Android phones with SD card slots are defying industry trends, maintaining consumer demand and posing a significant challenge to cloud storage.
Flagship phones are ditching microSD slots, while budget and rugged models like the Motorola Moto G Power and Nokia XR30 continue to offer expandable storage.
Expandable storage via microSD cards remains a cost-effective solution for users, especially for storing media and games, compared to upgrading to a new phone with higher internal storage.
As cloud storage increasingly becomes the standard for users, many people still prefer the reliability of physical storage. Some flagship smartphones are starting to eliminate microSD slots altogether, but a few Android models still offer expandable storage options.
There's no doubt that SD cards will remain relevant for the near future. Having an SD card slot in a phone allows photographers, gamers to enjoy more space for apps, photos, and 4K videos at an affordable price.
Let’s take a look at the best Android phones with SD card support in 2025, evaluating their capabilities, costs, and storage flexibility.
Expandable storage is a significant feature for many users. These reasons explain why:
Cost-Efficient Expansion: Users can expand their storage with a 1TB microSD card at a much lower price than an internal storage variant.
Transfer Flexibility: Files can be easily transferred from one device to another without needing to use cloud services.
Media and Gaming: One can save and store large game files, 4K videos, and many song playlists without worrying about storage space.
Samsung continues to offer expandable storage in its A-series. The Galaxy A55 5G offers:
128GB/256GB internal storage + microSD (up to 1TB)
6.6" FHD+ 120 Hz AMOLED display
The Exynos 1480 chipset
5000mAh battery with 25 W charging
This phone offers superior performance, making it a great value for the money, and it's ideal for buyers who want extra storage space without sacrificing speed.
Motorola's G Power is still a great choice for those buying on a budget:
128GB storage + microSD (up to 512GB)
6.7" HD+ 90Hz (which is fast for under $300)
Snapdragon 6 Gen 2 processor
6000mAh battery (3-day battery life)
For less than $300, you can't beat the battery life and fail-safe expandable storage.
Also Read: Best Ways to Recover Deleted Videos from SD Cards
Sony's flagship retains the SD card slot for professional users:
256GB/512GB + microSD (1TB max)
6.5" 4K HDR 120Hz OLED display
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor
Cinematic camera system
A premium choice for photographers and videographers who need maximum storage without compromise.
OnePlus brings back the microSD slot with the Nord 4’s:
256GB + microSD(up to 512GB)
6.74", AMOLED, 120Hz display.
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3.
A solid mid-range option with the efficiency of OxygenOS.
Also Read: Google Pixel 9 Alternatives: Top Android Phones You Can Consider
Although microSD support has been removed from many premium phones, companies like Samsung, Motorola, and Sony continue to cater to the power user market. The main reasons are
User Demand: Many consumers have a focus on flexibility in storage options.
Emerging Markets: With more affordable phones, expandable storage is still the dominant form of storage in price-sensitive markets.
Professional Use: Many photographers and content creators prefer offline storage for large files, as it offers greater reliability and security.
The persistence of SD card slots in Android phones, despite the rise of cloud storage, highlights users' ongoing demand for tangible, flexible storage solutions. This trend highlights the limitations of cloud storage, including concerns over data privacy, internet dependency, and cost implications for large storage needs.
By retaining SD card slots, smartphone brands cater to users who prioritize control over their data and require storage for media-intensive applications or offline access. This includes budget phones like the Moto G Power, rugged devices such as the Nokia XR30, and premium models like the Sony Xperia 1 VI. The coexistence of cloud storage and expandable storage options will likely remain a key consideration for consumers choosing Android devices.
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1. Are any 2025 iPhones compatible with SD cards?
No, iPhones have never had SD card support. Many 2025 Android phones continue to offer expandable storage. Some of the options include premium devices such as the Sony Xperia 1 VI, mainstream choices like the Galaxy A55 5G, and budget phones like the Moto G Power.
2. What are some of the best 2025 options for Android phones with SD card slots?
There are many Android phones with SD card slots, from premium to budget, this year. For example, look to the Sony Xperia 1 VI, CMF Phone 2 Pro, or the Moto G Stylus 5G. All are great choices for extra storage without needing the cloud.
3. What is causing the disappearance of SD card slots on smartphones?
Companies have discontinued SD card slots in order to make their phones slimmers and more seamless in their designs. Faster internal storage and increased reliance on cloud services also contributed to this trend. The goal is to simplify performance, but not everyone is nostalgic for when we relied on removable storage.
4. Are SD cards still going to be relevant in the future?
SD cards are developing, not going away—especially with the heightened demand for high-res photos and 4K videos. Most new cards by 2025 will have 64GB, or higher, for the creators and media consumers. Despite the trends in cloud storage, physical storage is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
5. What phones support 1TB microSD cards as of 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S20 series, and select A series models, and some Motorola phones, support 1TB microSD cards. They are great for stacking tons of 4k video, photos, and game files. Expandable storage is still a priority for power users and content creators.
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