What Is a TF (TransFlash) Card- Everything You Need To Know About It? 

With the advancement in technology, smartphones are also being designed to provide more storage to save large amounts of data and various applications. They started coming with the option of external storage, where users can use a memory card to expand their phone’s storage.

In this regard, TF Card and SD Card (Secure Digital Card) are two names associated. 

Out of many memory cards available in the market, these are two common memory cards used on small electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, game consoles, etc. 

However, TF cards differ from SD cards in many aspects, such as size, application, price, function, etc. Also, TF or TransFlash is a lesser-known name for memory cards and many users are unaware of that name—this leads them to wonder what a TF card is, how it works, and how to decide which card is better to opt for!

So, in this article, we will talk about TF cards and explain everything that will help you to have a thorough understanding about these two types of memory cards in order to make the right decision.

What is a TF Card?

TransFlash, also known as TF or T-Flash Card – was the original name for Micro Secure Digital (microSD) cards.

It was jointly launched by Motorola and SanDisk Company in 2004 as the world’s smallest memory card, having the size of a fingernail.

To be specific, the SanDisk Company’s product TF card is one-fourth the size of an SD card (11x15x1 mm) and thus, is considered the smallest memory card used in portable music players, GPS devices, and flash memory disks to store data like pictures, images, videos, MP3s, and so on in digital form.

Moreover, in late 2004 the SD Association officially changed its name to Micro SD to make it a member of SD products as TF cards adopted the design of the SD structure.

So, the Trans-Flash card, being a member of the SD card product—is suitable for many multimedia applications. Not only can it work with an SD adapter and is compatible with any SD card reader, but also TF cards can be used as SD cards after being converted by SD card adapter.

What is a SD Card?

For those who don’t know, SD card or Secure Digital Card is a new generation memory device based on semiconductor flash memory. 

It was jointly launched by Panasonic, Toshiba and SanDisk in August 1999 and is now widely used in portable devices, such as digital cameras, multimedia players, personal digital assistants, and so on due to its fast Data transmission speed, small size, hot swappable and other excellent features.

TF VS SD Card: What Is the Difference Between TransFlash and SD Card?

Since many of you still don’t know the difference between TF card and SD card, let us explain to you the aspects that differentiate them from each other—

• Names:  TF card is a flash memory card whereas an SD card is a non-volatile and secure digital memory card.

• Definition: TF card is a small flash memory card based on NAND MLC technology and SanDisk controller. On the other hand, an SD card is a new generation memory card that uses semiconductor flash memory.

• Origin: While on the one hand, TF cards were introduced in 2004 as a collaborative effort between SanDisk and Motorola; SD cards were introduced in 1999 by a joint effort of SanDisk, Panasonic and Toshiba.

• Conversion: You can easily convert TF card to SD card with proper card adapter. However, it is not possible to use the SD card on any device that enables the TF card connection.

• Size and appearance: Both TF and SD Card differ in size. While the TF card is 15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm in size, the SD card size is 24 mm x32 mm x2.1 mm.

• Application: Albeit, TF cards are commonly used in smartphones due to their small size, it is now being used in portable music players, GPS devices, and even on some flash memory disks. On the contrary, SD cards are mainly used in multimedia players, digital cams and other portable devices.

• Security: SD card design has lock switch that prevents data from being deleted or edited. However, TF card design has no such switch.

• Capacities: Both TF and SD cards come in different capacities. To be precise, an SD card comes in these capacities–512G 128G 64G 32G 16G 8G 6G 4G 2G 1G 512M 256M 128M and a TF card comes in 128G 64G 32G 16G 8G 6G 4G 2G 1G 512M 256M 128M capacities.

• Structure: The structure of an SD card differs from that of a TF card because the latter’s design shows that its rear ribs are constructed differently than those of an SD card.

1. Price: With the same brand, speed, capacity and manufacturer, an SD card is available at a higher cost than a TF card.

These are the aspects that help you quickly distinguish TF cards from SD cards.

Which Card (TF or SD) to Pick Up?

Albeit, the above-mentioned differences between TF card and SD card are enough to decide which memory card you should go for. But, still if you are confused whether to choose TF card or SD card, then let us clear your confusion. 

You can easily take a decision based on the following factors—

• Factor 1: If you want to get a memory card with an available capacity of more than 128 GB, you can choose an SD card.
• Factor 2: Compared to SD cards, TF cards are more flexible and pocket-friendly.
• Factor 3: SD cards in comparison to TF cards are more straightforward and more practical.
• Factor 4: If you are only looking for a memory card for your digital camera or any of your old gadgets and not for your smartphone, then you can go with a full size SD card.
• Factor 5: If you need a card specifically for your smartphone, GPS, dash cams, and not for your digital camera, then you have no choice but to go for a TF card.

So, to select a memory card, you must be clear about your requirements and these factors as it will not only save your time and effort but also your money.

Now, in addition, it is worth mentioning that although from 2014 until now, MicroSD and TransFlash cards are considered the same where TransFlash was the initial product name, which was later changed to microSD cards. But, if you ask “Is a TF card the same as a microSD card?” Then, the answer is “No” because there is a slight difference between them too!

TF VS microSD: What is the Difference Between TransFlash and MicroSD Card?

MicroSD cards are nothing but TF cards under a different name. 

When Motorola and SanDisk released the TF card back in 2004, it was launched as a separate standalone product.

Apart from the fact that TF cards support the same standard specifications as SD cards (bar size); TF cards were separate, non-standardized product classes.

Therefore, in order to standardize these flash memory cards, the SD Association adopted TF cards as microSD cards.

So, in essence microSD cards are TF cards in disguise. Both can be used in a variety of devices such as smartphones, cameras, computers and other such devices to store information such as videos, pictures, and MP3 etc.

