Strictly speaking, an SD card is not “memory”. However, in everyday language and commercial promotion, SD cards are commonly referred to as “memory cards”. Below, we will compare the differences between RAM, internal storage, and SD cards to provide a deeper understanding of SD cards.
Imagine your phone or camera as an office:
RAM = Desk
Characteristics: The desk is large, allowing for a spread of items while working, enabling quick hands and feet, and high efficiency. However, once the workday ends (power off), the desk is cleared, and nothing can remain on it.
Function: Determines how many tasks you can smoothly perform at the same time (for example, how many apps you can open without lagging).
Internal Storage = Filing Cabinet in the Office
Characteristics: In your office, the space is fixed and cannot be moved around. Items can be stored long-term and will not be lost after work hours.
Function: Stores the operating system, apps, and files you have downloaded.
SD Card = External Storage Card
Characteristics: You can bring it into the office to use at any time, and you can also take it out to use in another office. Items are also stored long-term and will not be lost when power is off.
Function: Expands your storage space. When the built-in filing cabinet (internal storage) is insufficient, it is used to store large files such as photos, videos, and music.
So why do people call SD cards “memory cards”?
In the past, both translations and merchants referred to them this way, and people got used to it, so they continued to call them that. Although it is not precise, everyone understands it refers to “the card used for storage”.
Additionally, from a literal perspective, “memory” can be roughly understood as “internal storage”; for phones/cameras, the inserted SD card operates as a storage device “inside” the device.
In conclusion:
From a technical perspective, an SD card is an external storage card, not the “memory” (RAM) responsible for running programs.
From a daily communication perspective, SD cards are often referred to as “memory cards”.
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