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Accessories microSD Card Class Differences

SeattleYanksFan

Android Expert
Mar 1, 2010
932
242
USA
Can someone please tell me whether the class of microSD really makes a difference for practical use? I don't care about transfer time as much as playing videos, music, etc. without lag (if the class can even affect this). It seems as though for a 16GB microSD, each class costs $20 more than the next class down, and I really don't know that I want to drop $60+ on a microSD (the cheapest I see a 16GB class 6 on newegg) card unless I must.

Also, if anyone knows of a good deal on a Class 6 16GB, please do share! Thanks


EDIT: My bad, this belongs in Accessories if a mod cares to move it.
 
As long as you're not encoding the videos at an ABSURD reso/frame rate ( read: waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than you would EVER need for a phone ) then Class 2 is absolutely fine. I've got a 16gb/class 2 Sandisk that works like a champ. I have files as large as >1GB at 1080p/1264kbps/23fps that look absolutely stunning on the DI screen.

If you have to watch your videos in 1080p at 5000kbps/60fps then I'd suggest either a Class 6 card or a lobotomy. :D
 
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As long as you're not encoding the videos at an ABSURD reso/frame rate ( read: waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than you would EVER need for a phone ) then Class 2 is absolutely fine. I've got a 16gb/class 2 Sandisk that works like a champ. I have files as large as >1GB at 1080p/1264kbps/23fps that look absolutely stunning on the DI screen.

If you have to watch your videos in 1080p at 5000kbps/60fps then I'd suggest either a Class 6 card or a lobotomy. :D

Nah, I'm not picky on video quality. How is the transfer speed to the card?
 
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Nah, I'm not picky on video quality. How is the transfer speed to the card?

It's fine for me but I'm not that picky. I know that transferring a lot of MB is going to take some time. I think I was able to transfer just over 2300 MP3s ( about 10 GB ) in about 30 mins if I recall correctly ( but don't quote me on that).
 
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It's fine for me but I'm not that picky. I know that transferring a lot of MB is going to take some time. I think I was able to transfer just over 2300 MP3s ( about 10 GB ) in about 30 mins if I recall correctly ( but don't quote me on that).

You're my new hero. So many threads here insist that you must get a class 6, which just isn't true.

Yes, Class 6 will be faster, but only in transferring the files. It will be slower when you're putting things onto it, but patience is a virtue. A Class 2 card will be fine, if you want a Class 6... then get one. It won't hurt, but it really isn't going to help you once you've got your stuff onto it. If you plan to move enough stuff back and forth than the transfer speed is really going to be an issue... maybe you should get a laptop, instead.
 
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