USB Alternative

SD Cards

SD and microSD cards are removable flash-storage formats used in cameras, phones, computers, and other electronics.

Characteristics · Articles

SD card characteristics

Compare form factors, capacity families, USB overlap, and common uses.

Primary purposeRemovable flash storage
Common form factorsSD and microSD
Capacity familiesSD, SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC
Dedicated slot requiredYes, unless a card reader or adapter is used
USB relationshipAlternative removable storage medium; USB card readers also bridge SD cards to USB ports
Typical devicesCameras, phones, computers, audio recorders, game systems, and embedded devices
Current statusCurrent removable-storage family

Sources: SD Association Standard Overview, SD Capacity Standards, and SD Speed Classes.

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