Running out of storage on your phone or tablet can be a constant frustration, interrupting your ability to capture photos, download apps, or save files. A high-quality 32GB microSD card is an affordable and effective solution to instantly expand your device’s capacity. This additional space ensures you never have to miss a photo opportunity or delete cherished memories to make room for new ones.
However, not all microSD cards are created equal. The right card for you depends on your specific needs, whether it’s smooth Full HD video recording for your action camera, faster app loading on your Android device, or reliable storage for a security system. Our roundup of the best 32GB microSD cards simplifies your search, highlighting options that deliver proven performance and reliability for everyday use.
Our Recommended 32GB Micro SD Cards
- PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 microSDHC Card
- Lexar E-Series 32GB Micro SD Card 5 Pack
- SanDisk Ultra 32GB Micro SD Card (5 Pack) Bundle
- PNY 32GB Elite Mobile Class 10 U1 V10, A1 microSDHC
- GIGASTONE 32GB Micro SD Card 10-Pack, Full HD Video
- SanDisk 32GB Ultra microSDHC UHS-I Memory Card
- Samsung EVO Select 32GB MicroSDHC UHS-I U1 Card
- PNY 32GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 microSDHC Card
PNY 32GB Elite Class 10 U1 microSDHC Card
The PNY Elite microSD card is a strong contender for general use, offering a solid blend of speed and reliability. With Class 10 and U1 speed ratings, it handles continuous HD photography and Full HD video recording without a hitch. This makes it a dependable choice for action cameras, drones, and Android smartphones.
You can expect read speeds of up to 100MB/s, which facilitates quick file transfers from your device to your computer. Its wide compatibility across various devices ensures it can serve as extra storage for almost any gadget in your collection that supports microSDHC cards.
Lexar E-Series 32GB Micro SD Card 5 Pack
If you need to equip multiple devices or want to have spares on hand, the Lexar E-Series 5-pack offers excellent value. These cards are built for performance, leveraging UHS-I technology for transfer speeds up to 100MB/s. This speed is ideal for quickly capturing and transferring 1080p Full-HD video and high-resolution photos.
A key benefit of this model is its A1 rating, which means it is optimized for app performance on smartphones and tablets. This allows you to run apps directly from the card with faster load times. The included adapters add to the versatility, making it easy to use these cards with standard SD card slots.
SanDisk Ultra 32GB Micro SD Card (5 Pack) Bundle
This SanDisk Ultra bundle goes beyond just providing storage by including everything you need to get started. You receive five reliable Class 10 cards, each capable of transfer speeds up to 98MB/s, making them perfect for expanding the storage of Android smartphones and tablets. The bundle also includes protective jewel cases and a card reader.
The inclusion of the card reader is a significant advantage, as it allows for simple and fast file transfers to and from computers that may not have a built-in SD card slot. This all-in-one package is a practical solution for users who need to manage storage across several devices and want a seamless way to back up their content.
PNY 32GB Elite Mobile Class 10 U1 V10, A1 microSDHC
Designed with mobile users in mind, this PNY Elite Mobile card includes the important A1 specification for enhanced app performance. This means you can not only store photos and videos but also run applications directly from the card, resulting in a smoother experience on your phone or tablet. The V10 speed class further guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 10MB/s for reliable HD video recording.
With read speeds up to 100MB/s, transferring your media library is a quick process. This card is a smart choice for anyone looking to free up internal phone storage by moving apps and their data to the expandable memory, all while maintaining good performance.
GIGASTONE 32GB Micro SD Card 10-Pack, Full HD Video
For large-scale needs, the GIGASTONE 10-pack is an incredibly economical option. Whether you’re setting up multiple security cameras, need cards for a fleet of drones, or simply want a large supply of reliable storage, this pack delivers. The cards offer read speeds up to 90MB/s, supporting Full HD video recording and playback.
The package is thoughtfully put together, including SD adapters and mini storage cases to help you keep everything organized and protected. This makes it an ideal bulk purchase for small businesses, tech enthusiasts with many gadgets, or anyone who wants to standardize their storage across numerous devices.
SanDisk 32GB Ultra microSDHC UHS-I Memory Card
A staple in the memory card market, the SanDisk Ultra is a trusted name for everyday storage expansion. This card is designed to offer good performance for a wide range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to digital cameras. Its UHS-I interface and Class 10 rating ensure it can handle Full HD video recording.
SanDisk is known for its reliability and durability, which includes resistance to water, shocks, and temperature extremes. This card is a safe bet for users who want a proven product from a leading brand to reliably store their photos, videos, and music without any fuss.
Samsung EVO Select 32GB MicroSDHC UHS-I U1 Card
Samsung’s EVO Select line is recognized for delivering strong performance and endurance. This 32GB card is built with 4-band technology for reliability and offers compatibility with a wide range of host devices. It is rated for Full HD and 4K UHD video recording, making it a versatile choice for higher-resolution content.
