SanDisk Ultra 64GB SDXC Review: Reliable But Not for 4K
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the SanDisk Ultra SDXC UHS‑I Memory Card 64GB emerges as a dependable mid‑tier storage option for cameras, consoles, and mobile devices — but with a few caveats. Across Amazon, Best Buy, Reddit, and specialist forums, the card scores highly for reliability and versatility, averaging 4.7–4.8/5 in customer ratings. Based on the weight of evidence, it earns an 8.8/10 in our investigation.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for everyday photography, Full HD video, and general storage, but not the fastest for heavy 4K or pro‑grade burst shooting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely compatible with cameras, consoles, phones, and tablets | Write speeds can lag for 4K or high‑burst RAW shooting |
| Reliable long‑term performance reported by most users | Occasional reports of counterfeit units from third‑party sellers |
| Good balance of capacity and price | Some buyers received no adapter despite listing |
| Durable: water, shock, temperature, and X‑ray proof | One‑off failures reported in action cams |
| Handles Full HD video smoothly | Formatting or capacity recognition issues with fakes |
Claims vs Reality
SanDisk markets this card with “up to 100–120 MB/s read speeds” and “A1/Class 10/UHS‑I” ratings for fast app loading and Full HD video. The branding suggests it’s ideal for photographers, videographers, and mobile users who need both speed and durability.
In practice, everyday users back much of this up. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “With its UHS‑I Class 10 rating, it ensures fast and efficient data transfer… particularly useful when working with large media files.” For general Full HD video and still photography, reports confirm smooth capture without buffering.
However, while SanDisk’s marketing emphasizes “fast app load” and “great for burst shots,” some professionals find the write speeds limiting for high‑end use. On Kentfaith, one photographer explained: “For cameras shooting ~25MP… this write speed works just fine,” but acknowledged newer models in the same capacity offer “slightly faster speeds.” For 4K or high‑burst RAW, users sometimes hit the card’s ceiling.
Durability claims also hold up well. Multiple Best Buy reviewers praised it as “reliable and dependable — hasn’t failed in drone” and “works great in my dash cam.” Even in demanding automotive or outdoor conditions, the card maintains performance, matching the manufacturer's waterproof, shockproof, and temperature‑proof promises.
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across platforms, versatility is a recurring highlight. From Nintendo Switch gaming to DSLR photography, the card’s compatibility is a major selling point. A Best Buy customer wrote: “Perfect, easy to use on a phone, tablet or music player & excellent price.” Another added, “I purchased it for my child’s Nintendo Switch… works great, & the price was great!”
For casual and enthusiast photographers, the 64GB capacity hits a sweet spot — big enough for long weekends of shooting without being unwieldy. One Kentfaith reviewer shared: “I can take enough large images in a weekend to not quite fill up the disk… it’s wonderful advice not to use super large SD cards in case you lose one.”
Reliability over years of use is another consistent positive. A long‑time SanDisk user on Amazon stated: “I always buy SanDisk for my camera cards and any other kind of storage… I trust the brand.” Even after repeated writes in drones, action cams, and data recorders, failures are rare.
Durability in adverse environments is also praised. Users highlight performance in dash cams, GoPros, and trail cameras exposed to heat, cold, and vibration. One owner noted: “Quick read/write, durable, reliable… I won’t buy anything else anymore.” This aligns with the manufacturer’s temperature and shock resistance claims.
Common Complaints
The most disruptive issues arise from counterfeit or faulty units bought through third‑party sellers. On the SanDisk forums, a user suspected a fake when benchmarking revealed write speeds of only 6.9–7.1 MB/s and read speeds of 11.5 MB/s — far below spec — despite passing capacity tests. They noted packaging differences and unusual serial formatting.
Missing adapters are another sore point. Multiple Best Buy buyers mentioned the product was “advertised as included” but arrived without one. While not affecting performance, it frustrated those expecting SD adapter use in cameras.
