In this article, I’ll break down what each card is made for, how they’re different, and what they have in common.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which card to pick for gaming and which one’s perfect for photography.
Sandisk Imagemate Pro 256 GB
Sandisk Extreme Pro 256 GB
- Read Speed: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card features SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Write Speeds of up to 140MB/s: Capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD video with...
- Load Apps Faster with A2: Get faster app performance for an outstanding smartphone...
Learn more about Sandisk Extreme Pro >>>
Sandisk Imagemate Pro vs Extreme Pro: Specs Comparison
Here you’ll find a detailed spec comparison of Sandisk Imagemate Pro vs Extreme Pro SD cards:
| Feature | SanDisk ImageMate PRO microSDXC | SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Class | UHS-I, Class 10, A1 | UHS-I, Class 10, A2 |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 170MB/s | Up to 200MB/s |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 90MB/s | Up to 140MB/s |
| Capacity Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Format | microSD (with SD adapter) | microSD (with SD adapter) |
| Best Use Cases | Suitable for smartphones, tablets, and cameras; ideal for Full HD video recording and high-resolution photos | Ideal for recording outdoor adventures, weekend trips, or sporting events without skipping frames; suitable for 4K UHD video and high-resolution photography |
| Compatibility | Compatible with devices supporting microSDHC and microSDXC, including smartphones, tablets, and cameras | Compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, action cameras like GoPro, drones, and DSLRs |
| Durability | Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof; includes a 2-year limited warranty; supports SanDisk RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software | Shockproof, temperature-proof, waterproof, and X-ray-proof; includes a lifetime limited warranty; supports SanDisk RescuePRO Deluxe data recovery software |
| Application Performance Class | A1 (10MB/s random read, 1,500 IOPS; 10MB/s random write, 500 IOPS) | A2 (at least 4,000 IOPS random read, 2,000 IOPS random write) |
| Price | Generally more affordable | Slightly higher price point |
What Are The Differences?
Now you can see that both SD cards are very similar in terms of speed and capacity, but their different ratings highlight distinct usage scenarios.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right card for your needs:
A1 Rating (Application Performance Class 1)
Specifications
- Random Read Speed: 1,500 IOPS
- Random Write Speed: 500 IOPS
- Sequential Write Speed: 10 MB/s
Use Cases
- Expanding storage on Nintendo Switch for games.
- Storing vacation photos and Full HD videos on a smartphone or tablet.
- Keeping files like music or documents for offline use.
A2 Rating (Application Performance Class 2)
Specifications
- Random Read Speed: 4,000 IOPS
- Random Write Speed: 2,000 IOPS
- Sequential Write Speed: 10 MB/s
Use Cases
- Recording 4K UHD videos with GoPro, Insta360, or DJI drones.
- Running heavy apps directly from the SD card on a smartphone or tablet.
- Gaming on high-performance devices like the Steam Deck or advanced Android consoles.
What Are The Alternatives?
Here are very similar SD cards but with different capacities:
SanDisk 64GB ImageMate microSDXC
- Ideal for Android-based smartphones and tablet
- Transfer speeds of up to 140MB/s so you can move your content fast
- Rated A1 for faster app performance and UHS Speed Class U1 and Speed Class 10 for...
The SanDisk ImageMate microSDXC is perfect for Android smartphones and tablets, offering 64GB of storage and transfer speeds up to 140MB/s for quick content movement. Rated A1, it ensures faster app performance and reliable functionality, making it an excellent choice for everyday use at an affordable price.
SanDisk 256GB ImageMate Plus
- MicroSD ideal for Android-based smartphones and tablets
- Rated A1, the SanDisk ImageMate PLUS microSD card is optimized for apps, delivering...
- Capture and store even more hours of Full HD video4 with capacities of up to 256GBGB
The SanDisk ImageMate Plus microSDXC offers 256GB of storage, perfect for Android smartphones, tablets, and cameras. With transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s and an A1 rating, it ensures faster app launches and smoother performance. Ideal for capturing and storing hours of Full HD video, this card is a reliable choice for both everyday and multimedia use.
SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC
- Read Speed: SanDisk 512GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card features SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Write Speeds of up to 140MB/s: Capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD video with...
- Load Apps Faster with A2: Get faster app performance for an outstanding smartphone...
The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC is perfect for Android smartphones, tablets, drones, and action cameras, offering 512GB of storage. With 200MB/s read and 140MB/s write speeds powered by SanDisk QuickFlow technology, it ensures ultra-fast data transfers. Rated A2, U3, and V30, it delivers superior app performance and supports lossless 4K UHD video recording. Includes an SD adapter and RescuePRO Deluxe for data recovery, making it ideal for professionals and power users.
SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 1 TB
- The SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC is ideal for all Android smartphones and tablets,...
- The microSD card ensures better app performance and faster charging thanks to the...
- With a read speed of 200 MB/s and a write speed of 140 MB/s, you can transfer your...
The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC offers a massive 1TB of storage, perfect for Android smartphones, tablets, drones, and action cameras. With 200MB/s read and 140MB/s write speeds using SanDisk QuickFlow technology, it ensures ultra-fast data transfers. Rated A2, U3, and V30, it’s ideal for lossless 4K UHD video recording and enhanced app performance. Includes an SD adapter and RescuePRO Deluxe for easy data recovery, making it an excellent choice for professionals and content creators.
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO
- Save time transferring media with SanDisk QuickFlow Technology [64GB-1TB]
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD for speeds up to...
- Up to 140MB/s write speeds for fast continuous shots* [256GB-1TB] (Up to 90MB/s for...
The SanDisk Extreme PRO microSD provides 128GB of storage, making it perfect for Android smartphones, tablets, drones, and action cameras. With 200MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds, it ensures quick data transfers for smooth performance. Rated A2, U3, and V30, it’s ideal for 4K UHD video recording, fast app launches, and multitasking. Comes with an SD adapter for added compatibility, making it a reliable choice for both casual and professional users.
Which One to Get?
Thank you for reading this guide!
I hope that it was helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about what SD card to choose: Sandisk Imagemate Pro vs Extreme Pro :)
Don’t forget to share this article on social media with your family and friends!
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