After a long hiatus, the newest iteration of popular Samsung Plus media memory line is finally here with the release of the SD form factor versions. With models ranging from 32GB to 256GB, the PRO Plus is the more premium line of the bunch, claiming fast speeds and improved durability over the previous generation. These memory cards are designated as UHS-I (U3, Class 10) and are meant for consumers and beginner enthusiasts dabbling in DSLR photography or videography. With the exception of the SDHC 32GB model, the Samsung Pro Plus line capacities all feature the SDXC format.
After a long hiatus, the newest iteration of popular Samsung Plus media memory line is finally here with the release of the SD form factor versions. With models ranging from 32GB to 256GB, the PRO Plus is the more premium line of the bunch, claiming fast speeds and improved durability over the previous generation. These memory cards are designated as UHS-I (U3, Class 10) and are meant for consumers and beginner enthusiasts dabbling in DSLR photography or videography. With the exception of the SDHC 32GB model, the Samsung Pro Plus line capacities all feature the SDXC format.
As far as performance goes, the new Samsung PRO Plus line doesn’t add anything new to the UHS-I table, as they are quoted to deliver the usual 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write. Though these numbers are also identical to the last iteration of the Samsung line, it should be more than enough for effective editing and sharing of 4K UHD and Full HD video recording. These little guys can also weather the elements during your adventurous travels or video/photo shoots, as they are resistant to water, temperature, x-rays, magnets, and shocks.
So, what is exactly new in the updated Plus line? Samsung only seems to indicate some additional durability features, dubbing it “7 multi-resistant protection.” As such, the Pro Plus line is now drop-proof up to five-meters and wearproof up to 10,000 swipes in addition to the water, temperature, shock, x-ray, magnetic field protection. Other than that, it’s virtually identical to the microSD version of the Plus line.
Backed by a 10-year warranty, the new Samsung Pro Plus line is available in capacities of 32GB ($10), 64GB ($17), 128GB ($26) and 256GB ($50). We will be looking at the 128GB version in this review.
Samsung Pro Plus specifications
|
Hardware Information |
Form Factor | SDHCTM, SDXCTM | |||
|
User Capacity |
32GB | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB | |
| 31,998,345,216 Bytes | 63,988,301,824 Bytes | 128,010,158,080 Bytes | 256,020,316,160 Bytes | ||
| Bus Speed
Mode |
UHS-I SDR104 | ||||
| Dimensions | 32 x 24 x 2.1 (mm) (L x W x H) | ||||
| Weights | Approx. 1.75g (Card only) | ||||
|
Performance |
Speed Class | Class 10 | |||
| Speed Grade | Grade 3 (U3) | ||||
| Sequential Read | Up to 100MB/s | Up to 100 MB/s | Up to 100 MB/s | Up to 100 MB/s | |
| Sequential Write | Up to 60 MB/s | Up to 90 MB/s | Up to 90 MB/s | Up to 90 MB/s | |
|
Reliability |
Temperature |
Operating: -25°C to 85°C | |||
| Non-Operating: -40°C to 85°C | |||||
| Durability | 10,000 mating cycles | ||||
| 7-Proof Features | Water-proof, Temperature-proof, Shock-proof, X-ray-proof, Magnetic-proof, Drop-proof, Wearout-proof | ||||
| EMC Certifications | FCC, CE, VCCI, RCM | ||||
| Warranty | 10 year limited | ||||
Samsung Pro Plus Design and Build
The new Samsung Pro Plus SD cards feature a look-and-feel similar to the PRO Endurance microSD line: mainly an all-white design with the black and white Samsung branding on the top. The front of the card also features a faded disk-like background.
The front also indicates the capacity, performance speed numbers, and “For Professionals” under the logo to let consumers know its target demo. It also features the SD card designations, which run along the bottom. Overall, a very slick, modern design.
Samsung Pro Plus Performance
To gauge the performance of the Samsung Pro Plus SD memory card, we put it through two tests: Blackmagic software and IOMeter, both of which were done on our Lenovo X1 Extreme through a Lacie 1big Dock SSD Pro TB3 dock.
In Blackmagic, the Samsung Pro Plus posted 84.5MB/s read and 77.3MB/s write, which was under its maximum quoted numbers by roughly ~15MB/s.
Turning to IOMeter, we measured 1 thread performance. Here, the Samsung Pro Plus reached 82.3MB/s read and 73.8MB/s write in 2MB sequential while posting 78.0MB/s read and 60.1MB/s write in 2MB random. Looking at 4K random performance, the new Samsung Pro Plus hit 426.5 IOPS read and 260.3 IOPS write.
Conclusion
The new Samsung Pro Plus is the first SD card release we’ve seen in quite some time from the company, but it still has the same features as the older iterations, including similar performance and protection against water, shock, magnet, X-ray and extreme temperatures. Though Samsung has added drop-proof up to five-meters and wearproof up to 10,000 swipes to its specifications, it’s more or less identical to previous models of the Plus line. Samsung also updated its EVO Plus cards today which we’ve reviewed separately.
These similarities transfer to the performance results during our BlackMagic and IOMeters tests. In the former test, it recorded 84.5MB/s read and 77.3MB/s write, which was under its maximum quoted numbers by roughly 15MB/s. In IOMeter, the Samsung Pro Plus hit 82.3MB/s read and 73.8MB/s write for 2MB sequential while posting 78.0MB/s read and 60.1MB/s write for 2MB random.
Yes, the new Samsung Pro Plus line hasn’t changed much in performance compared to previous releases, but this was expected of UHS-I (U3, Class 10) cards. The results were still very good and will be more than enough to do its intended job. These cards also have a very good dollar-per-GB ratio for a premium line, as the 32GB model goes for just $10 and the highest capacity model (256GB) for just $50. Moreover, you can’t go wrong with Samsung’s 10-year warranty and extra durability certifications that the company has added, which makes this a great premium SD card. If you are an enthusiast looking to get into photography and need a reliable and affordable UHS-1 SD card for your camera, then look no further with the Samsung Pro Plus.
Samsung Pro Plus Cards at Amazon
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