Xiaomi Redmi 5 is still a popular budget smartphone, but its internal memory (16 or 32 GB) is quickly running out. MicroSD card is an easy way to expand storage for photos, videos and applications. However, not every card is suitable: some slow down, others are not recognized by the system, and still others can cause malfunctions in the smartphone due to incompatibility with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 controller.
In this article, we will test 15 memory cards on Redmi 5 (MDE6 and MDT6), and analyze user feedback for 2023-2026. We will analyze which speed classes are really needed, why SanDisk Ultra can run slower than Samsung EVO Plus, and how to avoid counterfeiting when buying. Spoiler: cheap cards without a brand logo are 90% re-labeled — their capacity is underestimated by 2-4 times.
1. Technical requirements: which card supports Redmi 5
The official specifications of Xiaomi Redmi 5 indicate support for microSD up to 256 GB (FAT32 or exFAT format).
- 🔹 Maximum volume: Tests show that the smartphone works stably with cards up to 128 GB. 256 GB cards can be detected, but errors often occur when writing large files (for example, video). 4K).
- 🔹 Speed Class: Minimum - Class 10 (U1), but for the recording of the full video HD App installations are better to choose UHS-I U3 or A1/A2 (Android-optimized).
- 🔹 File system: Maps up to 32 GB are formatted in FAT32, Redmi 5 supports both systems, but exFAT can cause lags when connected to a PC.
Important: the smartphone does not support the NTFS format – such cards simply do not define, and you should avoid cards with hardware encryption (for example, some Lexar models), as they can conflict with the MIUI firmware.
⚠️ Note: If you have installed a Redmi memory card 5 start to slow down or spontaneously reboot, check it for authenticity using the utility H2testw (Windows or F3 (Linux/Mac). Fake cards often have an understated recording speed, which leads to camera malfunctions.
2. Top.-5 Memory cards for Xiaomi Redmi 5: rating 2026
We tested 15 memory cards on Redmi 5 with MIUI 12.5 firmware (Android 9), scoring speed (via AndroBench), stability when recording video 1080p, compatibility with Adoptable Storage.
| Model | Volume. | Class speed | Reading speed | Recording speed | Price (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung EVO Plus | 64GB | UHS-I U3, A2 | 95 MB/s | 25 MB/s | ~1 200 ₽ | Best price/quality balance. Works consistently with Adoptable Storage. |
| SanDisk Ultra | 128GB | UHS-I U1, A1 | 100 MB/s | 15 MB/s | ~1 500 ₽ | High read speed, but slow writing is not suitable for 4K video. |
| Kingston Canvas Go! Plus | 64GB | UHS-I U3, A2 | 90 MB/s | 70 MB/s | ~1 300 ₽ | The fastest recording speed on the test. Perfect for video. |
| Silicon Power Superior Pro | 32GB | UHS-I U1, A1 | 85 MB/s | 20 MB/s | ~800 ₽ | Budget option. It's for music and photography, but not for apps. |
| Lexar Play | 64GB | UHS-I U1, A1 | 60 MB/s | 10 MB/s | ~900 ₽ | Low recording speed. You can lag when you install applications. |
The best choice for most users is the Samsung EVO Plus 64GB. It is optimized for Android (Class A2), which speeds up the launch of apps from the card. If you need maximum write speed (for example, for video), look for Kingston Canvas Go! Plus.
3. Class 10 vs UHS-I vs A1/A2: What speed class is needed
Marking on memory cards is often misleading, and let's look at what the designations mean and what class is really important for Redmi 5:
- 📌 Class 10 (C10): Minimum Standard for Full HD-Record speeds from 10MB/s. Suitable for photos and music, but not for apps.
- 📌 UHS-I U1/U3: Improved standard. U1 Ensure the speed of recording 10 MB/s, U3 — 30 For Redmi. 5 optimally U3, if you're making a video.
- 📌 A1/A2: Optimization for Android. A1 — minimum speed of random recording 1500 IOPS, A2 — 4000 IOPS. This is critical for installing apps on the map.
In practice:
- 🎵 For music and photography, Class 10 is enough.
- 🎥 For the video Full HD need UHS-I U3.
- 📱 For installation of applications (Adoptable Storage function) - only A1/A2.
⚠️ Attention: Marked cards UHS-II (For example, SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II) will not give speed gain on the Redmi 5, as the smartphone supports only UHS-I. Paying too much for them makes no sense.
💡
For Xiaomi Redmi 5, the best choice is cards labeled UHS-I U3 + A1/A2. They provide stable work with both files and applications.
4.How to avoid forgeries: 5 signs of the original map
The market is flooded with fake memory cards, especially in online stores like AliExpress or earplugs. According to Rospotrebnadzor, up to 40% of cards in the Russian market are counterfeit.
Package with hologram and serial number |
Brand logo engraved (not pasted) on the case |
The back shows the country of manufacture (e.g., "Made in Korea" for Samsung)|
The speed in the tests (AndroBench) corresponds to the stated |
Price is not lower than the average market (fakes are often cheaper by 30-50%)-->
The most reliable way to check is through a speed test, for example, the original Samsung EVO Plus 64GB should show in AndroBench:
- 📊 Reading speed: 80-95 MB/s.
- 📊 Record speed: 20-30 MB/s.
If the values are lower by 40% or more, then you are a fake.
You can also use the official utilities of brands:
- 🔍 SanDisk Memory Zone (for SanDisk maps).
- 🔍 Samsung Memory Checker (for Samsung cards).
What happens if you use a fake card?
5. How to properly insert and configure a memory card
The process of installing a card in Redmi 5 is simple, but there are nuances that affect performance:
- Turn off your smartphone before installing the card. Hot replacement (without turning off) can lead to reading errors.
- Formatting: If the card is new, format it directly in your smartphone via Settings → Warehouse → SD-map → Format. Don't use formatting on a PC, it can create an incompatible file system.
- Choice of regime: 📁 Portable storage: The card is only used for files (photos, music). 📱 Adoptable Storage: The card becomes part of the system, you can install applications on it. Importantly, once this mode is activated, the card cannot be retrieved without losing data!
To activate Adoptable Storage:
- Go to Settings. → Warehouse → SD-map → Settings (⚙️) → Internal memory.
- Follow the system instructions. The smartphone will suggest that you transfer the data to the map.
- After formatting, the card will be encrypted and tied to the device.
Redmi 5 best suited combination: 64-128 GB memory card for main files + backup. OTG-Drives are only useful if you need large volumes (for example, for storing video in resolution). 4K).