The memory crisis could lead to the return of expandable storage in smartphones.
Smartphones are becoming increasingly pricey, but expandable storage may offer a solution.
The persistent memory shortage is beginning to affect smartphone manufacturers, with consumers witnessing the consequences through rising prices and specifications.
Recent reports indicate that the cost of high-end RAM and storage options has exceeded that of flagship processors, making a significant change in smartphone construction. This is notable as the processor was typically the most costly component, but now, it appears that memory is taking that top position.
What's the challenge?
The issue is straightforward. The heightened demand for AI has triggered a steep increase in memory prices. AI data centers and services are consuming high-speed storage and RAM chips, leading to soaring costs for flagship configurations such as 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Even mid-range devices are maintaining 8GB RAM, forcing brands to either reduce specifications or hike prices to preserve profit margins.
A modern challenge, a familiar resolution
Here’s where it becomes intriguing.
Instead of persisting with the trend of “more internal storage each year,” smartphone manufacturers could reconsider an older, dependable solution: expandable storage through microSD cards, especially using hybrid SIM slots. For those unfamiliar, hybrid SIM slots allow users to opt for dual SIMs or one SIM combined with a microSD card.
Why hybrid storage might make a comeback
Expandable storage addresses a specific need by enabling users to enhance their device's storage capacity. Rather than selling phones with costly 512GB or 1TB internal storage, brands could reduce the standard storage to 128GB or 256GB and permit users to augment it with microSD cards.
However, this approach comes with genuine trade-offs.
There is a reason companies moved away from microSD cards initially. External storage cards tend to operate at slower speeds compared to internal storage, provide less control over performance consistency, and can lead to fragmentation in user experience.
Tech journalist and product reviewer Sean specializes in consumer electronics and has covered a wide range of topics, from flagship products to emerging technologies.
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The memory crisis could lead to the reintroduction of expandable storage in smartphones.
With the rise in prices for RAM and storage, smartphone manufacturers might consider hybrid storage options such as microSD cards to manage expenses.
The memory crisis could lead to the return of expandable storage in smartphones.
With the increase in RAM and storage costs, smartphone manufacturers might consider hybrid storage options such as microSD cards to manage expenses.