eMMC vs SD Card: Which is Better?

by Paul | Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Are you looking for a way to store data efficiently?

Whether it’s photos, videos, music files, or any other digital information, we need an appropriate storage medium.

Nowadays, there are several options available, like eMMC and SD card. But which one should you choose?

Both of these devices have their pros and cons and offer different advantages depending on your needs.

If you’re having difficulty deciding between them – worry not.

This article will help explain the differences between eMMC and SD cards so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

eMMC vs SD card

eMMC is a storage card that is available for both mobile devices and laptops, while laptops can read SD cards but cannot be integrated into them like the eMMC.

The eMMC is an integral part of a motherboard in any device, while the SD card can be removed anytime.

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Both have a few similarities and can sometimes serve the same purpose, but they were not manufactured to serve as substitutes. Let us look at each one.

What is an eMMC?

It is a storage card that is attached to the board. eMMC is short for Embedded Multi-Media Card; it has a flash memory controller integrated into the same silicon die.

The name embedded means it is fused into the motherboard, so it cannot be easily removed.

It consists of 3 components – multimedia card interface, flash memory, and flash memory controller.

First used in 2006 as an upgrade of MMC.

The MMC was different as it was movable and bigger (physically); this upgrade led to a broader embrace of the eMMC in the market as it offered a more comprehensive range of options.

Improved speed, being available for a wide range of devices, and being built with better technology, this card captured users’ attention, and it still does.

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It is small, so it is ideal for many gadgets, including small laptops, smart home appliances, smart wearables, smart TVs, and smartphones.

This card uses NAND technology like SD cards, SSDs, and USB flash drives.

This design makes it fast, and it improves the overall performance of any given device. It is efficient and has no noise, as there are no moving parts.

Transferring files is done at a fast rate with a speed of up to 400mb/s, and if you see that as small, bear in mind that this is designed for smaller laptops.

It is usually used for budget-friendly laptops, so they are cheaper and more portable than other storage devices (especially SSDs) used in a laptop.

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It is a nonvolatile card that meansmeans it stores data and functions even when your PC is shut down just like the SSD.

Although it can be in phones like an SD card, it is faster as most use SLC or 3D MLC NAND. It does possess similarities with the SSD, but it is weaker.

Functions of an eMMC

A simple way to describe it will be like a permanent SD card but with a better capacity.

On a PC, it frees up the CPU for other tasks by placing data into storage, leaving the CPU available for heavier tasks.

There are a few storage capacity options; the most popular sizes are 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB.

There is a 512GB, and this is a catch, but the thing with eMMC is some are produced for consumer use, and others are for industrial use.

The bigger storage sizes tend to fall in the latter category.

eMMC is a good option if you have external storage or a cloud option, as it is too small for heavy laptop activities i.e., anything outside browsing and streaming is not ideal.

Although it is used only to store smaller-size data, it is a good option for improving your system boot time; this is achieved when you make it the boot drive of your PC.

Another great thing about the design of the eMMC is that it is not readily susceptible to shocks and vibrations, just like the SSD.

Pros and Cons of eMMC vs SD Card

Pros

1. Compact Size: eMMC cards are small and ideal for sleek and slim devices like tablets, smartphones, and ultra-thin laptops.
2. Cost-Effective: eMMC storage is usually more affordable than other storage devices like SSDs, making them a popular choice for budget-friendly devices.
3. Integrated Controller: With a flash memory and controller integrated into one silicon die, eMMCs streamline data storage and retrieval, increasing the overall efficiency and performance of a device.
4. Resilience: eMMC cards are not readily susceptible to shocks and vibrations, making them reliable for mobile devices.

Cons

1. Limited Storage Capacity: eMMC cards typically offer limited storage capacities, up to 512GB. This can be a limiting factor for users needing larger storage space for heavy applications or media files.
2. Not Removable: As eMMCs are embedded into the device’s motherboard, they cannot be removed or upgraded easily. This is unlike SD cards or SSDs that can be swapped or upgraded to increase storage.
3. Slower Speed: Compared to SSDs, eMMCs are generally slower, which could affect the device’s performance, especially regarding data-intensive tasks.
4. Lifespan: Due to their design and construction, eMMCs wear out faster than SSDs or hard drives, potentially resulting in a shorter lifespan.

SD card

SD card is an abbreviation for Secure Digital Card; it is a small storage card with 128TB capacity.

It has different variations, and they all serve their purpose.

This card is removable and can read/write data in phones, cameras, and other compatible devices. Currently, the most common is the MicroSD card.

The SD card was launched in 1999 and it has been upgraded over time to suit the needs of people.

The first version had a maximum capacity of 2GB and used the FAT16 system.

Then, in 2006, the Secure Digital High Capacity card (SDHC) was released with a maximum storage capacity of 32GB, and it used the FAT32 file system.

This was succeeded by the secure Digital extended capacity (SDXC), released in 2009, with its maximum storage capacity at 2TB, and it used the exFAT system.

