The Original PRUSA MK4S is the latest iteration of the iconic 3D printer and once again sticks with the standard Cartesian design. PRUSA Research has retained this design, which means there's an easy upgrade path from the previous version to this latest one. In fact, it's great to see PRUSA offering an upgrade kit from the MK4 to the MK4S at an extremely low price of $99.

The upgrades from the MK4 to the MK4S focus on boosting, overhangs, improving surface quality, filament colour consistency, sharp print edges, and, of course, the speed and dimensional accuracy of prints. 

These main enhancements focus on print quality, and much of this is due to the new 360° cooling system, which blasts cool air when needed from all directions around the nozzle, which helps to improve the angle of the overhangs that can be printed before supports are required and therefore boosts the complexity of models that can be printed. The biggest challenge for PRUSA is competing with the speed of CoreXY printers, but again, they've maximized the speed of their tried-and-tested design and added a custom high-flow hotend that has been designed in house and developed with Bondtech.

The MK4S also features a native Wi-Fi setup via an NFC chip, making the connection process more integrated and user-friendly. The printer retains the classic PRUSA design but now includes new materials and manufacturing techniques in the construction, such as PC blends with carbon fibre for some 3D-printed parts and an injection-moulded LCD cover. So, while there's still the distinctive maker look to the printer, it is becoming increasingly refined.

A new optional GPIO board enables makers to develop their accessories and enhancements. There's also an option to add an accelerometer, although users' requirements for this will be quite niche. Although upgrades from the MK4 to the MK4S may seem slight, they significantly increase performance and speed. PRUSA's challenge is conveying this message to potential buyers: The MK4S is the machine they need, even with very good cheaper rivals available.

Essentially, the Original PRUSA MK4S is one of the best 3D printers we've reviewed that, for the price, offers one of the most complete solutions on the market. It's one of the most accurate, and the speed is now on par with faster COREXY machines, but it is expensive. However, it should also be seen as a long-term investment, so if you've had a cheaper machine and are looking to upgrade, then this is a great solution; if you need a machine for business or education, then actually, this is far cheaper, even with the optional enclosure than the likes of the Ultimaker and is a far more serviceable machine.

Original PRUSA MK4S: Design

The Original PRUSA MK4S is instantly recognizable, not just because of its signature orange accent colours but also because of its consistent design evolution. Despite continuous improvements, the machine's overall look and styling have remained reassuringly similar.

The MK4S strictly follows the Cartesian bed slinger design, meaning the build plate moves back and forth underneath the print head. The machine continues to use lead screws and rails instead of belts, maintaining its robust and reliable structure that's easy to maintain and fix, although if the MK4 is anything to go by, fixing is something your unlikely to need to do. Our MK4 has been running consistently for over a year and is used as a benchmark by which all other machines are measured; and over that time it has required little, if any, attention.

The layout of the machine remains familiar, with filament spools suspended above the machine and a new filament guide to direct the filament into the print head. The main upright structure, lead screws, and associated mechanisms remain largely unchanged from the MK4. However, the real advancements are seen in the print head, where the new 360° cooling system has been developed. This system features a high-pressure fan, which operates most of the time to maintain optimal cooling. Despite the increased prominence of the cooling system, the noise levels remain as low as with the very quiet MK4.

Effective cooling is crucial in 3D printing, as it significantly impacts print quality. The new 360° cooling system, combined with the high-flow nozzle, is a major upgrade, even if it seems small. The high-flow nozzle allows the printer to handle the increased print speeds with the standard high-flow 0.4mm nozzle installed. Compared with the MK4, you can expect a 50% increase in print speed when printing PLA, with similar speed improvements for PETG, ASA, and PC.

One of the common issues faced with Original PRUSA machines is connecting the PRUSA slicer wirelessly to the printer. While many other companies have streamlined this process, PRUSA's approach previously couldn't have been more complex. The MK4S addresses this with a native app setup, making the connection process easier. An NFC chip on the back of the machine allows for a simple tap to start the installation and connection process.

Aesthetically, the MK4S has few changes apart from slight variations in the fan design. However, PRUSA has improved the quality of some parts by opting for injection moulding where it makes sense, such as around the control box. They have also replaced some previously used materials with PC blends and carbon fibre for added strength and quality while retaining other materials where the added expense of PC blends does not justify the benefits.

