KIOXIA Exceria G2 microSDXC UHS-I Card Review: Reliable Performance and Durability at a Great Value

The KIOXIA Exceria G2 microSDXC UHS-I card presents itself as a balanced and dependable storage option tailored for a diverse array of devices, spanning smartphones and tablets to digital cameras and portable gaming consoles. Positioned within the mid-tier of memory card offerings, it delivers a harmonious blend of performance capabilities, ample storage capacity, and an accessible price point.

Design and Robustness
The Exceria G2 microSD card adheres to the industry-standard microSD form factor, ensuring seamless compatibility across a multitude of devices supporting this format. KIOXIA has incorporated several protective features to enhance its resilience. It boasts an IPX7 waterproof rating, capable of withstanding submersion in up to one meter of water for a duration of 30 minutes, offering reassurance against accidental liquid exposure.

Furthermore, the card has successfully endured a 5-meter drop test, providing a degree of protection against accidental falls, a crucial consideration for portable electronics. Compliant with ISO7816-1 standards, it is also X-ray proof, safeguarding data during airport security screenings. The card demonstrates operational reliability across a temperature spectrum of -25°C to 85°C, ensuring consistent performance in diverse environmental conditions encountered within devices.

Additionally, it offers ESD immunity, protecting against electrostatic discharge, and integrates an electrical fuse to prevent overheating or ignition in the event of a malfunction. While the physical casing is constructed from standard plastic, these integrated protective measures provide a solid foundation for everyday use. An SD card adapter is included, allowing for effortless file transfers to PCs and other SD card-compatible systems.

The KIOXIA Exceria G2 microSD series caters to a wide spectrum of storage requirements, offering a comprehensive range of capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a substantial 1TB. The variant reviewed here came with 128GB of onboard storage.

Performance
Performance metrics are paramount for any memory card, and the KIOXIA Exceria G2 is engineered to deliver adequate speeds for routine tasks and even some more demanding applications. KIOXIA officially specifies a maximum read speed of up to 100 MB/s for the Exceria G2. During our tests, we recorded consistent sequential read speeds aligning with the advertised 100 MB/s.

The maximum write speed is rated at up to 50 MB/s. In our tests, the sequential write speeds generally approached this specified figure. This write speed proves sufficient for capturing high-definition videos, including 4K at typical bitrates, and for facilitating burst-mode photography with minimal lag. The card is certified as UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30).

The U3 designation guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30 MB/s, a critical requirement for dependable 4K video recording. The V30 rating further underscores this capability, ensuring a minimum sustained write speed of 30 MB/s specifically for video capture. Furthermore, the card meets the Application Performance Class A1 standard, indicating compliance with minimum random read and write speeds (1500 IOPS read, 500 IOPS write) and a sustained sequential write speed of at least 10 MB/s. A1-rated cards are optimised to deliver an enhanced experience when running applications directly from the microSD card on Android devices, resulting in quicker loading times and improved overall responsiveness.

Verdict
The KIOXIA Exceria G2 microSDXC UHS-I card presents a compelling value proposition within the mid-range segment of memory card offerings. It effectively balances performance capabilities and durability features with a competitive price point. While it may not claim the title of the absolute fastest microSD card available, its read and write speeds prove more than adequate for the majority of users and their diverse applications.

Price: AED 65 approx.