SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD UHS-I Card (SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA) Review: 512GB 4K Video Performance

Table of Contents

Introduction

The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD UHS-I card (model number SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA) promises blazing-fast speeds for capturing high-resolution photos and 4K video. With a hefty 512GB capacity, this card is marketed towards users of action cameras, drones, and smartphones who demand reliable and high-performance storage. I’ve put this card through its paces over the past few weeks, subjecting it to various real-world scenarios to assess its performance and durability. This review will delve into the details, providing an honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Key Features

The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD card boasts several key features designed to enhance its performance and reliability. These include SanDisk’s QuickFlow technology, which aims to optimize performance for faster media offloads. The advertised read speed of 200 MB/s and write speed of 140 MB/s are particularly enticing for high-bandwidth applications. Furthermore, the card is designed to withstand extreme conditions, boasting shockproof, temperature-proof, and waterproof protection. This is crucial for users operating in challenging environments.

Performance Testing

I tested the SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD card (SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA) using a variety of devices, including a high-end Android smartphone, a GoPro Hero 10, and a DJI Mavic 3 drone. In each case, the card performed admirably. 4K video recording was smooth and uninterrupted, with no noticeable buffering or dropped frames. Transferring large video files to my computer was significantly faster than with lower-speed cards, thanks to the 200 MB/s read speed. While the write speed of 140 MB/s wasn’t quite as impressive as some of the newer cards on the market, it was still more than sufficient for my needs.

I also conducted several speed tests using various benchmarking tools. The results generally aligned with the manufacturer’s specifications, though real-world performance can fluctuate slightly depending on the device and file type. In summary, the performance of the card consistently exceeded my expectations for day-to-day usage, fulfilling its promise of smooth and efficient data transfer and storage.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: High read and write speeds, reliable performance, large storage capacity (512GB), durable design (shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof), lifetime warranty.
  • Cons: Write speed could be faster compared to some competitors, price point can be relatively high compared to slower cards.

Final Verdict

The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSD UHS-I Card (SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA) delivers on its promises. Its speed, reliability, and durability make it a solid choice for users who need high-performance storage for their 4K video recording devices. While the price point might be a consideration for some, the lifetime warranty and overall performance justify the investment for those who prioritize speed and dependability. I highly recommend it for action cameras, drones, and smartphones where fast transfer speeds and data integrity are critical.

Specification Value
Expandable Memory Type SD
Colour Name black
HDD Storage Capacity 256GB & Above
BUS Speed UHS-I
Storage Capacity 512 GB
Read Speed 200 Gbps
Write Speed 140 MBps
Model Number SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA
Model Name SDSQXCD-512G-GN6MA