Finally, two additional optional parts can be added to the MK4S if required. The first is a GPIO board, which is exciting for makers as it allows them to experiment with the printer and create their electronics or functions. The ability to add an accelerometer will appeal to some, but for the majority of users, this feature will be optional.

Overall, while the upgrades from the MK4 to the MK4S may seem incremental, they significantly enhance performance and speed, reinforcing PRUSA Research as a manufacturer known for producing reliable and high-quality 3D printers and, more importantly, looking after its extensive user base. The challenge remains in conveying these benefits to potential buyers in a competitive market.

One final point to add is that unlike most other machines, the PRUSA is built in Europe, and the parts, including the chips, sensors and boards, are all selected with security in mind and sourced from either Europe or the US. While the machine is wifi and App enabled, it can equally easily not be, so for anyone working on prototypes who is mindful about the security of their designs, this is a major design feature that will be of interest.

Original PRUSA MK4S: Features

Original PRUSA MK4S: Performance

One of the great things about the majority of 3D printers coming out at the moment is that it only takes a few minutes to assemble and start printing. Not only is the mechanical build of the printers relatively easy, but with all the advanced software developments, most printers will run through the setup procedures for you, levelling the base and checking that everything is just right. The Original PRUSA MK4S takes this a step further: you literally just pull the machine out of the box, remove the packaging, plug it in, let it run through its checks, and it's ready to print. Well almost, just load the filament, and you're good to go.

When setting up the review sample, it literally arrived at the door, was unboxed on the table, and was ready to print within five minutes. When it comes to setup, this is one of the quickest and easiest printers we've ever used. The USB stick included in the box contained a huge variety of test models to print, which kept us busy for a good 24 hours if not more. Each model printed without issue, and unlike many other printers that need a bit of tweaking or cleaning up after every print, the PRUSA MK4S simply printed flawlessly. Removing prints from the flexible build plate was easy, leaving the printer ready to go for the next model. The amount of mess around the printer was minimal, with just a small test strip used to clean the nozzle and check flow at the front of the build plate being wasted from every model.

When it comes to print speed, the MK4S is fast, though not noticeably so at first. The printer also runs incredibly quietly, especially when compared to what are essentially Tasmanian devil printers that make an incredible amount of noise, and almost jump around with excitement as they print, the Creality K1C is doing that at present. The PRUSA MK4S is quiet and understated, producing immaculate high-quality prints without the noise and fuss.

After exhausting all the test prints, we moved on to a few models of our own using the updated profile for PRUSA Slicer. The quality of the prints was again excellent. Some of the key properties that PRUSA highlighted with the prints included dimensional accuracy, overhang quality, fast, durable prints at speed, smooth surfaces, sharp edges, colour stability for coloured filaments and, of course, speed. In isolation, all the test prints seem to confirm these attributes. However, it was only when compared against the likes of the Creality K1C and Bambu P1P that you can really see why this printer commands the higher price, with the other two printers producing excellent quality prints but struggling with some of the finer details and print quality with overhangs. While both printers have higher maximum print speeds, the combination of settings to get a decent print from all three printers showed that the MK4S consistently printed at the same speed as the other two, if not faster in many cases. The settings on each printer are balanced in order to produce decent prints, with each printer utilising different slicer software - so the slicer settings of each are set to give an even playing field with balanced quality and speed, but all printed with a layer height of 0.2mm with a 0.4mm nozzle. 

Looking at the following three models really proved the point.

The Bowl, designed by Rudolf Krcmar, shows the most marked differences in the print quality between the three machines. The obvious winner here is the PRUSA, with the other two printers struggling to produce usable prints.

Time taken to print:

Original PRUSA: 3 hours 29 minutes Creality K1C: 7 hours 5 minutes Bambu Labs P1P: 4 hours 41 minutes

Next up is the large corner bracket, and here, all three printers did a great job, with the K1C and the PRUSA matching the quality of the print. There were some slight overhang issues for the Bambu, but it was still a very passable result.