The only difference between the two is that micro SD cards can support SDIO communication modes to facilitate GPS tracking on satellites, as well as small-scale digital communication technologies such as near-field communication and Bluetooth. On the other hand, a TransFlash card cannot perform this type of function.

Other than that, TF and micro SD cards are the same thing when it comes to dimensions and specifications. Thus, they are used as a single memory card to this day.

List of Recommended TF or MicroSD Cards

While reading here, if you have made up your mind to use a TF card as your memory card then, it is time to suggest you some recommended TF cards—

S.NO.	CARD NAME	CAPACITY	REVIEWS	Price
1	Nuiflash Class 10 High Speed TF Card	512 GB	31 Reviews	Check Price at Amazon
2	Alisinsen High Speed Class 10 TF Card	256 GB	53 Reviews	Check Price at Amazon
3	SanDisk SDXC Ultra Class 10 TF Card	128 GB	116 Reviews	Check Price at Amazon
4	Superduoduo Class 10 High Speed TF Card	128 GB	438 Reviews	Check Price at Amazon
5	SanDisk Ultra HC Class 10 TF Flash SDHC Memory Card	32 GB	20,299 Reviews	Check Price at Amazon

How to Format a TF or MicroSD Card?

Now using your TF card on your digital device, if you want to switch your file system or there are errors in the file system that notifies you to format the card; you can also format it easily.

In this regard, let us tell you that you can format your TF card using Windows tools included with the operating system or third party applications like MiniTool Partition Wizard.

This tool is a professional partition manager that lets you easily format partitions, recover lost data and also helps you to move your operating system to SSD or HDD.

So, you can look at the below procedure to learn how to format TF card/Micro SD card with MiniTool Partition Wizard—

• Step 1: First of all, you need to ‘connect your Micro SD card (TF card)’ to your respective computer.
• Step 2: Then, launch ‘MiniTool Partition Wizard’ on your computer.
• Step 3:  Next, select ‘Micro SD card (TF card)’ on its main interface.
• Step 4: After selecting the Micro SD card (TF card), click ‘Format’ in the action panel.

• Step 5: Now, ‘set a partition label and file system for the partition,’ and once done, click ‘Yes’ to continue.

• Step 5: Lastly, all you need to do is click on ‘Apply’ to execute the pending operation. 

Corrupted TF Card? Consider These Methods to Repair TF Card

If in case your TF card gets corrupted, and it leaves you wondering about the causes for a corrupted card then, let us tell you that Virus infection, card dropping out while writing files and data transfer hiccups, are all common causes of a bad card.

Now that you know the reasons for a card to get corrupted, the question arises; how can you find out whether the card is infected or damaged?

Well to find out if your card is infected or damaged, you should note down the following signs—

• If the card is not being accepted.
• When it runs for a long time.
• If the camera screen is black.
• When your card’s saved files or photographs are not visible.
• In Windows Disk Management, there is no indication of any media
• When it is not viewable on Windows.

Thereafter, if necessary, you can apply the below-discussed methods to fix your infected, damaged or corrupted TF/MicroSD card—

Tip: Before you can troubleshoot problems with your TF card, you will need to move your data to a safe place such as cloud storage to avoid any data loss.

Method 1: Change Your Adaptor, Card Reader, or USB Port to Repair Damaged TF Memory Card

Since card corruption or damage is often caused by bad connectivity or power issues, your first step should be to manage all external influences.

So, ensure that your computer, adaptor, card reader or USB port must be connected-well. 

After this your TF card can start working properly. If not, try the second method given.

Method 2: Run CHKDSK to Repair Damaged TF Memory Card 

To check and repair faulty TF card elements, you can run CHKDSK as it will help you to repair your TF card without formatting it. 

Also, let us tell you that this is an easy process which you can complete with these steps—

• Step 1: First of all use a card reader and connect your TF card to your computer.
• Step 2: Then, type ‘cmd’ in the search box on your computer’s start menu and hit ‘Enter.’ In doing so, you’ll be able to find the ‘cmd.exe/Command Prompt application’ in the list of programs.

• Step 3: Following this, click on the same application to navigate to a command window where you can easily fix your corrupted card without having to format it. In order to do so, type “chkdsk X:/f or chkdsk /h /f X.” [Note: Here you’ve to replace ‘X’ with ‘SD card drive letter’.]

• Step 4: Now, once you’ve completed all the preceding stages, the file of the TF card will be examined, and it will be fixed in a few minutes by Windows. About the same, you’ll receive this message “Windows has corrected the file system” in the command window.

This indicates that your corrupted TF card has been repaired, and you will now be able to locate your data and files on your card once again. So, you see how easy it is for you to be able to fix your TF card that has been damaged.

Method 3: Use Windows Repair Tool to Repair Damaged TF Memory Card

Apart from the above methods, you can also repair your TF card using Windows Repair Tool by following the steps given below—

• Step 1: Simply connect your TF card to your computer and press ‘Windows and E’ keys together to launch Windows Explorer.
• Step 2: Then, right-click on the TF card to select ‘Properties’ from the contextual menu that appears.

• Step 3: Following this, navigate to the ‘Tools’ tab and there, select ‘Check’ on the error checking section.

• Step 4: As you do that, the scanning process will now start, and you will have to wait for it to finish scanning.

• Step 5: Once done, ‘close the window screen’ and check if the problem is resolved using this method.

Bottom Line 

Since there are so many memory cards available in the market, it seems difficult to choose the one that proves to be the best for your digital device, doesn’t it? But no more, after reading this post— which talks about one of the popular memory cards namely TF card and provides clarity on how it is different from SD card to make an easy decision. 

So, hopefully, this resourceful guide would be of great use for you to know detailed information about TF and SD cards.