What is a Memory Card? Types, Uses & Best Picks (2025)

A memory card is a tiny, portable storage device used to hold data in cameras, smartphones, tablets, consoles, dashcams, and more. Built with non-volatile flash memory, they're critical for expanding storage and moving files between tech devices with ease—especially in India, where phones and gadgets often offer expandable space!

Common Uses of Memory Cards

  • Expand storage in smartphones, tablets, or basic phones
  • Save photos and videos in cameras, drones, and security cams
  • Store game files for consoles or portables
  • Continuous recording in dashcams/CCTV
  • Fast transfer of large files between devices (with an adapter or reader)

Types of Memory Cards (Format, Class & Capacity)

Format microSD, SD (full), CompactFlash, CFexpress (pro cameras)
Speed Classes Class 2/4/6/10: For HD video/photos
UHS-I/U3 & UHS-II: For 4K/8K video, pro photographers
V10/V30/V60/V90: Guaranteed video minimum speeds (10–90MB/s)
A1/A2: Faster, app-driven access in phones/tablets (recommended for Android!)
Capacity Types microSD: Up to 128GB
microSDHC: Up to 32GB (older phones)
microSDXC: 64GB to 2TB (modern devices)
SDXC (full): Up to 2TB for DSLRs or pro gear

Top 5 Memory Cards on Amazon India (2025)

SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC UHS-I A2 V30
Perfect for phones, 4K action cams, and smartphones—a best-seller for speed.
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Samsung EVO Plus 256GB microSDXC UHS-I U3
Great for Android expansion—huge capacity, waterproof, fast write speeds.
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Kingston Canvas Select Plus 64GB microSDHC
Excellent reliability for phones or dashcams; includes adapter.
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Sony 64GB SF-E Series UHS-II SD Card
Pro-level SD with high speeds for video shooters and DSLRs.
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Strontium Nitro A1 16GB microSDHC UHS-I
Reliable, fits budget phones/tablets, fast enough for HD video.
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Pendrive vs Memory Card — Quick Comparison

Device Pendrive: Connects to USB; quick file transfers, backups
Memory Card: Fits into slot; works inside phones, cameras, consoles
Capacity Pendrive: 8GB–1TB+
Memory Card: 2GB–2TB (check device limit)
Speeds Pendrive: Up to 400MB/s+ (USB 3.2/4)
Memory Card: Up to 300MB/s (UHS-II/SDXC)
Best Use Pendrive: Quick file movement, bootable OS, cross-device
Memory Card: Phone/camera/dashcam/storage expansion
🔥 Disclosure: This post includes Amazon affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. For the latest memory card compatibility, always check your device’s official specs.