SDHC vs SDXC: How to choose a memory card between Mirco sd card and?

How to identify SD, SDHC vs SDXC?

When it comes to memory card, although it is a small thing that everyone is familiar with, there is a lot of knowledge. Many people think that buying a memory card just needs to confirm “capacity” and “brand”, but in fact, the memory card specifications have a lot of know-how. Even one SD memory card is divided into several types. Whether it is used for smart phones, tablets, digital cameras or monocular cameras, there are some points that must be taken note! Do you know the difference between SDHC vs SDXC for SD card and micro SD?

It can be clearly seen from the above table that SD, SDHC and SDXC are mainly in the difference in capacity. The capacity below 2GB is called SD card, and 4GB~32GB is called SDHC . As for 64GB or more, it is called SDXC. About memory card, the main difference is this, in other words, you don’t mind about the term SDHC or SDXC, just choose the capacity just fine!

(Image credit: Dellwa)

Understanding the Differences: SDHC vs. SDXC Cards

When it comes to choosing between SDHC and SDXC cards, understanding their operational differences and physical compatibility is crucial. Let’s delve into each aspect to help you make an informed decision.

Operational Differences

1. Capacity and Format:

SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity): Ranges from 4GB to 32GB. It’s perfect for everyday tasks like storing photos, videos, and music.
SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity): Offers a much broader range, from 64GB up to 2TB. This makes it ideal for storing high-resolution video footage, like 4K and 8K, and using in professional-grade cameras.

2. File System:

SDHC: Typically uses the FAT32 file system.
SDXC: Primarily formatted with the exFAT file system, supporting larger files.

3. Speed Classes:

Both SDHC and SDXC cards come in various speed classes determined by their read/write speeds. While both can achieve high speeds, SDXC cards generally offer more options for high-performance needs.

Physical Compatibility

1. Compatibility with Devices:

SDHC Cards: Can be used in most devices with an SDHC or SDXC compatible slot. These cards are versatile, often used in cameras, smartphones, and gaming consoles.
SDXC Cards: Ensure the host device has an SDXC logo for compatibility, as these cards are not backward compatible with hosts that only support SD or SDHC cards.

2. Year of Manufacture:

For newer laptops and devices (post-2008), compatibility with SDXC cards is more reliable. Older devices might require updates or adapters.

3. Adapter Needs:

While SDHC cards work smoothly in many devices, caution is needed when dealing with different slot sizes like microSD. Adapters are often used to bridge between standard SD and smaller formats.

Handling and Durability

Both card types are designed to be resilient, with many offering features like waterproofing and shock resistance. Regardless, careful handling can prolong their lifespan and improve reliability.

Understanding microSDHC and microSDXC Cards: Capacities and Use Cases

When it comes to microSD cards, grasping the differences between microSDHC and microSDXC formats can guide you in selecting the right card for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of their storage capacities and common use cases.

Storage Capacities

microSDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity): These cards range from 2GB to 32GB. They were a leap forward from previous standard SD cards, which had a maximum of 2GB. The FAT32 file system is typically used with microSDHC cards, facilitating their operation across multiple devices.
microSDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity): Starting at 32GB, these cards can go up to a significant 2TB. With the adoption of the exFAT file system, microSDXC cards handle large files efficiently, making them suitable for high-capacity needs and faster data access.

Use Cases

microSDHC

Personal Media Storage:
- Ideal for storing music, photos, and videos. They integrate well with smartphones, tablets, and portable media players, allowing easy access to entertainment on the go.
App and Game Storage:
- While some devices allow applications to be moved to microSDHC cards, support can vary. Many Android devices can use these cards to house apps and games; however, iOS devices generally do not support this feature.
Videography:
- Great for recording HD video, provided the card matches the speed requirements (like Class 10 or above for smooth recording).
Gaming Consoles:
- Many gaming consoles use microSDHC cards for extra storage for game saves, downloadable content, and more.

microSDXC

Photography:
- Widely used in digital cameras, especially high-resolution ones like DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Their large storage accommodates extensive photo and video shoots.
Computing Devices:
- Enhance storage for laptops and desktops with built-in card slots, particularly useful for professionals handling large files, such as video editors.
Gaming:
- A popular choice for modern gaming consoles, like the Nintendo Switch, due to their high capacity and quick loading speeds.
Mobile Devices:
- Support expansion of storage in select smartphones and tablets, perfect for users needing additional space for apps, media, and other data.
Drones:
- Preferred for aerial footage, as they effortlessly store and transfer high-quality video captured during flights.