A handful of reports describe outright failures — particularly in high‑demand action cams. One Kentfaith reviewer knocked a star after a card failed in a GoPro, though they still praised the others they owned. Formatting or recognition problems also surface with counterfeit cards: a Newegg reviewer warned, “The max this card would format to is only 1.83MB… I feel ripped off by this seller.”
Divisive Features
Write speed is the most polarizing aspect. For casual users recording Full HD or storing app data, it’s “plenty fast.” A Kentfaith user filming with a Canon HR600R said it was “100% reliable” for 1080p. But those working with 4K or rapid burst RAW find it underwhelming. Official specs list only read speeds; write speeds are “lower,” leading some to opt for SanDisk Extreme or Pro lines for demanding workflows.
Another divisive point is capacity choice. Some prefer multiple smaller cards for data security, while others want the largest possible to avoid swaps. The 64GB Ultra sits in the middle — appealing to both camps depending on workflow.
Trust & Reliability
Longevity stories dominate positive feedback. Owners report years of trouble‑free use in diverse devices. A Best Buy reviewer said: “Reliable, dependable — hasn’t failed in drone.” Another Amazon buyer used it in a Chromebook for two years as a “fake hard drive” without issue.
Counterfeit concerns are real. SanDisk forum threads emphasize buying from reputable sources to avoid dramatically slower fakes. Visual differences in printing, tabs, and packaging are red flags. As one forum user advised, “Try a different reader… but pictures of the card would help verify authenticity.”
These mixed trust signals mean authenticity verification is critical, especially when buying from marketplaces with third‑party sellers.
Alternatives
When speed is paramount — such as for 4K UHD, high‑bitrate recording, or professional burst photography — users often recommend the SanDisk Extreme or Extreme Pro series. These offer higher write speeds (up to 90–130 MB/s) and U3/V30 ratings, reducing buffering in demanding scenarios.
For budget‑conscious buyers needing basic storage for photos, music, or Full HD video, the Ultra 64GB remains competitive. Reddit and Best Buy reviewers highlight its “excellent price” and “no issues” record in consoles, cameras, and mobile devices.
Price & Value
On eBay, sealed units list between $8 and $12, with multi‑packs offering even lower per‑card pricing. Amazon often discounts from the $24.99 list to under $10. Bulk buyers — especially for consoles or photography — can find value in 2– or 5‑packs.
Resale value is modest due to rapid price drops in flash storage, but brand reputation helps the Ultra retain demand in the second‑hand market. Community consensus advises buying from authorized retailers, even at a slight premium, to avoid counterfeit risk.
FAQ
Q: Is the SanDisk Ultra 64GB fast enough for 4K video?
A: While it handles Full HD (1080p) reliably, its write speeds may bottleneck 4K UHD recording, especially at high bitrates. Users targeting 4K are better served by SanDisk Extreme or Pro models with U3/V30 ratings.
Q: Can I use this in a Nintendo Switch?
A: Yes. Multiple buyers confirm it works flawlessly for Switch game storage and downloads. A Best Buy customer shared: “Works great, & the price was great!”
Q: How do I spot a counterfeit card?
A: Look for mismatched packaging, altered printing, unusual tab colors, and benchmark speeds far below spec. Buy from authorized sellers and test with tools like H2testw.
Q: Does it come with an adapter?
A: Officially, some versions include an SD adapter, but buyers report missing adapters even when advertised. Confirm with the seller before purchase.
Q: Is it durable for outdoor use?
A: Yes, when genuine. Users report success in trail cams, drones, and dash cams under heat, cold, and vibration, matching SanDisk’s durability claims.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an everyday photographer, console gamer, or mobile user needing a balance of capacity, reliability, and moderate speed at a low price. Avoid if your workflow demands sustained high write speeds for 4K or long RAW bursts. Community pro tip: always buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit cards and test new arrivals before trusting them with important data.
