Sandisk Extreme vs Extreme Plus vs Extreme Pro: Which Wins?
Choosing the right storage solution can be a headache, especially when you’re faced with a lineup like the SanDisk Extreme series. Today, we’re diving deep into the battle of the titans: SanDisk Extreme vs. Extreme Plus vs. Extreme Pro. This comparison aims to help you navigate the options and pick the perfect card for your needs.
We will be focusing on the key differences between the SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Plus models. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, whether you’re a professional photographer, a casual content creator, or simply someone who needs reliable, fast storage. Both offer compelling features, but one might be a better fit for your workflow.
So, buckle up as we dissect the specs, performance, and real-world applications of these popular storage solutions. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which SanDisk Extreme card reigns supreme for your specific requirements, helping you make an informed decision and avoid storage woes.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | sandisk extreme | extreme plus |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | Up to 150MB/s | Up to 180MB/s |
| Sequential Write Speed | Up to 60MB/s | Up to 90MB/s |
| Interface | UHS-I | UHS-I |
| Form Factor | SD Card | SD Card |
| Video Speed Class | V30 | V30 |
| Application Performance Class | A1 | A1 |
| Durability | Waterproof, temperature proof, shockproof, and X-ray proof | Waterproof, temperature proof, shockproof, and X-ray proof |
| Warranty | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited |
| Capacity Options | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to 85°C | -25°C to 85°C |
| Write Protection Switch | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Read Speed
- Sandisk Extreme: Offers read speeds up to 150MB/s, making it suitable for quick data transfers and general use. It’s a solid performer for everyday tasks. However, it may not be as fast as higher-end models.
- Extreme Plus: Boasts read speeds up to 180MB/s, providing a noticeable speed boost compared to the Extreme. This results in faster file access and quicker loading times. The increase in speed is a significant advantage.
- Winner: Extreme Plus
Write Speed
- Sandisk Extreme: Provides write speeds up to 60MB/s, adequate for most photo and video shooting. It’s a reliable choice for users who don’t require the absolute fastest write speeds. However, it can be a bottleneck for demanding workflows.
- Extreme Plus: Features write speeds up to 90MB/s, offering a significant improvement over the Extreme. This allows for faster burst shooting and quicker video recording. This feature is a great advantage.
- Winner: Extreme Plus
Video Recording Capabilities
- Sandisk Extreme: Suitable for Full HD (1080p) video recording and can handle some 4K video recording, but performance may vary depending on the camera. It offers a good balance of performance and price. However, may not be ideal for professional 4K video.
- Extreme Plus: Optimized for 4K UHD video recording, ensuring smooth and reliable performance. This makes it an excellent choice for videographers and content creators. It’s designed specifically for this purpose.
- Winner: Extreme Plus
Durability
- Sandisk Extreme: Built to withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and water, making it a rugged choice for various environments. It offers good protection for your data. The protection is a good feature.
- Extreme Plus: Also offers excellent durability, with similar protection against temperature, shock, and water. This ensures your data remains safe in challenging conditions. The durability is a good feature.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Capacities
- Sandisk Extreme: Available in a range of storage capacities, typically including options like 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Offers a range of storage options. However, availability may vary.
- Extreme Plus: Available in similar storage capacities to the Extreme, providing flexibility for different user needs. Offers a range of storage options. However, availability may vary.
- Winner: Tie
Application Performance Class (A Class)
- Sandisk Extreme: May or may not have an A Class rating, depending on the specific model and capacity. This impacts its performance for running apps directly from the card. Check the specific specs for this feature.
- Extreme Plus: May or may not have an A Class rating, depending on the specific model and capacity. This impacts its performance for running apps directly from the card. Check the specific specs for this feature.
- Winner: Tie
Warranty
- Sandisk Extreme: Typically comes with a standard warranty, often covering defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty provides peace of mind. Check the specific warranty terms.
- Extreme Plus: Usually includes a similar warranty to the Extreme, providing comparable protection against potential issues. The warranty provides peace of mind. Check the specific warranty terms.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Sandisk Extreme: Generally more affordable than the Extreme Plus, making it a budget-friendly option. It offers a good price-to-performance ratio. However, it does not have the best performance.
- Extreme Plus: Priced higher than the Extreme, reflecting its enhanced performance and features. The higher price may deter some users. However, the performance is better.
- Winner: Extreme
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Sequential Read Speed | extreme plus |
| Sequential Write Speed | extreme plus |
| Value | sandisk extreme |
What They Have in Common:
- Durability: Both cards are built to withstand harsh conditions, including being waterproof, temperature-proof, shockproof, and X-ray proof, ensuring your data’s safety in various environments.
- Interface: Both cards utilize the UHS-I interface, providing a good balance of speed and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- Warranty: Both cards come with a lifetime limited warranty, offering peace of mind and protection against potential manufacturing defects.
- Capacity: Both offer a range of storage options, from 32GB to 1TB, catering to diverse storage needs.
- Write Protection: Both cards include a write protection switch, allowing users to prevent accidental data deletion or modification.
Sandisk Extreme Vs Extreme Plus Vs Extreme Pro Buying Guide
Performance Needs
Consider your performance requirements when choosing between these SanDisk Extreme cards. The Extreme is suitable for basic photography and 4K video recording, offering a good balance of speed and affordability. The Extreme PLUS steps up the performance, providing faster write speeds and better sustained performance for more demanding tasks like continuous burst shooting and longer 4K video clips. The Extreme Pro is the top-tier option, delivering the highest speeds for professional workflows and intensive applications. Assess the read/write speeds that align with your shooting style and device compatibility.