For both microSDHC and microSDXC cards, it’s crucial to ensure device compatibility before purchasing, especially with older devices that may require a firmware update to support these cards.

Three memory card types classified with capacity:

SD Card-Secure Digital Card: below 2GB
SDHC Card-Secure Digital High Capacity Card: 4GB~32GB
SDXC Card-Secure Digital eXtended Capacity Card: 64GB~2TB

On the other hand, SD memory card is currently the most widespread micro-storage device, and the specifications are getting more and more advanced with the change rapidly technology. When the traditional memory card reaches 2GB, it is necessary to support more than 2GB in FAT32 format, so it is more than 2GB. The capacity defines the SDHC specification, so the 2GB or more memory cards that are purchased now are marked and named by SDHC! In other words, SDHC or SDXC is actually the difference in capacity!

Therefore, when you purchase a memory card, after selecting the capacity, the most important thing is “how to choose the speed”, and the speed is of course as fast as possible!

For the currently available memory cards, most people recommends that “at least buy Class 10”, but “strongly recommend to buy Class 3 (U3)” specifications, especially flagship smart phones, digital cameras. These devices require 4K high resolution video!

As for the purchase, you need to choose UHS-I or UHS-II. This depends on your device support. Usually UHS-I supports the most devices, UHS-II will be used in some higher-level videos. Appears on the device, but this is mainly for some professional-grade video equipment. The average user does not care too much about UHS-I or UHS-II, because this is for most consumer electronic devices, such as smart phones and digital cameras. It won’t cause much impact because it is the specification of the device, regardless of speed or capacity!

Are there more high-end SDXC cards compared to SDHC cards?

When comparing high-end SD cards, you’ll find a greater selection among SDXC cards than SDHC cards. While both SDHC and SDXC can achieve fast read and write speeds, it’s the SDXC cards that dominate the premium segment. SDHC cards generally occupy the basic to mid-range categories, offering fewer options for those seeking top-tier performance. So, for anyone in search of a memory card that excels in speed and advanced features, SDXC cards provide a more extensive range of high-end choices.

The Evolution and Milestones of SDXC Cards

Introduction to SDXC
The journey of Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) cards began with a significant leap forward from previous memory card formats, promising vastly larger storage capacities and faster data transfer speeds. Introduced by the SD Association in January 2009, these cards could initially support storage up to 2TB with speeds reaching 300 MB/s, thanks to the default use of the exFAT file system.

Early Groundbreaking Releases
In March 2009, the first SDXC card hit the market, boasting a capacity of 32GB and impressive read/write speeds. However, it took about a year before compatible devices became available, including digital cameras, camcorders, and mobile phones.

Expanding Capacities and Speed Enhancements
As technology advanced, the early 2010s saw the introduction of SDXC cards from various companies, with capacities frequently climbing from 64GB. By the end of 2014, the relentless innovation led to the release of a groundbreaking 512GB SDXC card, offering substantial storage for consumers and professionals alike.

Professional-Grade Developments
Innovations weren’t limited to consumer products. Professional applications saw the introduction of MicroP2 cards in 2012, designed for high-performance video use. These cards, utilizing UHS-II technology, could be adapted for use with existing high-end video equipment.

Significant Milestones in microSDXC Cards
The evolution continued with microSDXC cards pushing the boundaries of miniature storage solutions. Notable landmarks included the debut of a 128GB card in 2014, which was succeeded by staggering increases to 200GB in 2015 and beyond. By 2019, the market witnessed the introduction of 1TB microSDXC cards, setting a new bar for portable storage capabilities.

Looking Ahead: SDUC
In the ongoing quest for more storage and speed, 2019 saw the birth of the Secure Digital Ultra Capacity (SDUC) format. This next-generation technology supports mammoth capacities up to 128TB and data transfer rates of up to 985MB/s, heralding a new era for digital storage solutions.

Through these historical developments, SDXC cards have continually redefined the possibilities of digital storage, catering to both everyday users and high-demand professional environments.

But capacity is not too important; speed is crucial!

Yes, the capacity is basically fixed, it is not very important, because you buy 32GB is 32GB, buy 64GB or 64GB, basically there is no difference in capacity, the important point is… speed!

Plus, what is the distinction between Class 2, Class 4, Class 6, Class 10, and UHS-I and UHS-II ?

