Secure Digital (SD) cards are used in almost all electronic devices and gadgets these days. And albeit many manufacturers now do without SD cards on their flagship devices, they are still very much used in music players, digital cameras, laptops, tablets, as well as other mid-range and low-end smartphones.
However, despite looking almost alike, all SD cards not created equally. There are different types of SD cards and they possess different components that distinguish them from each other and qualifies them to be used on different devices. Knowing SD card characteristics like speed class, sizes, and capacity is crucial as it helps determine the type of SD card to buy and what devices to use them on.
SD Card Speed Classes
“Speed Class” is the common phrase used by manufacturers to define the write speed of an SD card. Write speeds (or Speed class) is basically an indication of how fast (or slow) data would be saved to the memory modules of your memory card. There are four (4) types of Speed classes and they are uniquely designed to cater to different customer demands. The exact write speeds of these SD card Speed Classes are not always stated by manufacturers but the SD Association has a guideline to educate users on the minimum/expected write speeds of all the Speed Classes:
1.Standard/Regular Classes
Class 2 is the slowest SD card Speed Class there is and they sport a minimum write speed of 2MB/s. SD cards rated as Class 2 are best used for devices and activities that demand lower write speeds e.g for capturing videos on a standard video recorder.
Class 4 , on the other hand, have a minimum write speed of 4MB/s, suitable for recording high-definition content and commonly used on smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras.
Class 6 ‘s write speed is pegged at 6MB/s and is the least class of SD card you should consider using if you want to record 4K content. With a minimum write speed of 10MB/s, Class 10 is the fastest SD card Speed class and suitable for recording Full-HD content.
SD Card Speed Classes | TechSpot.com
- UHS
Interestingly, there are two additional “special” speed classes called the “ Ultra High Speed (UHS) Classes “. These classes — UHS 1 and UHS 3 — are relatively more expensive than the standard classes and they have minimum write speeds of 10MB/s and 30MB/s respectively. SD cards with the UHS Speed class ratings were basically designed for professional used and were born out of the need for faster write speed by 4K-capable cameras. are basically designed for professional use
- Video Speed Class
Denoted by the letter “V + write speed”, the Video Speed Class is relatively a new one. SD cards with the Video Speed Class 10 (V10) rating have a minimum write speed of 10MB/s. Other Video Speed Class ratings are V30 (30MB/s write speed), V60 (60MB/s), and V90 (90MB/s). The V-rated Speed Class SD cards are what you’ll be needing if you intend to record 8K video content.
Identifying the Speed Classes of SD cards
To know the Speed Class of an SD card, simply look on the body of the SD card. The standard Speed Classes are denoted as a capital “C” with a digit embedded within it. SD cards with the special UHS classes are denoted as a capital “U” with a number also embedded within. The image below illustrates:
SD Card Speed Classes Logos
If there isn’t any logo/symbol on your SD card, you most likely have a “Class 0” SD card — a card produced before the Speed Class rating system was introduced. Also, you should know that Class 0 SD cards are typically slower than Class 2 cards.
Sizes and Capacities
While microSD cards are the most common sizes of SD card you’d find out there typically used in camcoders , digital cameras, smartphones etc., there are other sizes of SD cards. Basically three sizes .
1.(Regular) SD, SDHC and SDXC cards
Regular SD Card (with dimension)
These are also known as “Full-Size SD cards”. They fit into ‘Full-size SD card ports” which you’d mostly find on laptops, desktop computers, and most digital cameras. SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) and SDXC (Secure Digital eXtra Capacity) are also of the same physical size as SD but they were introduced to hold more storage capacity.
For clarity: SD can hold a max of 2GB, SDHC can hold more than 2GB but less than 32GB while SDXC can hold as much as 2TB; 1 Terabyte-sized SD cards are already available .
- MiniSD and MiniSDHC
Mini SD Card (with dimension)
Though these are not too popular and barely used, they do exist. These are miniaturization of the regular “Full-size” SD card. Physically, MiniSD and MiniSDHC are about half the size of the SD, SDHC and SDXC cards. When used with cameras and laptops, they are often attached to SD adapters.
- MicroSD, MicroSDHC and MicroSDXC
Micro SD Card (with dimension)
MicroSD cards are also called TransFlash cards (TF cards) and the MicroSD range is the smallest available SD card you can buy. Their small physical size allows them to be commonly used on smartphones, tablets, camcorders, Soundbars, S Smart IP cameras, and other IoT devices. MicroSD have a max storage capacity of 2GB, microSDHC storage can take up to 32GB and microSDXC currently maxes out at 2TB.
File System in SD Card: SD vs. SDHC vs. SHXC
You probably are confused by a number of jargons you’ve read above, particularly on SD, SDHC, and SDXC. These terms basically describe the capabilities of an SD card based on the file system used in their creation.
MicroSD cards, for instance, use either FAT 12, FAT 16, or FAT16B file systems which allows for a transfer rate of 25MB/s and maximum storage capacity of 2GB. MicroSDHC, on the other hand, uses a FAT32 file system which permits the storage to max at 32GB and a transfer speed of 50MB/s. Lastly, MicroSDXC uses the exFAT file system which further extends the storage capacity of an SD card to up to 2 TB.
A Samsung 64GB Micro SDXC Card with UHS 3 Speed Class
For obvious reasons, regular SD cards are not as regularly patronized anymore as you’d majorly find SDHC and SDXC cards when shopping for an SD cards. And they are literally the best, really. Conclusively, when buying an SD card, do not expect to get the full storage capacity specified on the package of the SD card. This is because the file system that makes up the SD card have to be stored on it and it takes up some space. So when next you buy a 64GB SD card and the available space when you insert it to your device is 58GB, do not freak out; the retailer did not hand you a counterfeit.
Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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