Accessory for iPhone and iPad that moves photos and videos from SD and microSD cards straight into the Photos app. The Loydia SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad is aimed at photographers and travellers who want quick, no-faff transfers. Is compatibility and the quoted 20–30 MB/s transfer speed enough for everyday camera work?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Transfer Speed: Typical transfer rates of around 20–30 MB/s for photos and video files
- • Best for: Photographers, travellers and iPhone/iPad users who need quick card-to-device transfers
- • Not ideal for: Owners of USB-C devices such as iPhone 15 or USB-C iPads
Dual SD and TF card slots connect directly to Lightning-equipped iPhone and iPad running iOS13 or later. Plug-and-play import and export supports common photo and video formats up to 1TB.
Faster Imports – Thanks to High-Speed Data Transfer
Direct Lightning-to-card connection moves files at roughly 20–30 MB/s, using the standard file transfer route recognised by iOS. The workflow relies on the Photos app 'Import' function rather than a separate application.
Shorter wait times when offloading camera memory cards, so more time can be spent shooting or editing. Suitable for batches of JPEGs and typical video clips without long delays.
Flexible Card Handling – With Dual SD and TF Slots
Built-in SD and TF (microSD) slots accept SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC and microSD variants, including SDXC formats up to 1TB. Both slots are available for import and export operations.
Works with a wide range of cameras and recorders, from DSLRs to action cams and dash cams. No need for multiple adapters when swapping between full-size and micro cards.
Simple Workflow – With Plug-and-Play Photos App Integration
No additional app is required; mounting a card and opening the iOS Photos app reveals an 'Import' option. Files such as JPEG, RAW, H.264 and MPEG-4 are recognised for direct import.
Easy for users with minimal technical knowledge to transfer media quickly, and convenient for on-location imports when a laptop is not available.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Loydia SD Card Reader for iPhone iPad
- Dual Card Slots – Accepts SD and microSD cards for versatile camera compatibility
- Broad Format Support – Handles JPEG, RAW, H.264 and MPEG-4 files for common workflows
- Plug-and-Play – Uses the Photos app so no extra software is required for transfers
- Two-Way Transfer – Allows importing to and exporting from iPhone/iPad for backups
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Electronics
- Connector: Lightning (for Lightning-equipped iPhone and iPad)
- Compatibility: iOS 13 or later (Lightning devices only)
- Supported Cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, micro SD, micro SDHC, micro SDXC
- Maximum Card Capacity: Up to 1TB
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the reader work with iPhone 15 or other USB-C phones?
A: No. Not compatible with devices featuring USB-C ports, such as the iPhone 15.
Q: Do I need to install an app to transfer photos?
A: No app is required. Open the iOS Photos app and use the 'Import' option after connecting the card.
Q: What card types and capacities are supported?
A: Supports SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC and microSD variants up to 1TB, and recognises JPEG, RAW, H.264 and MPEG-4 files.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suited to photographers and travellers who need a straightforward way to move images and clips to Lightning-equipped iPhone and iPad. The main strength is broad card and format support combined with plug-and-play import via the Photos app. Long-term usefulness comes from compatibility with common camera formats and two-way transfers, making it a practical everyday accessory.
