Memory Card Speed Class Analysis: The Difference Between Class 10, UHS-I, and UHS-II

9/9/20241 min read

white concrete building during daytime
white concrete building during daytime

When purchasing a memory card, the speed class is a key consideration factor, especially when you use high-end devices or shoot high-definition videos, the speed determines the efficiency of data transfer. So, what is the difference between Class 10, UHS-I, and UHS-II? This article will answer the meaning of these speed classes and their applicable scenarios.

  1. What is Speed Class? The speed class determines the minimum speed of data writing on the memory card. For everyday users, understanding different speed classes can ensure that the memory card you choose can keep up with the needs of the device.

Class 10: This is one of the most common standards at present, indicating a minimum writing speed of 10MB/s, which is enough to support 1080p high-definition video recording and basic file storage. For most smartphone and ordinary camera users, Class 10 memory cards are a good choice.

UHS-I: Ultra High Speed standard, divided into U1 and U3 levels. The minimum writing speed of U1 cards is 10MB/s, while U3 cards reach 30MB/s, suitable for recording 4K videos and burst mode of high-end cameras.

UHS-II: This is currently the fastest standard, with writing speeds that can reach 150MB/s or even higher, suitable for professional photographers and video creators. UHS-II cards perform particularly well in 4K and 8K video recording and are suitable for devices that require high-speed reading and writing, such as drones and high-end cameras.

  1. How to Choose the Right Speed Class? Daily Use: For ordinary users, Class 10 cards are enough to meet the needs of daily shooting, storing photos, and transferring data.

High-Definition Video Shooting: If you often record 1080p or 4K videos, it is recommended to choose at least UHS-I U3 level memory cards to ensure the stability and smoothness of the video.

Professional Photography and Video Creation: UHS-II cards provide excellent writing speeds and are the best choice for users engaged in professional photography or needing to record 8K videos.

By understanding these speed standards, you can easily choose the right memory card according to your device and usage scenario, avoiding speed bottlenecks that affect device performance.