Best SD Cards For iPhone 13 / 13 Pro
Expert recommendations based on iPhone SE (3rd Generation) specifications
Recommended Spec
External via Lightning Reader (UHS-I or faster)
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) has no SD slot and started at 64GB. A Lightning SD reader lets you move photos and video off the phone to free space.
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#1 Top Pick for iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
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Official iPhone SE (3rd Generation) SD Card Requirements
-
Format: External via Lightning Reader
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Minimum Speed: UHS-I
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Maximum Capacity: undefined
Why these requirements? The 3rd-generation iPhone SE started at 64GB, the smallest storage Apple sold on a recent iPhone, with no way to expand it. A Lightning SD or microSD reader lets you move photos and videos off the phone through the Files app. Apple discontinued the SE in 2025.
Detailed Specifications
Type
External via Lightning Reader
Min Speed Class
UHS-I
Write Speed
undefined
Recommended Size
64GB
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 Select Plus
Full Review
|
V10 | Up to 85 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
Open in full compare toolSee how the recommended cards for iPhone SE (3rd Generation) stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.
recommended
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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.
budget
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Kingston Canvas Select Plus
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV10
- App PerformanceA1
- Read SpeedUp to 100 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 85 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Low price with a lifetime limited warranty.
Cons
- Not V30 rated. Avoid for 4K.
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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.
Kingston Canvas Select Plus
The Kingston Canvas Select Plus is a budget microSD card that reads up to 100 MB/s and writes up to 85 MB/s. It carries U1, V10 and A1 ratings, so it suits phones, tablets, Switch and 1080p cameras, not 4K video.
Target User:
Budget-conscious content creators and mobile device users
Best For:
Smartphones & Tablets, Action Cameras, Dash Cams
For 4K video, step up to a V30 card such as the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus or SanDisk Extreme.
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 iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) takes a External via Lightning Reader card rated UHS-I or faster. 64GB 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.
Is an external card reader worth buying for the base 64GB iPhone SE?
More so than on other iPhones. The 64GB base storage tier fills up quickly with photos and apps, and since the SE has no card slot, a Lightning microSD reader plus the Files app is the easiest way to regularly offload media without paying for iCloud storage.
Is UHS-I required for iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
Yes. UHS-I is the minimum that keeps the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) free of slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
64GB suits most owners.
Can I use older or slower cards with iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
Not below UHS-I. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the UHS-I mark.
Does the brand matter for iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
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 iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
A card slower than UHS-I 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 iPhone SE (3rd Generation)?
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.