If you would like to buy a microSD memory card for your smartphone, it is most likely that with all that there are, you are not sure if it will be compatible with your smartphone. Here are some keys to know if a memory card is compatible with your mobile.
Almost all cards are compatible with your mobile
First of all, it must be said that almost all cards are compatible with your mobile phone if it has a microSD slot. Memory cards generally cause more problems with cameras than with smartphones, mainly because users don't know how. How fast They need to buy a memory card. However, that's not the case with smartphones, because the internal memory of the mobile phone It will always be faster than the memory card. So it's not very smart to buy a very fast memory card for basic use; a standard one is better.
Of course, when we buy a memory card, we must buy a microSD cardIt shouldn't be a standard SD card, but a microSD card. SD cards are for cameras. But you can't use an SD card in a smartphone unless it's a microSD, which are much smaller. If you buy one online, make sure it's a microSD card.
What card is not compatible with my mobile?
Actually, depending on the age of your phone, and whether it's a basic, mid-range, or high-end model, it will be possible to install a memory card of more or less capacityThere is a maximum. compatible mobiles with memory cards up to 2 TB according to the SDXC specification. You won't always find all capacities on the market, so any standard card is usually compatible with the smartphone. We can buy one 200 GB memory card at increasingly affordable prices. However, there are entry-level smartphones compatible with memory cards up to 32 GBIf you buy a 64GB memory card, it probably won't be compatible with your phone if the device only supports SDHC/FAT32. In any case, before buying a memory card for your smartphone, confirms maximum capacity to avoid buying a memory card that is not compatible.
Card types and capacities: SD, SDHC and SDXC
In the market coexist SD, SDHC and SDXCThe key difference is the maximum capacity and the file system: SD (up to 2 GB), SDHC (up to 32 GB, usually uses FAT32), and SDXC (from 64 GB to 2 TB, uses exFAT). If your phone supports SDXC, it will support higher capacities; if it's SDHC, the practical limit is usually 32 GB.
- microSD (SD): for very small capacities.
- microSDHCUp to 32 GB; ideal for photos, lightweight apps, and music.
- microSDXC: from 64 GB to 2 TB; recommended for high resolution video and large libraries.
Speed ​​classes: what they really mean
The minimum sustained write speed is indicated by the Speed ​​Class and UHS Speed ​​Class; for modern video there is also the Video speed classRemember that the maximum figures announced are peaks and not always sustained.
- Speed ​​Class (C): C2, C4, C6, C10 indicate 2/4/6/10 MB/s minimum.
- UHS Speed ​​Class (U): U1 = 10 MB/s, U3 = 30 MB/sUHS-I and UHS-II define the bus and its performance ceiling.
- Video Speed ​​Class (V): V6, V10, V30, V60, V90 (6 to 90 MB/s minimum) for 4K/8K.
If your phone doesn't support the UHS bus, the card will work, but the The reference point will be the Speed ​​Class base. To record 4K on mobile phones, the usual thing is to look for U3/V30 or higher.
Specifications for apps: A1 and A2
If your goal is to install or move applications, look at the Application performance class: A1 y A2These classes guarantee adequate IOPS and random speeds for apps. On Android phones with adoptable storageA2 usually offers a better response; in any case, the internal memory will still be faster.
Megabits vs Megabytes
One point that causes confusion: MB / s that's megabytes per second and Mb / s They are megabits per second. 1 8 bits byte =Therefore, 1 MB/s = 8 Mb/s. If you're watching a 100 Mb/s video stream, that's equivalent to 12,5 MB/s; you'll need a card whose sustained writing exceed that figure by a wide margin.
Quick Compatibility and Purchasing Tips
- Check the mobile specifications if it supports microSD and the capacity limit.
- For general use: microSDXC U1/C10 It's sufficient; for 4K, better U3/V30 or higher.
- For apps: prioritize A2Format the card from your mobile device if you are going to use adoptable storage.
- If your phone is old and only supports SDHC/FAT32, the The limit will be 32 GB.
- Choose reliable brands and avoid limiting the card with slow adapters or readers.
With these clear criteria—card type, maximum capacity supported by your mobile, appropriate speed classes, and the difference between Mb/s and MB/s—you will be able to buy a compatible microSD card without paying extra for features you won't use and ensuring stable performance for both your photos and videos as well as your applications.