The card is also built to withstand harsh conditions, offering water-proof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and X-ray-proof features. For users who need a durable and fast microSD card that can handle more demanding tasks like 4K video from compatible devices, the Samsung EVO Select is a compelling option.
PNY 32GB Elite-X Class 10 U3 microSDHC Card
For users whose devices require faster write speeds, the PNY Elite-X with its U3 speed class is an excellent choice. The U3 rating guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, which is essential for recording high-bitrate Full HD video and can even support 4K UHD content in compatible devices like advanced action cameras or drones.
This card is built for more intensive use where consistent performance is critical. If you are frequently recording video or capturing rapid burst-mode photos, the higher sustained write speeds of the U3 class will help prevent dropped frames and ensure your footage is captured smoothly.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a 32GB Micro SD Card
When I’m looking to expand the storage on my phone or tablet, a 32GB Micro SD card is often the sweet spot. It’s enough for a solid collection of apps, photos, music, and a few movies without breaking the bank. But not all cards are created equal, and picking the wrong one can lead to slow performance and frustration. Here’s what I always consider before making a purchase.
The first thing I check is the speed class. This tells you the minimum sustained write speed, which is crucial for things like recording video. For general use, a Class 10 card is the baseline; it’s fine for storing documents and photos. If you plan on recording Full HD video, look for a UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) card. For 4K video, you’ll want to step up to a UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) card. These are often labeled on the card itself with a ‘U’ containing a number. The Application Performance Class, shown as A1 or A2, is another key spec for phone users. It means the card is optimized to run apps directly from it, reducing load times and lag. For a smooth experience, I always aim for at least an A1 rating.
Next, I think about the brand. It’s tempting to go for a cheap, no-name card, but I’ve learned the hard way that this is a risky move. Stick with reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar. They offer consistent performance, reliability, and, most importantly, a warranty. A failing card can mean losing all your precious photos and data, so trust is a big factor.
Compatibility is also key. While most modern phones and tablets support Micro SD cards, some have limits on the maximum capacity they can handle. A quick check of your device’s manual or specifications online can save you a headache. Also, ensure the card is formatted correctly for your device, whether it’s Android or a specific use like a Nintendo Switch.
Finally, I consider my actual needs. A 32GB micro SD card is a great budget-friendly option, but if you’re a heavy user who takes lots of videos or downloads large games, you might want to consider a 64GB or 128GB card from the start. Think about how you use your device day-to-day. For me, finding the right balance between cost, capacity, and speed is the goal. By paying attention to these details, you can find one of the best 32GB micro SD cards for phones and tablets that will keep your device running smoothly for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32GB enough storage for a phone?
It depends entirely on your usage. For me, if my phone’s internal storage is already 64GB or more, a 32GB card is perfect for offloading photos, music, and documents. It gives me that extra breathing room without a huge cost. However, if you record a lot of 4K video, download large games, or have an enormous music library, you might find 32GB fills up surprisingly fast. In that case, looking at a 64GB or larger card would be a smarter long-term investment.
What is the difference between U1 and U3 speed classes?
The difference is all about the minimum write speed. A U1 card guarantees a minimum write speed of 10MB/s, which is sufficient for Full HD (1080p) video recording. A U3 card guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, which is designed for higher-resolution video, like 4K. If you ever plan on recording 4K video with your phone, I would strongly recommend a U3 card to avoid dropped frames and recording errors.
Can I use any Micro SD card in my Android phone?
Most likely, yes. The vast majority of Android phones that have a Micro SD card slot will work with a standard Micro SD card. However, you should always double-check your phone’s specifications for the maximum supported capacity. While a modern phone will easily handle a 32GB card, some older models might have a lower limit. Also, for the best performance with apps, look for a card with an A1 or A2 application performance class.
Why does my computer show less than 32GB of available space?
This is completely normal and happens for two main reasons. First, storage manufacturers define a gigabyte as 1,000,000,000 bytes, but computers calculate it as 1,073,741,824 bytes. So, a 32GB card will show up as roughly 29.8GB on your computer. Second, the file system used to format the card (like FAT32 or exFAT) takes up a small amount of space itself. You haven’t been short-changed; it’s just a difference in how the capacity is calculated and reported.
Do I need to format a new Micro SD card?
Usually, yes. It’s a good habit to get into. Most new cards come pre-formatted, but I always format a new card in the device I plan to use it in, like my phone or tablet. This ensures the card is set up with the correct file system and structure for that specific device, which can help prevent errors and improve compatibility. You can typically find the format option in your device’s storage settings. Just remember: formatting will erase everything on the card, so only do this with a brand new card or one you’ve fully backed up.