Best SD Cards For Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23+
Expert recommendations based on Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro specifications
Recommended Spec
External via USB-C Reader (no slot) (No requirement or faster)
No Pixel phone has a microSD slot, including the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Use a USB-C card reader to copy files to or from an SD card.
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Official Google Pixel 8 / 8 SD Card Requirements
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Format: External via USB-C Reader (no slot)
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Minimum Speed: No requirement
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Maximum Capacity: undefined
Why these requirements? Unlike Samsung, Google's Pixel line has never included a microSD slot on any model. This isn't a recent removal, it's a design choice Google has kept since the very first Pixel in 2016, in favor of pushing users toward Google Photos/Google One cloud backup instead of physical expansion. That makes the storage tier you buy at checkout more permanent than on phones with a reader workaround: the base Pixel 8 tops out at 256GB, while the Pixel 8 Pro goes up to 1TB, so heavy photo/video shooters are better served by paying for the Pro's larger tier than relying on a USB-C reader for daily use. A USB-C reader is still useful for one-off imports from a camera's SD card, just not as a long-term storage strategy.
Detailed Specifications
Type
External via USB-C Reader (no slot)
Min Speed Class
No requirement
Write Speed
undefined
Recommended Size
64GB, 128GB
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Verified | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Extreme microSD
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 130 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
|
V30 | Up to 90 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
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SanDisk Extreme microSD
$ · Mid-Range- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceA2
- Read SpeedUp to 190 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 130 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1024GB, 1500GB
Pros
- V30 and A2 with fast writes
- sold up to 1.5TB. Widely available
- so easy to buy genuine.
Cons
- Write speeds are lower on the 32GB and 64GB versions.
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Kingston Canvas Go! Plus
$ · Mid-Range- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceA2
- Read SpeedUp to 170 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 90 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- V30 and A2 with 90 MB/s writes. Often bundled with a USB reader.
Cons
- Less common in retail stores than SanDisk.
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SanDisk Extreme microSD
The SanDisk Extreme microSD pairs V30 video speed with an A2 app rating and reads up to 190 MB/s. It covers 4K recording in drones and action cameras, game storage in handhelds, and app storage in phones. It is sold from 32GB to 1.5TB.
Target User:
Smartphone, drone, and action camera users who want one reliable card for both 4K video and app storage
Best For:
Action Cameras, Drones, Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras
Step up to the SanDisk Extreme PRO for higher sustained write speeds, or down to the Samsung EVO Select if 4K recording isn't a priority and price matters more.
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
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Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
The Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro takes a External via USB-C Reader (no slot) card rated No requirement or faster. 64GB or 128GB covers most owners, and the maximum is undefined. Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Why doesn't the Google Pixel 8 have a microSD card slot?
No Pixel phone ever has. Google has favored cloud storage (Google Photos, Google One) over expandable storage since the original Pixel launched in 2016. This is a long-standing design choice, not something removed from a more recent model.
Is the Pixel 8 Pro's 1TB storage option a substitute for not having a microSD slot?
For most users, yes. Since there's no way to add storage later, choosing the Pixel 8 Pro's higher 512GB or 1TB tier up front is a more reliable long-term solution than relying on a USB-C card reader for everyday storage.
Is No requirement required for Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
Yes. No requirement is the minimum that keeps the Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro free of slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
64GB covers light use; 128GB suits heavy use.
Can I use older or slower cards with Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
Not below No requirement. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the No requirement mark.
Does the brand matter for Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
Yes. SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung and Kingston cards meet their rated speeds. Buy from the brand's store or a major retailer: counterfeit cards sold under those names are common on marketplaces.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
A card slower than No requirement causes slow loads, stutter, or write errors. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro?
Several years in normal use. Cards usually fail from wear or counterfeit flash, not age. Replace yours at the first write error, corrupted file or "card not recognized" message.