Still using the exFAT system is the Secure Digital Ultra Capacity (SDUC), released in 2018 with a maximum storage capacity of 128TB.

SD Express was also introduced in the same year, supporting additional interfaces and higher speeds.

Pros and Cons of SD Card

Pros

1. Portable and Versatile: SD cards are small, lightweight, and can be used in various devices, including cameras, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
2. Expandable Storage: SD cards offer a simple way to expand storage capacity in devices, especially smartphones and cameras.
3. Variety of Sizes: SD cards are available in several storage sizes, going up to a massive 128TB with the SDUC variant.
4. Data Transfer: They allow quick and easy data transfer between devices, mainly with a card reader.
5. Adaptable: With the help of adapters, SD cards can be used across devices of different sizes.

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1. Fragile: SD cards can be fragile and prone to physical damage. Loss of an SD card could mean loss of all data stored on it.
2. Compatibility Issues: Not all devices are compatible with all SD card formats. For example, some devices might not support the exFAT file system used in SDXC and SDUC cards.
3. Limited Lifespan: SD cards have a limited lifespan and can become unreliable with time, especially with frequent read-write cycles.
4. Data Corruption: SD cards are susceptible to data corruption, especially when improperly handled or abruptly removed from a device.

Potential Use Cases for eMMC vs SD Card

eMMC: Embedded Multimedia Cards (eMMC) are ideal for devices that prioritize compactness and affordability, such as tablets, smartphones, and budget laptops.

Given their integrated controller, they’re excellent for streamlining data storage and retrieval, thereby enhancing a device’s overall performance.

They’re best suited for storing relatively small-size data, such as OS boot files, making them preferred choices for systems that require improved boot-up times.

Despite their limited storage capacity and non-removable nature, they are an excellent choice for devices that don’t require significant storage capabilities, especially when supplemented with external storage or cloud options.

SD Cards: Conversely, Secure Digital (SD) cards hold a niche for their portability and versatility. They’re commonly utilized in phones, cameras, and other mobile devices that allow for removable storage.

Their major strength lies in their ability to expand storage capacity on a device, making them ideal for users handling large media files or heavy applications.

Moreover, with the help of adapters, SD cards can adapt across different device sizes, offering a flexible solution for diverse data storage needs.

However, one should be cautious of their fragility and potential compatibility issues with different SD card formats.

Comparing eMMC to SD card

We established earlier the similarities and differences between the two, but let us put them in practical situations. Can an SD card be used to store data on the computer?

Technically, it can, but because it is detachable and because you are more likely than not to move your laptop, you are at risk of data loss as it has less data security design, and sometimes it just formats, no warning. So, the eMMC wins this round.

Still, on the “out of the blue” formatting issue, this also makes eMMC better storage for your phone. The eMMC is a better option than the SD card in almost any scenario, as its integrated controller gives it an edge regarding performance and data security.

However, when storage expansion is the primary concern, an SD card provides a more viable alternative. It’s also crucial to note that each has its strengths and weaknesses; therefore, one should prioritize their needs before settling on either option.

FAQs

Is an SD Card faster than eMMC?

The speed of an SD card compared to eMMC largely depends on the specific models being compared.

Generally, high-end SD cards can potentially achieve faster read and write speeds than eMMC storage.

This is especially true with introducing UHS (Ultra High Speed) classes for SD cards.

However, eMMC storage often has faster random read and write speeds, making the system feel snappier and more responsive.

It’s important to remember that there’s a wide variety of SD cards and eMMC storage options available, so it’s crucial to look at the specifications of the specific models you’re comparing.

Can you Use an SD card with eMMC?

Yes, you can use an SD card with a device that also has eMMC storage.

While eMMC is typically used for internal storage (for the operating system and installed applications), an SD card can augment this storage, providing additional space for files, documents, photos, and other media.

This setup can provide the best of both worlds: the speed and responsiveness of eMMC for running the operating system and applications and the capacity and portability of an SD card for storing personal files and media.

Is eMMC storage good for Mobile?

Yes, eMMC storage is typically a good fit for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

The integrated controller in eMMC storage streamlines data storage and retrieval, enhancing the device’s overall performance.

This is essential for mobile devices, which require efficient and speedy access to data for a smooth user experience.

Also, the compactness of eMMC storage is a big plus for mobile devices where space is at a premium.

However, the non-expandable nature of eMMC could be a limitation for users who require large amounts of storage.

But this can be mitigated by using cloud storage or supplementing with an SD card for additional storage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both eMMC and SD cards offer unique advantages in terms of data storage.

eMMC, with its integrated controller and compact form factor, provides an efficient and cost-effective storage solution for smaller devices such as smartphones and budget laptops.

On the other hand, SD cards, with their removable and portable nature, offer flexibility and expandability, making them a popular choice for mobile devices and digital cameras.

However, the final decision should be based on one’s specific storage needs and the device’s compatibility.

It’s vital to consider storage capacity, speed, durability, and cost before deciding on the most suitable storage medium.