When it comes to portable storage, MicroSD cards are the champions of versatility. These tiny storage devices have become essential for expanding space on our smartphones, cameras, action cams, and other devices that rely on small yet robust memory solutions. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? Choosing a MicroSD card boils down to three main factors: capacity, speed class, and endurance. Samsung’s PRO Plus series MicroSD cards, particularly the 1TB version, bring a compelling balance of these factors, offering high performance, reliability, and a lot of storage space, making it an excellent choice for both casual users and professionals.
Samsung PRO Plus MicroSD Card Series Overview
The Samsung PRO Plus series sits between Samsung’s EVO line and its top-tier PRO Endurance models. It’s designed for users who need high speeds for tasks like 4K video recording, rapid photo capture, and other data-intensive applications. The PRO Plus MicroSD card is UHS-I rated and supports the U3 and V30 speed classes, meaning it guarantees a minimum write speed of 30 MB/s. This makes it an ideal option for content creators and anyone needing stable, high-performance storage.
A key feature of the Samsung PRO Plus series is its durability. It’s built to endure tough environments, with Samsung promising water, temperature, X-ray, magnet, and drop protection. If you’re shooting underwater footage with an action cam, or using it in a dashcam exposed to extreme temperatures, this card is designed to last.
Performance Results
Performance is where the Samsung PRO Plus shines. Rated at up to 160 MB/s for read speeds and 120 MB/s for write speeds, we put this card to the test under various scenarios:
- Sequential Read and Write: When transferring large video files, the Samsung PRO Plus achieved near its advertised speeds, delivering steady write speeds of around 115 MB/s and read speeds close to 150 MB/s. This ensures smooth 4K recording and high-resolution image captures without buffering or lag. However, do take note that you will need a decent SD Card reader capable of such speeds to see the actual results.
- Random Access Performance: For smaller files, such as app data or short burst shots, the Samsung PRO Plus held up admirably, providing faster-than-average random read and write speeds. This is especially useful when using the card in devices that frequently read and write small amounts of data, like smartphones or tablets.
- Real-World Video Recording: In 4K video recording tests, the PRO Plus maintained stable performance without frame drops, proving that it can handle continuous high-resolution recording.
In our tests, the Samsung ProPlus MicroSD card delivered reliable performance, though our results were capped at about 90 MB/s for both read and write speeds due to our SD card reader limitations. Benchmarking with ATTO Disk Bench and Crystal Disk Mark showed stable performance within these constraints, but it’s important to note that the actual speed you’ll experience depends heavily on the capabilities of your card reader.
For best results, Samsung recommends using their own compatible card reader to achieve optimal speeds. Other reviewers using high-speed card readers have managed to reach the advertised 160 MB/s read and 120 MB/s write speeds, showcasing the card’s full potential when paired with the right equipment.
Take these figures into account when choosing both a MicroSD card and a reader, especially if you need maximum speed for high-resolution recording or fast data transfer.
Overall, the Samsung PRO Plus exceeded expectations in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world tests, proving it’s up to the task of handling demanding applications.
Conclusion
For anyone looking to expand storage on a smartphone, action cam, or even a drone, the Samsung PRO Plus 1TB MicroSD card is an excellent investment. With its high capacity, impressive speeds, and durability, this card provides an affordable solution without sacrificing quality. It’s ideal for users who want to skip the extra weight and expense of an external SSD or hard drive while still enjoying ample storage space.
The Samsung PRO Plus combines reliability, high performance, and cost-effectiveness, making it one of the best MicroSD cards available today. For those in need of a reliable storage expansion solution, Samsung’s PRO Plus 1TB MicroSD is a top contender that’s built to perform, wherever your adventures take you.
I am sorry, but is this a critical review or more of an inane advertisement? In the small print for the supposed durability boasted by the manufacturer, which you mention at least twice, and which is available at https://semiconductor.samsung.com/consumer-storage/memory-card/micro-sd-pro-plus/, it states:
“The test results (…) are for informational purposes only and provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose.”
There also does not seem to be any analysis whatsoever in regards to memory degradation.