording and continuous burst imaging.

The choice of speed rating will depend on the specific needs of the device and the applications that will be used with the micro SDUC card.

Micro SDUC cards are recommended for devices that require extremely high storage capacity and fast data transfer performance . Some common uses and supported devices include:

  1. Professional Cameras and Camcorders : Micro SDUC cards are ideal for recording videos in 4K, 8K and higher resolution, as well as capturing images in continuous bursts. These cards provide sufficient storage capacity for high-quality, large projects.
  2. Portable Storage Devices : Micro SDUC cards can be used in adapters or card readers to significantly expand the storage capacity of devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This is beneficial for those who handle large amounts of data, such as multimedia files, documents, and applications.

It is important to note that micro SDUC cards may have specific compatibility requirements. Not all older or lower-end devices may be compatible with micro SDUC cards. Before purchasing a micro SDUC card, it is advisable to verify device compatibility and specific data transfer speed and capacity needs.

What are the differences between a micro SDHC and a micro SDXC card?

Micro SDHC and micro SDXC cards are very similar in size and appearance, but they have important differences in capacity and data transfer speed.

The initials HC and XC indicate the maximum storage capacity of the card. Micro SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards have a maximum capacity of 32GB. On the other hand, micro SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) cards can have a maximum capacity of up to 2TB.

Another big difference between these two cards is the data transfer speed. Micro SDXC cards have a data transfer speed class 10, which means they can transfer data at speeds of up to 10MB/s. On the other hand, micro SDHC cards have a lower data transfer speed of class 4 or 6, which means they can transfer data at speeds of up to 4MB/s or 6MB/s.

In summary, the main difference between a micro SDHC card and a micro SDXC card is the maximum storage capacity and data transfer speed. If you need a larger storage capacity and a higher data transfer speed , then you should opt for a micro SDXC card.

What rating speed is best for recording video to a micro SD card?

The ideal rating speed for recording video to a micro SD card depends on the type of video being recorded. For high-definition video such as 4K, a card with a UHS-3 (Ultra High Speed ​​Class 3) speed rating is recommended, meaning it can write data at a minimum speed of 30 MB/s. For lower quality videos like Full HD, a UHS-1 rated card is sufficient.

Importantly, the read and write speed of the micro SD card also plays a crucial role in performance when recording video. Higher speed cards offer faster writing and faster data transfer, meaning the camera can record video without interruptions or loss of quality.

In short, if you want to record high-quality video on your micro SD card, make sure you have a card with a UHS-3 rated speed and a high read and write speed.

What is the maximum storage capacity that a micro SD card can support?

The maximum storage capacity that a micro SD card can support depends on the standard to which it belongs. Currently, the most common standard is SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity), which allows a maximum capacity of up to 2 terabytes (TB) . However, it is important to note that not all micro SD cards support this capacity, since it also depends on the maximum capacity supported by the device in which you want to use it. Typically, the most popular options on the market are 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB micro SD cards .

In conclusion, there are different types of micro SD cards on the market, each with different characteristics and capacities. It is important to know our needs and the use we will give it to choose the appropriate card. Micro SD cards are essential for expanding the memory of mobile devices and cameras , allowing us to store a large number of photos, videos and documents. In addition, technology continues to advance and improve the capacities of micro SD cards, even reaching 1TB . In short, micro SD cards are a key element in our digital lives and choosing the right one can significantly improve our user experience .

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