Storage Capacity
The available storage capacities vary across the Extreme, Extreme PLUS, and Extreme PRO lines. Determine the amount of storage you require based on your typical usage. If you primarily shoot photos and shorter video clips, a smaller capacity Extreme card may suffice. For longer video recording sessions, larger photo collections, or the need for a buffer, the Extreme PLUS or Extreme PRO, with their higher capacity options, are more appropriate. Consider future needs as well, as storage demands often increase over time, especially with higher resolution video formats.
Durability and Reliability
All three card types are designed to be durable, but there might be slight differences in their construction and operating temperature ranges. SanDisk Extreme cards are typically shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray proof. Ensure your chosen card can withstand the environments where you intend to use it. If you’re shooting in extreme weather conditions or in environments where the card might be exposed to physical stress, prioritize the card’s durability specifications. Always back up your data regardless of the card’s durability claims.
Device Compatibility
Check the compatibility of the SanDisk Extreme card you’re considering with your devices, such as cameras, drones, and other recording equipment. Ensure that the card’s speed class (e.g., V30, U3) and bus interface (e.g., UHS-I, UHS-II) are supported by your devices to achieve optimal performance. While all three are generally compatible with most devices, older devices may not fully utilize the speed capabilities of the Extreme PRO. Consult your device’s manual to verify compatibility and recommended card types. Consider a UHS-II card reader for maximum speed.
Budget Considerations
The price difference between the Extreme, Extreme PLUS, and Extreme PRO cards is a key factor. The Extreme is generally the most affordable option, followed by the Extreme PLUS, and then the Extreme PRO. Evaluate your budget and the performance needs. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t require the fastest speeds, the Extreme might be sufficient. If you need a significant performance boost for a relatively small premium, the Extreme PLUS is a good choice. For professional users, the Extreme PRO’s added speed justifies the higher cost.
Workflow Integration
Think about how the card will fit into your workflow. If you frequently transfer large files to edit, the faster read speeds of the Extreme PLUS and Extreme PRO will save you significant time. Consider the total time it takes to transfer your files. If you are doing a lot of video editing, the Extreme Pro will save you a lot of time and effort. Also, consider the card’s compatibility with your editing software. Factor in the card’s write speeds when shooting in RAW or 4K. Faster cards translate to less waiting.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy sandisk extreme If…
- You need a reliable SD card for general photography and video recording.
- You are on a budget and want a good balance of performance and price.
- You don’t need the absolute fastest write speeds for your workflow.
Buy extreme plus If…
- You need slightly faster write speeds for capturing higher-resolution photos or videos.
- You want a boost in performance for burst shooting or continuous recording.
- You need a card that can handle demanding tasks with slightly better performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II?
UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Class I) cards offer faster transfer speeds than older SD cards, but UHS-II (Ultra High Speed Class II) cards provide even significantly faster speeds. UHS-II cards have an extra row of pins that facilitate higher bandwidth, leading to quicker data transfer rates, especially during read operations. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who handle large files. UHS-II cards require a UHS-II-compatible device to reach their maximum speeds.
Which SanDisk Extreme card is best for 4K video recording?
All three cards can record 4K video, but the Extreme PRO is generally the best choice. While the Extreme and Extreme PLUS can handle 4K, the Extreme PRO offers the fastest write speeds, ensuring a more consistent and reliable recording experience, especially for longer clips or in high bit-rate settings. The faster write speeds of the Extreme PRO also minimize the risk of dropped frames.
Are these cards compatible with my older camera?
Yes, the SanDisk Extreme, Extreme PLUS, and Extreme PRO cards are generally backward compatible with older cameras. However, older devices may not be able to utilize the full speed potential of the cards. Older cameras may only support UHS-I speeds, even if the card is a UHS-II. Check your camera’s specifications to determine the maximum supported speed and card type.
What does the “V30” speed class mean?
The “V30” speed class indicates that the card is guaranteed to maintain a minimum write speed of 30MB/s. This is important for video recording, as it ensures that the data can be written to the card fast enough to avoid dropped frames or other recording issues. This is a common speed class for cards designed for 4K video. It’s a minimum standard for video compatibility.
How important is read speed versus write speed?
Write speed is most critical during the recording process, as it determines how quickly data can be written to the card. Read speed is important for transferring files to your computer. Faster read speeds save time during file transfer and can also improve workflow efficiency. Both read and write speeds contribute to overall performance, but write speed is paramount for recording.
Can I use these cards in a drone?
Yes, all three card types are suitable for use in drones, but consider the video resolution and bitrate of your drone. The Extreme is adequate for lower resolutions. The Extreme PLUS is a good balance of performance and price. The Extreme PRO is ideal for high-resolution video recording in drones, ensuring smooth and reliable footage, especially when recording 4K or higher resolutions. Check your drone’s manual for compatibility.
What is the warranty on these SanDisk Extreme cards?
SanDisk typically offers a limited lifetime warranty on its Extreme, Extreme PLUS, and Extreme PRO cards. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. The specific terms and conditions may vary, so it is recommended to review the warranty information provided by SanDisk or the retailer from which you purchased the card. Always keep your proof of purchase.
Final Verdict
While all three SanDisk Extreme series cards offer excellent performance, the Extreme PRO stands out for professional-grade speed and reliability. The Extreme provides a solid entry-level choice, and the Extreme PLUS offers a noticeable boost for the price. However, the Extreme PRO’s superior write speeds and consistent performance make it the ideal choice for demanding workflows, especially for those shooting high-resolution video and continuous burst photography.
Winner: SanDisk Extreme PRO