Time taken to print:

Original PRUSA: 3 hours 29 minutes Creality K1C: 5 hours 43 minutes Bambu Labs P1P: 4 hours 10 minutes

Finally, the Autodesk Kickstarter test model really highlights the abilities of each printer and the qualities that each is capable of. The

Time taken to print:

Original PRUSA: 1 hour 49 minutes Creality K1C: 2 hours 26 minutes Bambu Labs P1P: 1 hour 36 minutes

It is worth noting that the price point of the MK4S sits well above the likes of the Creality K1 series and Bamboo Labs P1P series. However, it's difficult not to draw comparisons with these machines. When it came to print speed, the PRUSA was generally on a par, with prints starting faster than the other two machines - all machines we're adjusted for different print speeds for infill set at 15% and Perimeter settings set to the maximum for the printer. Checking over the quality of the prints, it was apparent just how much higher the quality of the PRUSA prints was. While the other two machines completed their models at a similar rate, there was a marked difference in the print quality, with the PRUSA producing decent surface-finished models and the other two showing definite signs of glitches and minor issues.

Running all printers consistently with the same models showed where the PRUSA stands out: complete reliability. With the PRUSA, you simply set the printer going, leave it, come back, remove the print, and start the next. The other two machines, at one point or another, paused during a print or had filament flow issues that needed resolving.

In the ultimate test, we put the Creality K1C and Bamboo Labs P1P up against the Original PRUSA MK4S in a 3D Benchy multiple print showdown. The PRUSA produced all ten prints of exceptional quality, as did the K1C. The P1P, which is ageing, failed to print on this occasion but is usually quite consistent.

The Original PRUSA MK4S is considerably faster than the MK4—over 50% faster. This is surprising, given that it's essentially a very similar machine with almost the same parts. The improvement is due to the 360° cooling system and the high-flow nozzle, which give it a significant boost in performance.

In terms of print quality at these speeds, the MK4S is impressive and markedly better than the prints from the Creality and Bamboo Labs machines. While those two machines produce prints very quickly, they require more maintenance and care than the PRUSA, which simply powers along silently in the background.

Overall, the Original PRUSA MK4S stands out in terms of speed, quality, and reliability, making it a top choice for both enthusiasts and professionals.

Original PRUSA MK4S: Print quality

Dimensional accuracy - score of 5

Target 25 =  X: 24.89mm / 0.11mm Error | Y: 24.93mm / 0.07mm Error
Target 20 = X: 19.89mm / 0.11mm Error | Y: 19.92mm /  0.08mm Error
Target 15 = X: 14.97mm / 0.03mm Error | Y: 14.94mm / 0.06mm Error
Target 10 = X: 9.87mm / 0.13mm Error | Y: 9.84mm / 0.16mm Error
Target 5 = X: 4.92mm / 0.08mm Error |  Y: 4.86mm / 0.14mm Error
X Error Average = 0.092
Y Error Average = 0.102
X&Y Error Average = 0.097

Fine Flow Control - score of 5

Fine Negative Features - score of 5

Overhangs - score of 4

Bridging - score of 5

XY resonance - score of 2.5

Z-axis alignment - score of 2.5

Adding up the totals gives a final score of 29 out of 30.

Creality K1C: Final verdict

The Original PRUSA MK4S is a considerable upgrade from the MK4, and the $99 upgrade kit makes it a no-brainer for existing MK4 owners. The MK4S is a highly refined 3D printer that promises years of reliable use and easily outlasts many cheaper alternatives. Its durability, upgradability, and ease of repair make it a standout option for serious users.

While there are many great printers available for less, the MK4S is the kind of machine you'll likely upgrade to after gaining initial 3D printing experience. It's particularly suitable for businesses needing a printer that won't let them down. The MK4S delivers consistent, high-quality prints without the hassle of frequent maintenance or unexpected issues.

Due to its price, the MK4S might be out of reach for beginners, but PRUSA offers the MINI, a more affordable entry-level printer. The MK4S, however, sets itself apart with features that bring it in line with the latest market offerings while maintaining unmatched reliability and robustness. If something goes wrong, spare parts and community support ensure minimal downtime.

One important consideration is that the MK4S, like previous PRUSA models, is an open-frame machine. While suitable for many materials, an optional enclosure is recommended for environments like schools or workplaces to prevent accidental contact with the hot nozzle and manage fumes from certain filaments.

