WDC launches world’s fastest 256GB microSD card

Western Digital Corporation (WDC), a global storage technology and solutions leader, has announced the new 256GB SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card – the fastest microSD card in its class at the MWC 2016 Asia in Shanghai.

It offers transfer and write speeds of up to 100MB/s and 90MB/s respectively making it capable of transferring a full HD movie in under 45 seconds. Users can record an estimated 14 hours of 4K UHD video on the 256GB card, making it ideal for high-performance drones, action cameras, and 4K-capable smartphones, among other devices.

The company also introduced another 256GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card, Premium Edition, the first 256GB card enhanced for mainstream Android-based smartphone and tablet users with read speeds of up to 95MB/s. At this speed, people can move files quickly up to 1,200 photos in just one minute. However, the company hasn’t mentioned about the write speed. The new card is also capable of storing more than 24 hours of Full HD video.

“Our microSD cards are now at the centre of many consumer devices, and we’re excited to not only raise the bar with the launch of the world’s fastest microSD card, but to offer a family of 256GB microSD cards that give consumers the flexibility they need to capture life at its fullest,” said Dinesh Bahal, Vice President of SanDisk Product Marketing at Western Digital.

“As a leading global storage provider with one of the most trusted flash brands, we take pride in transforming the way consumers capture, store and share their content.”

Whether taking pictures, shooting 4K UHD or Full HD video, or storing high-fidelity music, the new 256GB cards give consumers the freedom to capture and carry a massive amount of content on their devices without concern about storage limitations.

“At DJI we focus on creating easy-to-use drone technology for consumers to capture everyday exploration and photography, and our customers need quick and reliable access to their high quality aerial footage,” said Eli Morgan Harris, strategic partnerships, DJI. “With the new 256GB SanDisk microSD UHS-I cards, they now have greater flexibility to capture their content on high-performance storage and the peace of mind knowing they can continue shooting when it matters most.”

Both these cards are shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof and are compatible with microSDHC and microSDXC supporting host devices.

Earlier this year, SanDisk had introduced Extreme PRO 64GB and 128GB cards with transfer speeds of up to 275MBps.

The 256GB SanDisk Ultra microSDXC UHS-I card, Premium Edition, will be available worldwide in August 2016 at an MSRP of US$ 149.99. The 256GB SanDisk Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card will be available worldwide in Q4 2016 with a MSRP of US$ 199.99.