Which microSD Card Do I Need? Phone, Dashcam, Drone, Switch & Camera Guide
Buying a microSD card should be simple, but the logos on the packaging — U1, U3, V30, A2 — make it confusing. This guide explains what those markings mean and which card suits each device, so you get the right card first time.
Quick answer: which microSD card for which device?
| Device | What to look for | Good options |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone or tablet | A1 or A2 (app performance), 128GB or more | Kingston Canvas Select Plus, SanDisk Ultra GO, SanDisk Extreme GO |
| Dashcam or home security camera | A high endurance card designed for continuous recording | SanDisk High Endurance |
| Drone or action camera (4K video) | U3 and V30 as a minimum | Kingston Canvas Go! Plus, SanDisk Extreme GO |
| Nintendo Switch (original, OLED, Lite) | microSDXC UHS-I, A1 or better | Kingston Canvas Select Plus, SanDisk Ultra GO |
| Nintendo Switch 2 (game storage) | Must be a microSD Express card — standard microSD cards cannot be used for Switch 2 games | microSD Express cards only |
| Camera with an SD slot | Use a full-size SD card (or a microSD in its adapter) | SD cards |
What do the markings mean?
Capacity: microSDHC vs microSDXC
microSDHC cards are 32GB or smaller. microSDXC cards are 64GB and above. Almost every device made in the last ten years supports microSDXC, but older devices may only accept microSDHC — check your device manual if it is more than a few years old.
Speed class: U1 and U3
The U-number inside a "U" symbol is the minimum sustained write speed: U1 = 10MB/s, U3 = 30MB/s. This matters for recording video — a card that cannot write fast enough will drop frames or stop recording.
Video class: V10, V30, V60, V90
The video speed class is also a minimum sustained write speed, in MB/s: V10 = 10MB/s (Full HD), V30 = 30MB/s (4K), V60 and V90 for high-bitrate 4K, 6K and 8K. For 4K drones and action cameras, choose V30 or higher.
App performance: A1 and A2
A1 and A2 cards are tested for the small, random reads and writes that apps make. If you install apps or games to the card on a phone, tablet or handheld console, choose A1 or A2.
"Up to" read speeds
Headline speeds such as "up to 200MB/s" are maximum read speeds, often only reached with a compatible card reader. They are useful for comparing how quickly you can copy files off the card, but the U and V classes tell you what the card can reliably record.
Why dashcams need high endurance cards
Dashcams and security cameras record constantly, overwriting the card again and again. Ordinary cards are not designed for that workload and can fail without warning. High endurance cards are built and tested for continuous recording, so they last much longer in these devices.
How much capacity do I need?
- 32GB–64GB: dashcams, basic security cameras, light phone use
- 128GB–256GB: most phones, the original Nintendo Switch, drones and action cameras
- 512GB–1TB: large game libraries, heavy 4K video shooting
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a microSD card in a camera with an SD slot?
Yes — most microSD cards come with an SD adapter. For cameras, a full-size SD card is usually the simpler choice.
Will a faster card work in an older device?
Yes. Cards are backwards compatible and will run at the speed the device supports, as long as the device supports the card's capacity type (microSDHC or microSDXC).
Does the Nintendo Switch 2 work with normal microSD cards?
No. The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for game storage. Standard microSD cards work in the original Switch, Switch OLED and Switch Lite.
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Not sure which card fits your device? Call us on 01422 363983 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) and we will help.