PRUSA's commitment to its user base, extensive community resources, and training, along with the ability to upgrade from one generation to the next, make the MK4S a solid investment. It's adaptable for various uses, with expansion opportunities through the GPIO board.

In essence, if you're looking for the best in print quality, reliability, and future-proofing, the Original PRUSA MK4S is a top choice. If you want something quick and easy without the option for future upgrades, a cheaper machine might suit you better until you decide to invest in a PRUSA.

Should You Buy the Original PRUSA MK4S?

For more crafting tools, we reviewed the best laser engravers

Lenovo has been a top choice for business laptops for many years. Their ThinkPad and ThinkBook series are popular among businesses due to their performance and portability. Although Lenovo offers several laptop lines, the ThinkPad Carbon series is impressive. I had the opportunity to review the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 almost a year ago, and it was an incredible business laptop. 

Now, the company has released the all-new ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12. Could we be looking at one of the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops out there? I put it to the test.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12: Unboxing & first impressions

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 arrives in minimalist, eco-friendly packaging, reflecting Lenovo's commitment to sustainability. Inside, you'll find the laptop, a 65W USB-C charger, and a quick start guide, keeping the focus on the product itself.

The packaging materials are very secure, ensuring the laptop arrives pristine. The first noticeable feature is its incredibly lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. This laptop is a feather, especially compared to many of the best business laptops I've tried. The matte black finish and familiar ThinkPad design promote a sleek and professional image. Opening the laptop reveals the redesigned keyboard with tactile bumps and a larger touchpad, promising an improved typing experience. The red dot in the center of the keyboard is well-noted, and the simple badging is clean and tasteful. 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12: Design & build quality

The X1 Carbon Gen 12 maintains the classic ThinkPad aesthetic with a matte black carbon fiber chassis. The build quality is robust, meeting MIL-STD 810H standards for durability. The keyboard has been redesigned for better tactile feedback, and the touchpad is now larger for improved usability compared to the Gen 11 model.

The device feels solid yet lightweight, perfect for frequent travelers, those who work in a hybrid environment, or those who move around while working and are not just stationary at a desk for hours. Its lightweight and thin design makes it perfect for quickly throwing in a bag, carrying on its own, or stacking with other things you need to carry from place to place.

The two Thunderbolt ports and USB-A and HDMI ports are on the laptop's left side. On the right side of the computer, there is another USB-A port, a power button, and a headphone/mic combo jack. The fingerprint reader sits in the keyboard, where most of the newer line of Lenovo laptops are placing the Co-Pilot button. This button is hard and not responsive like a standard keyboard button, but it works quickly and effectively as a fingerprint reader.

The laptop's matte finish feels very well done. Usually, products have a smoother finish, but the X1 Carbon Gen 12 shows that matte can be premium, too.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12: In use

My team and I have been heavily testing this laptop for the past few weeks. So far, the performance is impressive, with the Intel Core Ultra processors handling multitasking and demanding applications efficiently. Also, the power, matched with the lightweight design, makes this laptop even more impressive. I still have somewhere in my brain that lightweight laptops must compromise power, but this is repeatedly proven wrong as technology advances. Powerful laptops can also be lightweight and slim. 

The 14-inch IPS display is clean and crisp at 1920 x 1200. It's not the most beautiful display I have ever seen, but this is more than enough clarity for business use. Honestly, the way the OS works with the display still makes everything look sharp; I don't feel like I am looking at a blurry screen or a screen that is not as sharp as others I use. The darks were actually surprisingly dark for the resolution of this display.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 only experienced a slight moment of sluggishness during a software system update installation. Outside of that, the computer never felt anywhere near slow or limited. In our testing, the battery life lasts up to 12 hours on moderate usage, a testament to its reliability. Even with heavy and intensive programs, it usually lasts an entire workday, with a battery left over to get us to the next day to plug in and charge at a workstation.

The redesigned keyboard and larger touchpad provide a comfortable experience for long working sessions. With a laptop this light and portable, I'm glad to see a keyboard and trackpad experience that is enjoyable to use, rather than a good laptop with a poor keyboard and trackpad that makes me want to use an external mouse and keyboard all the time.