Now, Class 2, Class 4, and Class 6 will basically recommend skipping and not buying. The most basic is to buy Class 10, and even U3 level is better. If you upgrade in the future, it will be convenient for other devices to continue using it!

Speed will directly affect the precious time of data access. When you buy a 64GB memory card, the speed is only Class 6 (transmission rate 6M), and the same 64GB memory card, but the speed is U3 (transmission rate 30M ) Memory card, The difference in file access time is several times!

We often hear that many people just buy a memory card and insert it into a smartphone. The result is that the phone is unstable, or the files are often missing when taking pictures and videos. In fact, the main reason is due to the quality of the memory card!

What do you use the memory card for?

When buying a memory card, basically used for smartphones, cameras, and computers, it is strongly recommended to buy a high-speed card, and at least the U3 specification will be ideal. Especially when recording, speed really affects a lot!

As for the 720p / 1080p driving recorder, Class 10 is enough, and even lower Class 2/4/6 specifications are strongly discouraged!

For the current “most” smart phones, digital cameras, sports cameras, and other electronic devices, it is usually safer to buy a fast memory card as much as possible, and it can be continued to be used for other devices during future upgrades, but “Older” OR “Low Spec” products, when you buy a high-speed card, it may cause the situation that the high-speed card is not supported because the device is too old, so you must first know what device you are buying for the memory card, Buy the right product to play a good function!

Key Features of the SDHC Extreme Pro 32GB Card

Generous Storage: With a capacity of 32GB, this card can store around 9,000 photos, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts who need plenty of room for their images.
Rapid Transfer Speeds: Benefit from fast data transfer with read speeds reaching up to 120MB/s, allowing you to move photos and videos to your computer swiftly, typically in under a minute.
Extended Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with a lifetime warranty, ensuring your storage needs are covered for the long haul.
Compatibility Note: This card is designed for standard SD card slots and is not compatible with devices that require a microSD form factor.

Before using a memory card, please open device for a formatting test.

Some people like to format it on a computer or use a memory card directly without additional formatting. This may cause your memory card to become unreadable when you put it on your camera, phone, or driving recorder!

After all, each device supports different formats. It is recommended that after the memory card is purchased, it should be placed in the device and formatted by the device to avoid format compatibility issues with the device! (Especially driving recorder)

Memory card is a product with great price changes. Unless it is really necessary, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy a “large-capacity” memory card. For example, the mainstream is 64GB, so buying 64GB is the most economical price now!

Although there are up to 128GB or 256GB, the price is too expensive. At this time, you don’t have to buy a large, high-capacity memory card deliberately. After all, the price difference is too great. It is better to buy a mainstream 64GB memory card and then choose a faster product. This is more practical!

When the price of large-capacity memory cards goes down in the future, you can purchase another new card and upgrade it alternately, so that you can not only add a few more cards to back up, but also transfer the old card with the same speed to other devices for use!

Buying the current mainstream memory card specifications is not only more economical, but also more widely supported, because you may buy a 128GB memory card, but the device may not support it!

This situation usually occurs on smart phones and driving recorders. Some driving recorders only support a maximum capacity of 32GB, so you can’t use 64GB when you buy it.

Some smartphones only support up to 64GB. At this time, you buy 128GB for it, and it does not support it, so be sure to check whether your device supports it before buying. Therefore, It may not be best to buy the largest capacity.

Features of a SanDisk SDXC Extreme Pro 128GB Card

The SanDisk SDXC Extreme Pro 128GB card offers a suite of useful features designed to meet the needs of photographers and videographers alike.

Ample Storage Capacity: With 128GB of space, this card can store approximately 36,000 photos, making it ideal for those who need to capture large volumes of high-resolution images and videos.
High-Speed Performance: Enjoy rapid file access with a read speed of 200MB/s. This allows for quick viewing and transfer of photos and videos, enhancing your workflow efficiency.
Lifetime Warranty: Rest assured with the card’s lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use and reliability.
Device Compatibility: It is important to note that this card is not compatible with devices that only accept microSD slots, so ensure your device supports standard SDXC cards.

This robust combination of features makes the SanDisk SDXC Extreme Pro 128GB card an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike, blending substantial storage capacity with reliable speed and support.

Contact Dellwa now to find the best memory solutions for your business!

Memory card related News: How to recognize false capacity between bulk memory card?