Introduction to SD card Types, Formats, and Other Aspects
SD cards are non-volatile and portable storage devices that are compatible with most electronic devices. They are one of the most popular and go-to storage options due to their advantages over other devices. SD cards are small, lightweight, and durable. Moreover, they enjoy compatibility with an exceptional range of devices.
As a successor to MMC cards, SD cards have gained a position where they are almost impossible to replace due to their ability to offer more resistance to shock and vibrations than traditional storage devices. Almost all modern-day devices such as drones, gaming consoles, digital cameras, and smartphones use SD cards.
One of the key reasons for the importance of SD cards is their affordability. From novice users to expert techies, SD cards provide easy access to files. SD cards are commonly used to store photos, videos, and music files from different devices, allowing data to be accessed whenever required.
The portability and affordability factors make SD cards a popular choice among users.
To cater to different needs and provide excellent device support, there are 3 various sizes of SD cards available.
Different Types of SD Cards
- Standard SD cards: Standard SD cards are the largest in size, measuring about 32.0 mm in length and 24.0 mm in width. These cards are commonly used in digital cameras, laptops, video cameras, and car navigation systems.
- Micro SD cards: Micro SD cards are very small compared to other SD cards with lengths and widths of 11.0mm and 15.0 mm which were designed mostly to support mobile phones and tablets.
- Mini SD cards: Mini SD cards are smaller than standard SD cards, measuring approximately 21.5 mm in length and 20.0 mm in width. However, mini SD cards did not see widespread adoption and were quickly replaced by micro SD cards,
SD cards are evolved in terms of capacity and format as an upgrade to fulfil the developing user requirements
| SD | SDHC | SDXC |
| Capacity from 128MB to 2GB | Capacity from 2GB to 32GB | Capacity from 32 GB to 2TB |
| FAT12/FAT16 | FAT32 | exFAT |
SDXC vs. SDHC cards and their compatibility with different devices
As SDXC and SDHC are new formats of SD cards that are two different types of SD cards with different storage capacities and filesystems, it is important to know the compatibility of these cards with various devices
| SDHC | SDXC |
| Maximum storage capacity of 32GB | Maximum storage capacity of 2TB |
| FAT 32 file system | exFAT file system |
| SDHC is Backward compatible with older formats such as SD or MMC | SDXC is not backward compatible |
| Available on both speed class 10 or UHS-I | Available on both speed class 10 or UHS-I |
SD cards are used in various devices for handling huge amounts of data, it is important to have an SD card that is fast in reading and writing data. SD cards are classified according to the speed(represented using MB/s) and Class(the minimum speed at which the data can be written into the card). Below we have mentioned the categories used to classify SD cards based on write speed-
- Class 2: These cards have a minimum write speed of 2MB/s.
- Class 4: These cards have a minimum write speed of 4MB/s.
- Class 6: These cards have a minimum write speed of 6MB/s.
- Class 10: These cards have a minimum write speed of 10MB/s.
In addition to the class ratings, there are also higher-speed UHS (Ultra High Speed) ratings available for SD cards, which are used for devices that require even faster write speeds. Here are the UHS speed classes:
- UHS Speed Class 1 (U1): These cards have a minimum write speed of 10MB/s.
- UHS Speed Class 3 (U3): These cards have a minimum write speed of 30MB/s.
| Factors | UHS-I | UHS-II |
| Read/Write speed | 104 MB/s | 312 MB/s |
| Compatibility | UHS-I Cards are not compatible with UHS-II devices | UHS-II cards are compatible with UHS-I devices, and can only function at UHS-I speeds |
| Pins | Single Row pins | Two Row Pins |
| Price | Less Expensive | Expensive |
Purchasing an SD card can be very overwhelming, as there is a wide range of options to choose from, If you find yourself in a position where you are unable to make a decision, we have mentioned a few tips that you may take into account before selecting your SD card so that you may have an error- free experience
Things you should know before buying an SD card for your device
- Know your storage needs: Buy an SD card that fits both your needs and the device’s requirements. Strike a balance so that you never run out of storage when you’re trying to take a picture or record a video.
- Check your device compatibility: Check your device manual to know what format of SD card your device supports, some devices support SDHC cards while others support SDXC
- Consider speed class: If you are going to use the SD card to transfer data between devices or record high-resolution videos, you need to consider the speed classes mentioned on the card to have a faster data transfer rate
- Brand and price: Buy an SD card from a reputable brand even though they have a big price tag so that you have access to customer forums and support in case of any errors
- Reviews: Check customer reviews and expert product reviews before buying an SD card so that you can see if the card performs as advertised
- Stay away from Counterfeit SD cards: Avoid buying SD cards that have unrealistic storage, and fake branding sold at a cheaper price than the contemporary SD cards
Maintenance of the SD card is essential if you intend to use it for a long time, to ensure the best performance and to keep the data safe and accessible at any given point in time.
Few tips on maintaining the SD card
1. Keep the SD card Clean: Although SD cards are capable of withstanding shocks and radiation, it doesn’t mean they can withstand all external harm due to external factors like heat and humidity to ensure no physical damage occurs.
2. Ensure proper usage of SD cards: Do not abuse your SD card by abruptly unplugging it while data is being written to it.
Use a high-performance card reader, always eject the card properly, and avoid sudden shutdowns to keep the SD card healthy and the data stored in it safe.
3. Check the card for errors: Keep an eye out for errors that appear out of nowhere, as they can be a potential symptom of an upcoming disaster.
4. Back up frequently: Back up your SD card frequently so that you can always be prepared in case of data loss.
5. Avoid stuffing your card completely: SD cards that are completely filled cannot provide the promised read/write speed. Additionally, it can increase the chance of data corruption on your SD card.
6. Avoid using SD cards on multiple devices: Do not switch SD cards between multiple devices as there is a chance of Virus or Malware attack and they could create compatibility issues.
7. Format frequently: Formatting your SD card frequently is recommended to keep it healthy and safe from errors, and to ensure compatibility with the file system of your device.
There are other scenarios in which your SD card can become damaged or corrupted, or you may accidentally delete a photo or video file while transferring it from one device to another.
There are other scenarios in which your SD card can experience data loss due to accidental deletion, corruption, or logical damage all of which can be repaired using dependable photo recovery software
In these cases, there is a possibility for recovery using capable recovery software like Yodot Photo Recovery Software.
Yodot Photo Recovery can help you recover all your lost data on all types and formats of SD cards, regardless of the data loss scenario. It has a simple user interface that can be easy for any novice user to recover data using the software.
Conclusive Words: Data stored on SD cards is vital, whether for professional or personal use, and users rely on them. This article covers almost all possible aspects of an SD card, including types, class speeds, tips for choosing the right SD card for your needs, maintenance, and an excellent photo recovery tool like Yodot Photo Recovery for recovering photos from any data loss scenarios that may occur.
We hope it helps you if you are out there looking to gain some information about SD card aspects.
About the Author:
Lucy is a data recovery and management content writer who focuses on data security and tech solutions. She’s highly respected in the industry and enjoys staying up-to-date with the latest trends. In her free time, she likes reading and hiking.
