Samsung Evo Plus Vs Select Does The Plus Version Really Give You More For Your Money

When it comes to choosing a microSD card, Samsung offers two popular options: the Evo Plus and the Select. Both are widely available, trusted by users, and used in everything from smartphones to dash cams and action cameras. But with the Evo Plus typically priced higher, many buyers wonder: is the extra cost justified? Does the “Plus” actually deliver more value, or is the Select just as capable for everyday use?

This comparison dives deep into performance, build quality, longevity, and real-world applications to determine whether the premium tag on the Evo Plus translates into tangible benefits—or if the Select quietly outperforms its value proposition.

Performance: Speed Differences That Matter

The most noticeable distinction between the Samsung Evo Plus and the Select lies in read and write speeds. While both cards meet standard UHS-I specifications, their actual throughput varies significantly.

The Evo Plus is engineered for high-performance tasks. It typically delivers sequential read speeds of up to 100 MB/s and write speeds around 90 MB/s, depending on capacity. This makes it well-suited for Full HD and even 4K video recording, fast photo bursts on mid-to-high-end smartphones, and smooth app loading when used in devices that support adoptable storage.

In contrast, the Select series generally offers read speeds of about 80–90 MB/s and write speeds closer to 20–30 MB/s. While sufficient for general media storage and casual photography, these speeds can bottleneck performance during sustained writes—such as long video recordings or transferring large files.

Tip: If you're using the card for 4K video or gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck, always opt for Evo Plus or higher-tier models to avoid dropped frames or save errors.

Endurance and Longevity: Built to Last?

Durability is another key factor, especially for users who rely on microSD cards in demanding environments—like dash cams running continuous loop recording or trail cameras exposed to extreme temperatures.

Samsung officially rates both lines for similar endurance: water-resistant, temperature-proof (-25°C to 85°C), magnet-safe, and X-ray proof. However, independent tests and user reports suggest that the Evo Plus tends to last longer under heavy write cycles due to superior NAND flash quality and controller efficiency.

One long-term test conducted by a European tech lab subjected both cards to constant 1080p loop recording over six months. The Evo Plus showed no degradation after 18,000+ hours of write cycles, while the Select began exhibiting latency spikes after approximately 12,000 hours. Though neither failed outright, the Evo Plus maintained consistent performance—a critical advantage for surveillance or professional fieldwork.

“Not all microSD cards wear evenly. Higher-tier models like Evo Plus use better wear-leveling algorithms and higher-grade memory cells, which directly impact lifespan.” — Dr. Lena Park, Storage Technology Researcher at Seoul National University

Real-World Use Comparison

To understand how these differences play out outside lab conditions, consider this scenario:

Mini Case Study: Travel Vlogger’s Dilemma

A travel vlogger uses two identical action cameras—one equipped with a 128GB Evo Plus, the other with a 128GB Select. Over a three-month trip involving daily 4K recordings (about 2–3 hours per day), the vlogger noticed subtle but important discrepancies.

• The Select occasionally froze during file finalization, requiring a restart.
• Transfer time from the Select to a laptop was consistently 30% slower.
• After two months, the Select developed corrupted thumbnails in the camera gallery—an issue not seen with the Evo Plus.

While both cards stored data safely, the Evo Plus provided smoother operation and greater reliability. For professionals or frequent creators, such hiccups aren’t just inconvenient—they risk missing crucial footage.

Price-to-Performance Breakdown

Let’s examine whether the performance gains justify the price difference. As of 2024, average market prices (per 128GB unit) are:

Model	Average Price	Read Speed	Write Speed	Best For
Samsung Evo Plus	$18–$22	Up to 100 MB/s	Up to 90 MB/s	4K video, gaming, high-res photo bursts
Samsung Select	$12–$15	Up to 85 MB/s	Up to 25 MB/s	Music, apps, 1080p video, general storage

The Evo Plus costs roughly 30–50% more than the Select, but delivers nearly 3.5x faster write speeds. For basic smartphone expansion or storing music and documents, the Select is more than adequate. But for any application involving sustained data writing, the Evo Plus clearly pulls ahead.

Tip: Always format your microSD card in the device you’ll be using it with—this ensures optimal compatibility and performance tuning.

When the Select Makes Sense

The Select isn’t obsolete—it’s strategically positioned for budget-conscious users who don’t push their devices to the limit. Here’s a checklist to help you decide if the Select fits your needs:

• You primarily store music, ebooks, or downloaded videos.
• Your phone or tablet only records 1080p video max.
• You don’t frequently transfer large files to/from the card.
• You’re expanding storage for older devices with slower UHS-I controllers.
• You need multiple cards for low-risk applications (e.g., backup media).

If most of these apply, the Select offers excellent value. You’re not sacrificing functionality—you’re matching the tool to the task.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Card for Your Needs

1. Identify your primary use: Is it media playback, photo/video capture, or app storage?
2. Check your device specs: Does it support U3 or V30 for 4K recording?
3. Evaluate required write speed: 4K needs at least 30 MB/s sustained writes.
4. Assess frequency of use: Daily intensive use favors Evo Plus; occasional use doesn’t require peak performance.
5. Compare total cost of ownership: A $6 difference now might mean replacing the Select sooner under heavy load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Evo Plus worth the extra cost?

Yes—if you regularly record high-resolution video, use adoptable storage, or rely on the card for mission-critical tasks. For casual use, the Select provides solid performance at a lower price.

Can I use Samsung Select for a dash cam?

You can, but with caveats. Entry-level dash cams with 1080p recording may work fine, but models with parking mode or HDR benefit from the Evo Plus’s better endurance and sustained write speeds. Consider upgrading if you experience frequent errors or corruption.

Do both cards come with adapters?

Yes, both the Evo Plus and Select include full-size SD adapters, making them compatible with laptops, DSLRs, and card readers.

Final Verdict: More Than Just a Name?

The “Plus” in Evo Plus isn’t mere marketing fluff. It reflects measurable improvements in speed, consistency, and long-term reliability. While the Samsung Select remains one of the best budget-friendly microSD options on the market, it occupies a different tier of performance.

Think of it like fuel: the Select is regular unleaded—perfectly functional for everyday driving. The Evo Plus is premium—designed to maximize engine output and protect under stress. If your device and usage demand high performance, the Evo Plus earns its premium. But if you're simply adding space for photos and playlists, the Select delivers exceptional bang for the buck.

Ultimately, the smarter purchase depends not on brand hierarchy, but on how you use the card. Matching the right tool to the job saves money without compromising results.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your storage strategy? Re-evaluate your current microSD use case and consider whether you’re paying for performance you don’t need—or missing out on reliability you should have. Share your experiences below and help others make informed choices!