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Of all the storage options invented in the late 1990s, the SD card is remarkable for its longevity. Together with the USB flash drive, it’s a convenient and portable method for transporting files, instantly recognized by its clipped rectangular shape. In its early days, SD cards had minimal storage, but the 512-megabyte announcement in 2001 was groundbreaking.
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Today, SD cards offer more storage than ever, and the microSD format packs this power into a device no bigger than a fingernail, making it a stellar option for mobile tech—from cameras and smartphones to handheld gaming devices. Modern microSD cards boast a massive capacity of up to 2 TB.
Understanding the limits of this tiny memory card format is crucial for photographers, gamers, and media enthusiasts. Additionally, not every device with a microSD slot will support all microSD cards. Here’s what you should know about the highest capacity microSD card available today.
SD capacity tops out at 2 TB
Currently, the highest capacity microSD cards for consumers reach 2 TB of storage. While that’s substantial—most devices, from smartphones to laptops, rarely feature 2 TB of built-in storage—it’s worth noting that storage is context-dependent. 2 TB might seem nearly infinite when handling smaller files like documents, but it’s quite limited when working with high-quality video.
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Photographers often carry multiple SD cards to ensure they have ample space while shooting. However, 2 TB cards come at a cost. The SanDisk 2TB Extreme microSDXC retails for an eye-watering $230. In August 2024, Western Digital announced plans for 4 TB microSD and 8 TB SDUC UHS-I cards expected for 2025. These will undoubtedly come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re in the market for high-capacity microSD cards, be cautious of scams. There are listings for microSD cards touting 1 or 2 TB capacities at ridiculously low prices. These cards may mislead your computer into thinking they have that much storage but will fail with large file transfers. Such scams even affect reputable retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Thus, if you desire a high-capacity memory card, prepare to pay a realistic price.
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Not all devices support high capacity SD cards
“Wow,” you might exclaim. “I can add two whole terabytes of storage to my phone with a microSD card? Count me in!” While it’s indeed thrilling that such immense storage can be contained in a card the size of your fingertip, high-capacity microSD cards may not work with your device, even if it supports the microSD standard.
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Consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, one of the few Android devices with a microSD card slot. As a flagship tablet, it’s a top contender on the market. However, examining Samsung’s specifications reveals its microSD card slot accommodates cards with a maximum of 1.5 TB storage. Likewise, if you’re using a Galaxy S10 smartphone, the SD slot can only handle cards up to 512 GB.
But don’t assume a 2 TB SD card is out of the question just because your device is older. The Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, is capable of using a 2 TB SD card with ease. For those uncertain about their device’s SD capabilities, the best approach is to consult the manufacturer’s specification sheet. However, if you’re tempted to upgrade merely for the latest tech, remember that older SD cards can still serve a purpose.
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