Choosing the best SD cards is part of the requirements for a successful photography business or project; hence, we are unsurprised that many of our readers have asked for our take on the Extreme vs Ultra Sandisk. To provide a clear answer, we have compared and analyzed their specifications; here’s what we found so far.
In This Article:
A Quick Overview of Sandisk Ultra and Extreme
About Sandisk Ultra
Sandisk Ultra memory cards are for beginner photographers who use entry-level cameras (or even iPhones or Android phones). You must use a memory card reader to transfer all your videos and photos to another computer.
These cards are currently available in three formats: (1) microSD, (2) SD, and (3) microSD with an SD adapter. The last version supports Full High-definition videos and introduces 9 different capacities from 16GB to 1TB, all compatible with microSDXC and microSDHC devices.
- Ultra microSD UHS-I cards: 64GB, 128GB, 512GB.
- Ultra microSD cards for Chromebooks: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
- Ultra SDHC/SDXC cards: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Ultra SDXC UHS-I and SDHC UHS-I cards: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
About Sandisk Extreme
Sandisk Extreme is tailored for mid-level photographers (there’s also an Extreme PRO variant that offers higher performance, so do not confuse the two when purchasing).
Currently, Sandisk Extreme is available in three formats: (1) microSD, (2) SD, and (3) CompactFlash, with huge capacities that could go up to 256GB:
- SanDisk Extreme SD UHS-I: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
- SanDisk Extreme microSD Mobile Gaming: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB.
The Key Differences between Sandisk Ultra and Extreme
Write Speed
As of our current writing, Sandisk Extreme is much faster than Ultra across all models and versions. Let’s have a quick look at the Sandisk SD Extreme vs Ultra comparison below:
| Sandisk Ultra | Sandisk Extreme | |
| 32GB | – 80MB/s write – 100MB/s read | – 90MB/s write – 95 MB/s read |
| 64 GB | – 80MB/s write – 100MB/s read | – 90MB/s write – 90MB/s read |
| 128 GB | – 80MB/s write – 100MB/s read | – 90MB/s write – 90MB/s read |
| 256 GB | – 80MB/s write – 100MB/s read | – 95MB/s write – 90MB/s read |
This speed difference explains why Extreme offers better benefits in HD video recording, shooting in burst mode, or saving photos in JPEG and RAW simultaneously.
That aside, we should also consider card speed classes:
| Class | Minimum write speed |
| Class 3 | 4MB/s |
| Class 10 | 10MB/s |
| Class U1 | 10MB/s |
| Class U3 | 10MB/s |
| UHS Class 3 | 30MB/s |
| V30 | 30MB/s |
| V60 | 60MB/s |
| V90 | 90MB/s |
Simply put, higher class ratings mean faster-sustained speed. Our research shows that many Extreme cards are V30 or V60 rated, unlike their Ultra counterparts.
Durability
Their build quality is another criterion we need to discuss.
So far, the Ultra version has a rather standard construction and is warranted to survive 72 hours under one meter of water. Meanwhile, Extreme’s more durable components can withstand 72 hours under not just one but FIVE meters of freshwater (plus drops, shock, extreme temperature, and X-rays).
Coupled with its lifetime limited warranty, the Extreme is the better choice for professional outdoor settings or offering extra protection for travel, adventure, and sports-related activities.
Storage Capacity
This criterion refers to how much data can be stored on the memory card. Both Ultra and Extreme class cards come in various sizes:
| Sandisk Ultra | Sandisk Extreme | |
| MicroSD Cards | 16GB to 1TB | 64GB to 256GB |
| SD Cards | – 64GB to 256GB (Ultra SDHC/SDXC) – 16GB to 512GB (Ultra SDHC UHS-I and SDXC UHS-I) | 32GB to 256GB |
| CompactFlash Cards | Not available | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB |
Storage Format
SanDisk cards come in different formats: SD, SDHC (SD High Capacity), and SDXC (SD Extended Capacity). Here’s a closer look:
| SD Cards | SDHC Cards | SDXC Cards | |
| Card format | FAT16 | FAT32 | exFAT |
| Device compatibility | SD SDHC SDXC | SDHC SDXC | SDXC |
So far, Sandisk Ultra and Extreme are quite similar in this regard, as both can be either SDXC or SDHC, depending on their chosen storage capacity. The only minor issue is that FAT32 (used in SDHC) limits your file size to 4GB and may be slower than exFAT (SDXC).
Price
Given their better durability and performance, it’s unsurprising that Extreme is at least 30% more expensive than Ultra. The price difference is even more obvious when we compare the two at their lower capacities. Take a look at their prices at the time of our writing:
| Sandisk Ultra | Sandisk Extreme | |
| 32GB | $10 | $14 |
| 64 GB | $13 | $20 |
| 128 GB | $18 | $25 |
| 256 GB | $32 | $40 |
Which Is Better?
As you can see from our card comparison above, Sandisk Ultra cards often struggle with high-resolution images or 4K video recording. Hence, it’s a more suitable option for everyday tasks or decent speeds (e.g., capturing photos and videos in standard resolutions).
| Sandisk Ultra Pros | Sandisk Ultra Cons |
| – A more affordable choice – A broad range of storage capacities – Adequate performance for casual photography and basic data storage | – Lower write speeds than Extreme – Low video speed class – Not as rugged or water-resistant as Extreme |
On the other hand, Sandisk Extreme is designed for far more demanding tasks, from professional photography and videography to gaming. You can trust it to handle extremely large video file sizes, high burst rates, and even high-resolution video formats like 4K and 8K.
| Sandisk Extreme Pros | Sandisk Extreme Cons |
| – Faster write speeds – Can survive harsh conditions High video speed class | – Generally expensive – Fewer storage capacity options compared to Ultra – A bit of an overkill for casual users |
So, Sandisk Extreme wins by a huge margin for professional photographers like us. However, you should note that the better choice between the two ultimately boils down to your specific budget and needs. Consider the following before making your decision:
- Your intended use
- The type of content you’ll be capturing
- Whether speed or durability is your priority
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Conclusion
This article has provided a clear comparison between the two card types. While Sandisk Extreme comes out on top, that doesn’t mean it surpasses Sandisk Ultra in every aspect; many still choose the latter for a good reason! So, consider your preferences carefully, and feel free to contact us if you need any advice.