The port selection is excellent, but having USB-C ports on both sides would have been more convenient. However, it's far from a deal breaker. Also, since it's a business laptop, it makes sense why it doesn't have an SD card reader, though those are becoming popular on creator laptops.

Lastly, the Carbon Gen 12's touchscreen's overall matte finish helped hide some fingerprints and reduce glare when working in bright environments.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12: Final verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is a powerful and portable business laptop that performs and is usable. While it comes at a premium price and has a few minor drawbacks, its lightweight design, strong specs, and excellent battery life make it a worthy investment for professionals on the go.

For more productivity and performance, we reviewed the best mobile workstations.

The Reina is the second chair from Oak Hollow I have tested. As I mentioned when reviewing the Oak Hollow Aloria, Oak Hollow is not a brand that I was very familiar with. But now, after two reviews of Oak Hollow's products, I am genuinely impressed. Both of these chairs are quality chairs at a decent price. And admittedly, I wasn't expecting to like these chairs as much as I do.

Compared to the Aloria, the Reina is the more budget-friendly edition. The design language is very similar; the armrests are comparable, and the bases are nearly identical. The changes mainly lie in the seat and backrest. I've tested the best office chairs out there and for me, the Aloria is a bit nicer, but that is not to say that the Reina is poor. It's comfortable, has decent lumbar support, and has been comfortable for my team for all-day use. It relieves some lower back pain, supports better than cheaper chairs, and has excellent adjustability to help fit your body.

Oak Hollow Reina: Unboxing & first impressions

Much like the other chairs from Oak Hollow, the Reina came well packaged, with scratch guards around all the pieces in the box. Oak Hollow also includes assembly instructions and the necessary tools, which is always helpful when assembling, so you don't need to run and grab your tools. This assembly took about 40 minutes, from box opening to sitting and adjusting the seat to my preferences.

I only took a little time to adjust the Reina to my preferences; I believe that part took two or three minutes. Right away, the chair was solid, built with quality materials, and was comfortable. All wins in my book.

Oak Hollow Reina: Design & build quality

The Oak Hollow Reina series features a sleek and modern design that matches the same aesthetic as most other ergonomic office chairs I have reviewed. Though this brand is not as well known and it's much better priced than some of the other chair companies, it doesn't look out of place, and the average eye wouldn't be able to pick it out as a better-priced option than the more expensive big brands -- and that's a great thing. It means you can grab an excellent chair for a great price and have it look premium. The build quality is robust, the materials are durable, the foam is comfortable yet supportive, and the mesh backrest is a beautiful choice if you run warmer or work in a warm office because of its breathability.

With some chairs I've tested, the foam seat breaks down or deforms over time. At 84 days in, we have not seen any deterioration, discomfort, or reduced comfort. Besides a few scuffs and marks from being heavily used (all of which can be cleaned), this chair still looks and functions identical to when we first opened it up and put it together.

Oak Hollow Reina: In use

My team and I have spent quite a bit of time in this chair. At the time I am writing this, we have used it in our workspace for 83 days. So far, it has offered a high level of comfort for our team with different heights, weights, and sizes. Some chairs are designed for shorter people or taller people only. And, while this chair is not intended for one or the other, we have found it to be quite comfortable for people ranging from mid-5 feet tall to 6 feet 4 inches tall. There is probably shorter and taller than it would work for, but for our team, that is the height range that has tested and loved this chair.

The lumbar support is partially adjustable—allowing for up and down movement—and has reduced strain in some of our team's lower backs. The Reina also offers a seat depth adjustment, allowing those with longer femurs to get some support and better ergonomics.

Oak Hollow Reina: Final verdict

The Oak Hollow Reina Series Fabric Office Chair is a great option for the office or home office. It provides ergonomic comfort and durable build quality at a competitive price. Its extensive adjustability features make it a choice worth considering for anyone in need of a reliable and comfortable office chair. Thanks to the great warranty on the mechanics in this chair, the Reina is a worthwhile investment for enhancing productivity and comfort.

Pair your latest office chair with our pick of the best standing desks.

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSD: One-minute review

Lexar is one of the leading manufacturers of flash memory and has been a trusted name for photographers and videographers in the creative sector for years. The Silver Plus line of SD and MicroSD cards are positioned as the mid to high-end storage option. 

