What Is a TF Card and How Does it Differ From a microSD Card?

When it comes to memory cards, there are many different options on the market for different devices. Among these options, TF cards and microSD cards are the most commonly used for external storage, with many gadgets using them for primary or secondary storage.

But what exactly is a TF card, and is it different from a microSD card?

What Is a TF Card?

TF card is short for TransFlash card. Motorola and SanDisk introduced this external storage card in 2004 as a competitor to SD cards. As you might know, SD cards are the memory cards used in early digital cameras and other devices that require portable storage. Although SD cards were the standard then, they were bulky and had lower writing speeds compared to newer generations.

TF cards were developed to be smaller, more compact, and faster than SD cards while preserving functionality. It means you can use a TF memory card in your digital camera, Steam Deck, or any gadget that uses an SD card by using an SD card adapter. So, to expand your storage, try any of the fastest microSD cards.

What Is a MicroSD Card?

microSD cards are TF cards under a different name. In 2004, when Motorola and SanDisk released the TF card, it launched as a separate standalone product. Aside from the fact that TF cards supported the same standard specs as an SD card (bar the size), TF cards were a separate, non-standardized product class.

So, to standardize these flash memory cards, the SD Association adopted TF cards as microSD cards later in 2004. Hence, microSD cards are TF cards under a different name.

TF Card vs. microSD Card: What’s the Difference?

There are no differences between a TF card and a microSD card. You can use both interchangeably. For instance, if you happen to have a TF card lying around but your smartphone only supports microSD cards, you can use your TF card. It will work seamlessly because it supports the same standard—no specific TF card slot exists.

In addition, a search for TF cards on consumer tech marketplaces like Amazon will display results for microSD cards. Still, there are common mistakes to avoid when buying a microSD card online.

What About UFS Cards?

UFS cards are a much more recent development in memory card technology. First launching in 2011, Universal Flash Storage (UFS) cards provide higher performance and faster data transfers than SD/microSD cards, and are a great option for those with higher demands. They’re particularly useful for mobile devices and cameras, offering higher read and write rates.

You can see the difference in speed between SD/microSD and UFS cards in the table below.

The following table compares the read and write speeds of different UFS card standards with various SD/microSD card standards. This table provides a clear overview of the speed differences between the two types of memory cards.

Speed Comparison Between UFS and SD/microSD Cards

The only real downside to UFS is that it requires a different interface. You can’t just buy a UFS card for your microSD device; it won’t work. Thankfully, some high-end tech supports UFS. For example, as a contributor to the project, I know that most of Samsung’s devices launched since 2020 have a UFS slot, while some OnePlus smartphone models can take a UFS card.

You’ll have to check whether a given device supports the faster UFS card standard before making your purchase.

But if you want a memory card for your digital camera or older gadgets, go with a full-sized SD card. If you need a card for your smartphone alone, you have no other option than a microSD card.

You may also consider getting a microSD card with an SD adapter to use your card for both a smartphone and other gadgets. Because microSD cards and TF cards support the same standard interface, they can work in place of SD cards through an SD card adapter.