The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS microSDXC Memory Card in the 128GB capacity is designed to offer a compelling blend of performance, storage capacity, and affordability for a diverse range of users. Building on KIOXIA’s established reputation in the storage industry, the EXCERIA PLUS line is positioned as an enhancement over their standard EXCERIA series, delivering improved speeds suitable for more demanding applications.

Specifications
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS microSDXC 128GB card adheres to the microSDXC standard and utilises the UHS-I interface. The card is rated as Speed Class 10, UHS Speed Class U3, Video Speed Class V30, and Application Performance Class A1. Its maximum read speed is advertised as up to 100 MB/s, while the maximum write speed is around 65 MB/s for the 128GB variant. In terms of durability, the card is designed to be waterproof (IPX7), shockproof, X-ray proof, temperature resistant (from -25°C to +85°C), ESD immune, and includes an internal fuse for overheating/ignition prevention. The card also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

Performance
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS 128GB card provides a good balance of speed and capacity for various applications. For 4K video recording, the V30 rating ensures reliable performance at typical bitrates, allowing for extended recording sessions without write speed limitations. It also performs well for Full HD video recording and high-resolution burst photography, offering sufficient storage for large files and sustained write speeds for continuous shooting.

In gaming, particularly with the Nintendo Switch, the UHS-I interface provides adequate speed for game loading and playing, and the 128GB capacity offers substantial storage for digital game libraries. When used for Android applications, the A1 rating offers acceptable loading times and responsiveness for many apps, although it won’t match the speed of internal storage.

It’s important to remember that actual performance can vary depending on the host device, benchmarking software, and other factors. We used tools such as CrystalDiskMark and Blackmagic Disk Speed Test to test the card’s performance. In our tests, we achieved sequential read speeds pf around 90MB/s and sequential write speeds of around 60MB/s. In a simulated real-world file transfer test, writing a 10GB video file took approximately 3 minutes, while reading the same file took around 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Verdict
The KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS microSDXC Memory Card 128GB stands out as a reliable and versatile storage solution for a wide range of devices. It effectively balances capacity and performance, with the U3/V30 ratings ensuring dependable 4K video recording and the A1 rating offering satisfactory performance for Android applications. The robust design and the trusted KIOXIA brand further enhance its appeal, backed by a 5-year warranty.

While the write speeds aren’t the absolute top-tier, they are more than adequate for the majority of intended uses. Overall, the KIOXIA EXCERIA PLUS 128GB microSDXC card is a compelling choice in its category, providing a dependable and well-rounded storage solution for capturing memories, expanding device storage, and running applications efficiently on the go.

Price: AED 120 approx.

SanDisk has announced the launch of its new WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD, harnessing the cutting-edge PCIe Gen 5.0 technology. This internal solid-state drive promises to deliver lightning-fast speeds of up to 14,900 MB/s and will be available in massive capacities reaching up to 8TB[ii], catering to the demanding needs of high-performance gaming, content creation, and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Recognizing the increasing demands placed on PCs by evolving gaming graphics, high-resolution 4K and 8K content, and burgeoning AI applications, SanDisk has engineered the WD_BLACK SN8100 to maximize system performance. The new SSD is specifically designed for hardcore PC gamers seeking the ultimate combination of speed and reliability for peak gaming experiences, as well as professionals requiring top-tier PC storage for intensive workflows and AI-driven tasks.

Beyond its blistering speeds, the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe PCIe Gen 5.0 SSD boasts significant power efficiency, operating at over 100% more efficiently than SanDisk’s previous generation of high-performance PCIe Gen 4.0 SSDs. As an industry frontrunner in PCIe Gen 5.0 power efficiency, the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD incorporates advanced SanDisk BiCS8 TLC 3D CBA NAND technology. This innovative technology underpins both the drive’s exceptional performance and reliability, all while maintaining a low-power profile and optimized thermal performance. This design philosophy simplifies system integration without the necessity for costly and complex cooling solutions.

Key features of the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD include:

1. Enhanced Gaming and Workflow Experience: Leveraging the speed of PCIe Gen 5.0×4 NVMe M.2 SSD technology for unparalleled responsiveness.
2. Blistering Sequential Speeds: Achieving read speeds of up to 14,900MB/s, write speeds of up to 14,000MB/s, and over 2,300,000 IOPS of random performance (on 2TB – 4TB models), representing a doubling of read speeds compared to SanDisk’s PCIe Gen 4.0 drives.
3. Superior Power Efficiency: Operating at over 100% more power efficient than SanDisk’s PCIe Gen 4.0 drives, with an average operating power of 7W or under, ensuring optimal drive performance.
4. High Endurance: Offering up to 2,400TBW (on the 4TB model), allowing users to tackle the most demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and AI workloads, with confidence.
5. Ample Capacity: Providing substantial storage to accommodate the latest large-scale games and projects, with room for AI application models, extensive datasets, and expanding game libraries.

In addition to the standard WD BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD, SanDisk will also offer an optional version featuring an integrated heatsink. This WD BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD with Heatsink incorporates a new, low profile passive cooling design constructed from anodized aluminum, requiring no additional power or noisy fans. Furthermore, it includes customizable RGB LED lighting for users seeking to personalize their system aesthetics.

The WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe with Heatsink will be available this fall in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities. The 8TB WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD and the WD_BLACK SN8100 NVMe SSD with Heatsink are anticipated to arrive in the Middle East this summer.

Samsung today launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, a strikingly slim 5.8mm smartphone blending premium titanium design with pro-grade performance and integrated Galaxy AI. The lightweight 163-gram device redefines portability within the flagship S series.

The S25 Edge features optimally curved edges, a robust titanium frame, and the new Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for enhanced durability and vibrant visuals. Its advanced camera system boasts a 200MP wide lens with significantly improved low-light performance and a 12MP ultra-wide lens with autofocus for detailed macro shots.

Leveraging the same ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI features as the S25, the Edge offers pro-level image enhancements and AI-powered editing tools like Audio Eraser and Drawing Assist. Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 8  Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy, ensuring fast, all-day operation, while a thinner, broader vapor chamber manages heat efficiently.

The S25 Edge enhances display quality with AI-powered ProScaler and Samsung’s mDNIe engine. It seamlessly integrates Galaxy AI across various functions, offering personalized, secure multimodal experiences. Enhanced AI agents and deeper integration with Google’s Gemini, including new camera and screen sharing capabilities in Gemini Live, further boost user convenience. Privacy remains central with on-device AI processing secured by Samsung Knox Vault.

The Galaxy S25 Edge will be available in Titanium Silver, Titanium Jetblack, and Titanium Icyblue.