In this review, we've looked at the 128GB MicroSD, which boasts impressive transfer rates of up to 205MB/s, which, considering that this is a UHS-I card rather than the newer UHS-II card, is even more impressive. We've tested all the best microSD cards and best SD cards, and this card has been designed to work with the latest tech, including cameras, drones, as well as phones and gaming consoles. The speed and price of this card mean that it's an ideal solution for professional use, with the premium price boosting some of the features, especially the transfer rates above what most consumer electronics need.

As the card itself follows the usual MicroSD/TF format, it fits neatly and with ease into any device that accepts the format, although, as ever, the small size of the card will inevitably make it fiddly to handle for anyone with larger hands. Likewise, the dual-tone black and silver colour can be a pain to locate if you drop it on the forest floor, such as when using a GoPro or doing the dust test for this review. Although once in situ within a device, the large capacity means there's unlikely to be any need to swap it out for a replacement.

Performance-wise, the card demonstrates impressive transfer rates close to, and in most cases exceeding, the transfer speeds quoted by Lexar and more than fast enough to meet the U3, V30, and A2 speed classes awarded to it.

Overall, the Silver Plus microSDXC performs well and is a great solution for extending the storage capacity of your mobile phone, action camera, drone, or any other device that needs a boost in storage capacity. However, do be aware that if you need to switch between cards, the black and silver colouring may not be the best option if you're using this in an action camera where it could easily be lost, especially amongst the leaves, twigs and dirt.

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSDXC: Pricing and availability

• How much does it cost? $19
• When is it available? Now
• Where can you get it? It is available for sale in the US, UK and Australia

The Lexar Silver Plus microSDXC UHS-I Card is available in different capacities, including 1TB, 512GB, 256GB, 128G and 64 GB. The 128GB version looked at in this review is ideal for gaming devices, smartphones, and tablets and is available for purchase at Amazon. 

The card is widely available, but the price may vary. It can be purchased from retailers such as Amazon, Target, B & H Photo, or directly on the Lexar website.

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSDXC: Benchmark

Using AJA System Test Light, the Silver Plus MicroSDXC achieved impressive transfer speeds with a max read speed of 205.54MB/s and a write speed of 182.21MB/s; this actually exceeds the stated write speed from the manufacturer. These speeds show the drive's capability to handle large files and demanding applications.

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSDXC: Specs

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSDXC: Build and Handling

The Lexar Professional Silver Plus microSDXC UHS-I Card meets the form factor requirements for the MicroSD format and fits perfectly into the GoPro Hero 12, DJI Mavic Pro 3, and, with the adapter, the Sony Alpha 7 IV. In addition to imaging devices, the card was also tested on various mobile phones, including the Doogee VMAX Plus. In all devices, from cameras to smartphones and tablets, the Lexar Silver Plus fitted without issue.

As with all microSD cards, it is small and can be tricky to handle. Thankfully, Lexar has included an SD card adapter for microSD in the package, making it compatible with any device that accepts SD cards. This is particularly useful for many laptops and computers that might feature an SD card slot but not a microSD card slot.

The Silver Plus microSD card's build quality is excellent, aligning with Lexar's reputation for high-quality products. One point to note about this card is the colour scheme, with its duo tone being black and silver. While aesthetically pleasing, it can be slightly tricky to locate if dropped outdoors. However, once inside a device, the 128GB capacity means you are very unlikely to have to remove it frequently.

The microSD card conforms to all usual standards in terms of build, handling, and design, ensuring compatibility with most devices. While UHS-I technology might not be the latest, Lexar's choice ensures absolute compatibility with both the latest tech and slightly older devices.

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSD: Features

When it comes to features, the main focus here is the high transfer speeds, reaching up to 205MB/s read and 150MB/s write. This is very similar to the standard Silver cards, which come in at 205MB/s read and 140MB/s write. These are the maximum transfer rates achievable in certain devices.

These transfer rates mean that if your smartphone, action camera, or drone shoots 4K video at a high bit rate, this card will keep up with the demand. The card is awarded V30 class, indicating a minimum write speed of 30MB/s, making it suitable for high-resolution video recording.

