Sd cards are always relevant for only one purpose, and that is storage. But the real question to ask is: “What is the lifespan of an sd card? How long can my data be stored in that storage?”

In this article, we will try to understand the lifespan of an sd card and learn the different types of sd cards and the duration for which they are functional.

According to the SD Association, an SD Card can last up to 10 years or more. It may even last for a shorter period depending upon the quality of the sd card and the storage it represents.

What is the Lifespan of an SD Card?

The duration of any sd card varies from one manufacturer to another. It is the quality of the card that determines how long the sd card will be able to store the data in its memory. 

For instance, the cards that are made out under some standards have semiconductors that have the capacity of storing data in a flash memory which is based on the current technology available for manufacturing sd cards.

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The cards manufactured under such a standard generally have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. In addition, there is another feature to sd card which is its resistance to water i.e, being waterproof. Some cards are water-resistant as they are manufactured with special technology.

However, not every card has that feature and can become dysfunctional the moment it is accidentally dipped into water for some minutes. It will lead to the loss of data and one may not be able to retrieve it. This may be an appropriate condition to keep in mind as we discuss the durability of the card.

Therefore, it is fitting to say that cards which are made out of the latest waterproof technology are more durable than the ones which are not.

What is the most viable way to ensure that your Data is Safe?

There is no specific way to determine the longevity of the card. However, one can follow specific guidelines to ensure that the stored data is saved if the card becomes dysfunctional. The following points will help the readers to make sure that their memory cards are functional for a longer time:

1. Make sure that the card is not kept under a heavyweight object and is instead kept in a card reader. The card reader has the space to keep the card functional and protects it from rusting.
2. If the quality of the card is not known to the user, then the viable option would be to not rely on it,i.e., not to keep the data stored in the card for a long time. The user must keep transferring the data from one card to another. A rotational model must be opted for by the user. In addition, the best option would be to store it electronically.

What are the Alternatives for Storing Your Data?

Well, it is the digital age, and so there are ample alternatives available to the user. Some of the viable modes of storing your information can be the following:

1. Pen drive: The capacity and durability of a pen drive are much better and well equipped than the sd card, and it is a viable option for those users who tend to keep shuffling their data on a priority basis i,e, to say that they erase the data when they no longer need it. A pen drive is meant for storing such information only, and it is, therefore, the first viable option before the user.
2. Cloud storage: This is the modern way of storing the user’s information, and it is available for all kinds of people irrespective of the nature of the data. There are many options like Google Cloud, Dropbox, etc. These days smartphone manufacturer provides cloud storage for free to their users, check if you have one.

Conclusion

Sd card generally has no duration whatsoever. The manufacturing process of such cards has no assurance of the longevity of each card.

Some are even defective and quickly wears out when it comes in contact with atmospheric conditions.

The card manufacturer may provide a warranty, but it will wear out as it is a highly complex chip and is not susceptible to many conditions. It may become dysfunctional even when it is pressed hard on its surfaces.

These vulnerabilities associated with sd cards have made their demand pretty unlikely, and it is fitting to say that in the coming time, it will become obsolete.

The storage of information within smartphones or cloud storage of various operating systems will be the only option.