Kingston Canvas React Plus Kit 256GB review - Fast microSD card for the 4K / 8K videographers

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These days many videographers are embracing 4K or starting to adopt 8K video resolutions. As such, it is important that they get storage that can keep up with the massive file sizes that such videos can become. Looking to offer what these videographers are looking for is the recently revealed Kingston Canvas React Plus Kit 256GB microSD card which we’ll be covering in the review below.

In terms of design, the Canvas React Plus Kit doesn’t change much as both the microSD and it’s SD card adapter look pretty much the same as any other microSD and SD flash memory. What sets this kit apart is the additional MobileLite Plus MicroSD USB card reader bundled together. 

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The kit comes with an additional MobileLite Plus microSD card reader

Offering faster reading speeds than the norm, this card reader plugs in to most laptops with plug and play ease. Thankfully, it is also quite compact as well, so it’s easy to carry around even if you’re a drone or action camera user who likes to travel light.

In terms of tech specs, the Canvas React Plus can reach read speeds of up to 285MB/s and write speeds of 165MB/s with a range of storage options from 64GB to 256GB (which is definitely faster than our usual 200MB/s microSD cards). Our 256GB microSD card review unit is also compatible with UHS-II, U3, V90 and A1 systems. 

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The Kingston Canvas React Plus 256GB microSD scores in CrystalDiskMark

Our benchmarks (using CrystalDiskMark 7.0) revealed that read speeds did almost reach the claimed 285MB/s read speed with a speed of 282.24MB/s. Surprisingly, write speeds exceeded the claimed speed of 165MB/s to reach 239.70 MB/s but we expect that this is only if used with the MobileLite Plus microSD card reader.

Performance-wise, we had pretty much no issues with it, with no excessive heat up or lag but bear in mind that most such memory cards don’t show any difference until after 1 year or 2 of regular usage. Therefore, we can’t make any sort of assumptions as to the microSD’s reliability. We’ll be sure to update the review after a year or so though, so stay tuned to this space.

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Here's the full package for the Kingston Canvas React Kit

Overall, the Kingston Canvas React Plus Kit makes for a pretty value-added buy despite the RM949 price tag thanks to the additional MobileLite Plus microSD card reader. However, because of this, it’s probably much better suited for videographers who use 4K / 8K video recording drones or action cameras but if you use your smartphone for that, that's also fine but you'll lose out on the speed gains. 

We’d really recommend you take good care of that bundled MobileLite Plus microSD card reader, cause you’ll probably lose all of that extra read and write speed if you do somehow lose the reader. There’s also another caveat in that you should probably avoid using it in too extreme situations (frozen environments below -25C or heat more than 85C) but it should survive most normal drone or action camera usage.

What do you think? Are you more of a SanDisk user? Does the additional microSD card reader sway your decision somewhat? Let us know in our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com

 

Tech Specs and Features

 

Here are the tech specs and features for the Kingston Canvas React Plus Kit:

  • Includes MobileLite Plus microSD Reader
  • Supports Class 10, UHS-II video speed class (V90), U3, A1 app support for Android
  • 285MB/s read, 165MB/s write
  • exFAT format
  • 11mm x 15mm x 1mm (microSD)
  • 24mm x 32mm x 2.1mm (with SD adapter)
  • 36.6mm x 20mm x 7.5mm (reader)
  • Lifetime warranty for MicroSD, 2 years warranty for reader
  • -25°C~85°C (operating), -40°C~85°C (storage)
  • Part Number: MLPMR2/256GB
  • Available in 64GB / 128GB / 256GB storage options

 

Pros and Cons

 

Pros: Additional bundled MobileLite Plus microSD card reader and faster read and write speeds for 4K / 8K video recording.

Cons: A bit pricey and can only reach claimed speeds with bundled MobileLite Plus microSD card reader.

Summary: Pretty good value buy microSD kit for the performance 4K / 8K videographer.