New Generation SANDISK Memory Cards vs Older SanDisk Cards: What Changed in 2026?

2026 SANDISK refresh at a glance

The figures below use comparable 256GB models where possible. All speeds are manufacturer-rated maximum sequential figures and actual performance depends on the card, device, interface, reader, and usage conditions.

Product family	Older SanDisk version	New SANDISK version	Main difference
Extreme PRO microSD	Up to 200MB/s read Up to 140MB/s write	Up to 250MB/s read Up to 170MB/s write	25% faster rated read speed and 21% faster rated write speed.
Extreme microSD	Up to 190MB/s read Up to 130MB/s write	Up to 245MB/s read Up to 170MB/s write	29% faster rated read speed and 31% faster rated write speed.
Ultra microSD	Up to 150MB/s read	Up to 195MB/s read	Faster rated transfers; compare write performance by exact SKU.
Extreme PRO SD UHS-I	Up to 200MB/s read Up to 140MB/s write	Up to 250MB/s read Up to 170MB/s write	Faster offloads and more headroom for burst shooting.
Extreme SD UHS-I	Up to 180MB/s read Up to 130MB/s write	Up to 230MB/s read Up to 160MB/s write	Faster rated transfers and writes for hybrid photo and video use.
Ultra SD UHS-I	Up to 150MB/s read	Up to 195MB/s read	Faster transfers with compatible SANDISK QuickFlow hardware.

Note: Maximum ratings can vary by capacity. Compare the exact card capacity and SKU before purchasing.

New Generation SANDISK microSD cards vs older SanDisk versions

The most noticeable consumer updates are in the Extreme and Extreme PRO microSD families. They are best suited to users who regularly transfer large files, capture action-camera or drone footage, use demanding Android storage, or want more performance headroom from compatible devices.

The refreshed Extreme microSD range is the strongest mainstream speed upgrade, while Extreme PRO remains the premium choice for shoppers who want top-tier capacity and performance. Ultra continues to be better suited to everyday phone storage, tablets, handheld gaming, and basic camera use.

New Generation SANDISK SD cards vs older SanDisk versions

The full-size SD refresh follows the same pattern. The new Extreme and Extreme PRO UHS-I cards add faster rated read and write performance for photographers and hybrid camera users, while the new Ultra SD cards focus more on everyday transfers, travel photography, and Full HD recording.

For most mirrorless and DSLR users, the update matters most when you shoot frequent bursts, transfer large RAW files, or record higher-bitrate 4K video. For casual photography, travel, and standard video recording, an older compatible SD card may still provide everything your camera needs.

Professional refresh: new V60, V90 and CFexpress 4.0 Type B cards

The professional updates are more specialized. The new V60 cards bring a meaningful write-speed improvement, the new V90 range is most compelling for its larger capacities, and CFexpress 4.0 Type B delivers the largest raw speed increase for compatible professional cameras and readers.

New Generation Extreme PRO UHS-II V60 vs older V60

Feature	Older SanDisk UHS-II V60	New SANDISK Extreme PRO V60	What changed
Product image			Refreshed professional range with a dedicated V60 model.
256GB maximum read speed	Up to 280MB/s	Up to 300MB/s	About 7% faster rated read speed.
256GB maximum write speed	Up to 150MB/s	Up to 250MB/s	About 67% faster rated write speed.
Video Speed Class	V60	V60	The sustained video class remains the same.
Maximum capacity	Up to 1TB	Up to 2TB	More room for longer shoots and fewer card swaps.

New Generation Extreme PRO UHS-II V90 vs older V90

Feature	Older SanDisk Extreme PRO V90	New SANDISK Extreme PRO V90	What changed
Product image			New V90 design and larger-capacity range.
256GB maximum read speed	Up to 300MB/s	Up to 310MB/s	A small peak read-speed increase.
256GB maximum write speed	Up to 300MB/s	Up to 304MB/s	A modest peak write-speed increase.
Video Speed Class	V90	V90	Both are designed for demanding professional video workflows.
Maximum capacity	Up to 512GB	Up to 2TB	This is the most meaningful upgrade for many users.

The V60 is the more meaningful speed upgrade for compatible UHS-II workflows, while the new V90 is primarily a capacity upgrade for creators who want fewer card swaps during long shoots.

New Generation CFexpress 4.0 Type B vs older CFexpress Type B

Feature	Older SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B	New SANDISK Extreme PRO CFexpress 4.0 Type B	What changed
Product image			New CFexpress 4.0 design and significantly higher performance.
Maximum read speed	Up to 1,700MB/s	Up to 3,700MB/s	About 118% faster rated read speed.
Maximum write speed	Up to 1,400MB/s	Up to 3,500MB/s	About 150% faster rated write speed.
Maximum capacity	Up to 512GB	Up to 4TB	Much more room for high-resolution production workflows.
Sustained write performance	Varies by older model and capacity	Up to 3,100MB/s minimum sustained write on 2TB and 4TB models	Designed for longer high-resolution recording sessions.

CFexpress 4.0 Type B is the largest performance upgrade in the new lineup, but its full benefit depends on using a compatible camera and high-speed reader.

What card speed ratings mean

Read speed affects how quickly you can transfer files from a card to a compatible reader or computer. Write speed affects how quickly your camera or device can save photos, video, and other data to the card.

Video ratings such as V30, V60, and V90 refer to minimum sustained write performance, not simply a maximum burst speed. Always follow your camera manufacturer’s approved-media list for demanding video modes.

A faster card can still be limited by a slower camera, phone, card reader, USB port, or computer. You need compatible hardware to approach a card’s highest advertised speed.

Should you wait for the new generation of SANDISK cards?

Top Select does not currently carry the new SANDISK refresh models discussed in this guide. For current needs, choose the card that matches your device’s supported format, capacity, and required video class.

FAQ

Is the new SANDISK lineup only a logo change?

No. Several refreshed cards have higher rated read and write speeds than comparable older SanDisk models. The largest mainstream improvements are in the new Extreme and Extreme PRO microSD ranges.

Will a new 250MB/s card make every device faster?

Not necessarily. Your camera, phone, computer, and card reader can limit performance. You need compatible hardware to approach the card’s highest advertised speed.

Should I replace a current SanDisk card that is still working?

Usually only when you need more capacity, faster transfers, stronger write performance, or your current card is limiting your workflow.

Is V60 enough, or do I need V90?

Follow your camera manufacturer’s requirements. V60 is designed for sustained 60MB/s video write performance, while V90 is designed for sustained 90MB/s video write performance.

Are the new SANDISK models available at Top Select?

Not currently. This guide is intended to help you understand the refresh and choose a compatible card for your needs today.

Final recommendation

The new SANDISK refresh delivers meaningful gains for Extreme and Extreme PRO microSD buyers, camera users who need faster UHS-I SD performance, and professionals using CFexpress Type B. But a current compatible SanDisk card is still the right purchase when it already meets your device’s requirements.

Product speed figures in this guide are manufacturer-rated “up to” specifications for comparable capacities where stated. Actual performance varies by capacity, host device, card reader, interface, usage conditions, and recording mode.