Samsung and Sandisk are the best manufacturers of rock-solid, reliable, long-lasting Micro-SD cards. However, the performance and speed of either Manufacturer's Micro SD cards depends on which model is purchased. UNFORTUNATELY, the bewildering array of different Micro SD models is what confuses many consumers.
Here is the list of Samsung Micro-SD models and their respective virtues:
1. EVO: This is the economy model. Like all Samsung cards, it is reliable and high-quality. But its Read & Write speeds are lowest of all models: it is rated at 48 MB/s (and at least 30% slower in real usage). Also, it is not quite as 'weather-proof' as the higher-end models. Even so, the EVO is perfect to use a smartphone's external SD for STORAGE of files, such as photos, documents, videos, and system back-ups. The EVO is the best quality Micro-SD for a budget price.
2. EVO PLUS (aka EVO SELECT): This is Samsung's mid-tier Micro-SD. Its speed is rated up to 80 MB/s. Based upon my own tests involving real world usage, the Read speeds consistently fall in the low 70s MB/s...which is about 40% faster than the plain EVO. However, the Write speeds are not much better than the EVO. Also, the Evo Select (aka Plus) is more resistant to adverse environmental conditions...which makes it a better choice if the card is often used outdoors (such as in a smartphone). PERSONALLY, I bought the EVO PLUS to use as my Note 4's external SD for storage of photos and music. I wanted the faster Read speed since I often access the music files. (For storage used mostly as an 'archive', the plain EVO is fine.)
3. PRO: The advertised Read/ Write Speeds are "Up to 90MB/s Read and 80MB/s Write speed". I previously purchased a PRO 32 GB card...and the true speeds are more like low 80s for Read and mid-70s for Write...which is quite respectable for a Micro SD card. The PRO serves best for those who regularly shoot video with their smartphones and have the 'camera' save to external Micro SD card. The faster write speeds makes for a smoother transfer of video footage to 'storage'.
4. PRO PLUS (aka PRO SELECT): This is the PREMIER Micro-SD card rated "Up to 95MB/s Read and 90MB/s Write speed". My real world testing showed actual Read speeds in the mid-80s and Write speeds in the high-70s to low-80s (which is outstanding for a micro SD card). I personally bought the PRO PLUS for my Note 7 to shoot Ultra HD video, which is about the only reason to buy this card.
The Pro Plus fast Read/ Write speeds are best for 4K and 3D video recording....but beyond that benefit, the PRO PLUS (or SELECT) is overkill for most ordinary users.
The VERDICT is: EVO PLUS / SELECT is an Excellent Value for a Mid-Tier Micro-SD Card
Samsung's EVO PLUS / SELECT offers the best compromise between value and performance. Not Samsung's fastest micro SD but not Samsung's most expensive card either. The Evo Plus (Select) is the best choice for most consumers (who don't shoot video frequently).
NOTE: Samsung vs Sandisk.
In my opinion, Samsung and Sandisk are the best manufacturers of reliable, high-quality Micro SD cards. In fact, I find very little difference between those two brands. HOWEVER, I do prefer the Samsung Micro SD for use in Samsung mobile devices...while I prefer Sandisk for NON-Samsung mobile devices, such as LG.
| Special Feature | water_proof, magnetic_proof, x_ray_proof, temperature_proof |
|---|---|
| Read Speed | 80 Megabytes Per Second |
| Item Weight | 0.5 Grams |
| Write Speed | 80 MB per second |
| Hardware Interface | MicroSD |
| Secure Digital Association Speed Class | Class 10 |
| Product Dimensions | 0.59"L x 0.43"W |
| RAM | 64 GB |