It also features an A2 app performance class, highlighting its ability to handle data demands from most apps on smartphones and tablets. Lexar has also released the Lexar RW310X reader, a USB Type-C or Type-A memory stick designed to maximise the transfer rates of the Silver Plus microSD and other memory cards. Using this reader, the card achieves its full potential, although it remains fast with other readers as well.

The Silver Plus microSD card is also built tough, with certifications for IPX7 waterproofing, temperature proofing, x-ray proofing, vibration resistance, magnetic proofing, shockproofing, and drop-proofing. This ensures durability in various environments.

The card includes the Lexar Recovery Tool, which helps recover accidentally deleted files, adding to the peace of mind. As always, all Lexar products undergo rigorous testing in the Lexar Quality Labs, ensuring performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability.

The Silver Plus microSD card features impressive features, including high capacities, excellent transfer speeds considering UHS-I technology, broad compatibility, and robust durability.

Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSD: Performance

Through testing, the Silver Plus microSD card was used in a GoPro Hero 12, DJI Mavic Pro 3, and in our recently reviewed Doogee V MAX Plus rugged phone. Environmental tests included; dropping the card from 1.5 meters onto a dusty forest floor, subjecting it to moisture in a rain shower, submerging it in water for 30 minutes before drying it out and retesting it in the devices.

In all tests, the card performed flawlessly. It handled maximum resolution recordings without issue in the GoPro Hero 12 and DJI Mavic Pro 3, storing raw and high-bitrate video files seamlessly. The 128GB capacity was sufficient for capturing 4K video at all high-resolution options, and even when shooting in the GP-Log and D-Log, which are REC 709 colour modes for each card, it handles the files without issue.

Compared to the GoPro Hero12 Black and the DJI Mavic Pro 3, the Doogee VMAX Plus's microSD card demands are relatively light. However, even here, the card expanded internal storage easily, storing video and other files without any problems. 

With the real-world tests completed without issue, it was time to subject the cards to the Benchmarking performance tests, which were equally impressive. Using the Lexar RW310X reader, the card achieved its full potential, meeting and surpassing the speeds quoted by Lexar. The tests were carried out on the Geekcom AX8 Pro mini PC and showed the card's capability to maintain high transfer rates under prolonged writing conditions, demonstrating consistent performance.

Once all the basic tests were complete, the card was then subjected to a few more physical tests, starting with being dropped from a height of 1.5m onto a hard floor. In this test, there was little effect on the card. The 1g weight meant that there wasn't even a mark on the exterior, and when speed checks were retested, the results reflected the original. 

In the next test, the card was dropped on the dusty forest floor and covered in dust and leaves. Again, once the card was located, dusted down well, and rechecked, the performance remained the same. Likewise, in the water test, the card was dropped into a glass of water and left for 30 minutes, dried for a couple of days and then rechecked - again, the care worked and performed to the same standard as before the physical checks. 

Should I buy the Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSDXC?

Overall, the Lexar Professional Silver Plus microSDXC UHS-I Card is an impressive storage option that meets all microSD card regulations. With UHS-I technology rather than UHS-II, it is fully compatible with almost any device that accepts microSD cards. The 128GB capacity will be sufficient for most professional uses. 

The card performed well in high-demand environments, such as action cameras and drones, with more than enough capacity for extended use. It excelled in benchmark tests, maintaining high transfer rates even under sustained usage.

The only reservation is the dual black and silver colour, which can be difficult to locate if dropped outdoors. However, for professional use where performance and reliability are paramount, the Lexar Silver Plus is a well-balanced choice considering its price, capacity, and transfer speeds.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lexar Professional Silver Plus MicroSDXC

For this test the card was used in several different devices all of which support exFAT. Before starting this test the card was reformated to give the greatest compatibility for the real world tests and also for testing through the benchmarking software.

The softare used included the latest versions of CrystalDiskMark, Atto, AS SSD and AJA benchmarks, noting the best scores achieved in each. They are all free and can be downloaded by anyone. After the standard benchmarks I then use the card in a variety of tech, including a GoPro Hero12 Black, Insta360 Ace Pro, DJI Mavic 3 Pro and DJI Mini 4 Pro to ensure compatibility and performance over a sustained period. I then transfer a folder of files, roughly 10GB in size, to get a rough idea of real life performance. 

• ^ Back to top