Review: Samsung PRO Plus microSD Memory Card (1TB, 2024 Model) – The Ultimate Storage Upgrade for 4K Creators and Power Users
The quest for faster, more reliable, and higher-capacity storage has never been more pressing. With the ubiquity of 4K/UHD video recording, high-resolution burst photography, and demanding handheld gaming consoles, a standard microSD card often falls short. Samsung, a global leader in memory technology, has consistently answered this demand, and their updated PRO Plus microSD Memory Card with Adapter (1TB, MB-MD1T0SA/AM) for 2024 aims to solidify its position at the top.
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| Review: Samsung PRO Plus microSD Memory Card (1TB, 2024 Model) – The Ultimate Storage Upgrade for 4K Creators and Power Users |
Boasting an enormous 1TB capacity and lightning-fast speeds of up to 180 MB/s read and 130 MB/s write, this card is designed not just for everyday use but for professional-grade applications. We take a deep dive into what makes this memory card a compelling choice for Android phones, tablets, action cameras like GoPRO, and DJI Drones.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification | Importance |
| Model | MB-MD1T0SA/AM (1TB) | Specific to the 2024 high-capacity release. |
| Capacity | 1TB (Terabyte) | Massive storage for extensive 4K content and games. |
| Max Read Speed | Up to 180 MB/s | Crucial for quickly transferring large files (e.g., to PC). |
| Max Write Speed | Up to 130 MB/s | Essential for continuous high-bitrate video recording. |
| Speed Class | UHS-I, U3, V30, C10 | Guarantees minimum sustained performance for 4K recording. |
| Application Class | A2 | Optimized for running apps and games directly from the card. |
| Durability | 6-Proof (Water, Temp, X-Ray, Magnet, Drop, Wearout) | Reliability in harsh environments. |
Performance: Speed Meets Consistency
The 2024 PRO Plus iteration features a modest but important speed bump over its predecessors, pushing the maximum advertised read speed to an impressive 180 MB/s.
Sequential Performance (180 MB/s Read, 130 MB/s Write)
In real-world testing (using a high-end UHS-I capable card reader), the card consistently hits read speeds extremely close to the 180 MB/s ceiling. This translates to incredibly fast file transfers, saving significant time when offloading hours of 4K drone footage or a massive library of games.
More critical for content creators is the sequential write speed, rated at up to 130 MB/s. The V30 speed class guarantees a minimum sustained sequential write speed of 30 MB/s—a vital baseline for 4K UHD video. However, the card’s actual performance of up to 130 MB/s ensures that even high-bitrate 4K and 8K video streams from devices like modern action cameras (GoPRO) or professional drones (DJI) are recorded seamlessly, without dropped frames.
Random Performance (A2 Rating)
The A2 (Application Performance Class 2) rating is where this card truly shines for mobile device users. The A2 specification dictates minimum random read and write speeds, which are key for running apps and loading games.
A2 Minimum Specs: Random Read 4000 IOPS, Random Write 2000 IOPS.
For devices like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, or high-end Android tablets, the A2 rating ensures that games stored on the card launch quickly and texture loading remains smooth, providing a user experience much closer to internal device storage than slower, A1-rated cards.
Capacity: A Terabyte of Freedom
The sheer 1TB capacity is the headline feature that finally brings peace of mind to the storage-hungry. For a mobile content creator, 1TB means:
Drones & Action Cams: Recording dozens of hours of high-bitrate 4K footage without needing to swap cards. This is crucial for long filming sessions or travel.
Gaming: Housing an extensive library of AAA titles on handheld consoles, which often feature game sizes of 50GB or more.
Smartphones/Tablets: Storing years of high-resolution photos, raw files, and a massive music/movie library without ever seeing a "Storage Full" notification.
This enormous capacity, paired with the card's high speed, fundamentally changes how a user interacts with their device, eliminating the need for constant data management.
Reliability and Durability (6-Proof Protection)
Performance is meaningless without durability. Samsung addresses this with its robust 6-Proof Protection, making the PRO Plus an excellent choice for use in harsh environments—a necessity for drone operators and action camera enthusiasts.
The card is protected against:
Water: Submersion in 1 meter of saltwater for up to 72 hours.
Temperature: Withstands extreme operating temperatures (from -25°C to 85°C).
X-Ray: Protected from standard airport X-ray machines.
Magnet: Resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss.
Drop: Built to withstand drops.
Wearout: Tested for up to 10,000 insertions/removals.
This comprehensive protection, combined with Samsung's generous 10-year limited warranty, makes the PRO Plus an incredibly dependable choice, safeguarding valuable data even when the recording device itself might fail.
Verdict: A Premium Price for Premium Performance and Peace of Mind
The Samsung PRO Plus 1TB microSD Memory Card (MB-MD1T0SA/AM) is a premium product, and its price reflects that status. It is positioned for users who cannot afford performance bottlenecks or data loss.
Who Is This Card For?
4K/UHD Video Professionals: Drones and action camera users who require V30-rated speeds and massive capacity for long recording sessions.
Handheld Console Gamers: Players of the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Nintendo Switch who need the A2 rating for fast game load times.
Android Power Users: Those expanding storage on high-end Android phones and tablets, demanding the fastest app performance.
While casual users might find cheaper, lower-capacity options sufficient, the PRO Plus offers a perfect blend of high-speed performance, reliability, and immense capacity that future-proofs your storage solution for years to come. It’s an investment in uninterrupted creativity and seamless performance.
Final Score: 4.8/5.0 - A top-tier performer and the current benchmark for high-capacity, professional-grade microSD storage.