The memory crisis could lead to the return of expandable storage on smartphones.
Smartphone prices are on the rise, but expandable storage may offer a potential solution.
The current shortage of memory is impacting smartphone manufacturers, and consumers are experiencing rising prices and specifications. Recent reports indicate that the costs for premium RAM and storage configurations have exceeded those of flagship chips, leading to a significant shift in smartphone design. This is noteworthy since processors were traditionally the most costly components; however, it seems that memory has now taken that top spot.
What’s causing the problem?
The issue is straightforward. The increasing demand for AI has driven memory prices up sharply. High-speed storage and RAM chips are being allocated to AI data centers and services, making flagship configurations like 16GB RAM plus 1TB storage progressively more expensive. Even mid-range models are sticking to 8GB RAM, as brands must either reduce specifications or raise prices to maintain their profit margins.
A modern dilemma with a familiar remedy
This brings us to an intriguing development.
Instead of perpetuating the trend of “increasing internal storage each year,” smartphone manufacturers might revisit an older, dependable option: expandable storage via microSD cards, particularly using hybrid SIM slots. For those unfamiliar, hybrid SIM slots allow users to choose between dual SIM functionality or one SIM plus a microSD card.
Why hybrid storage could make a reappearance
Expandable storage addresses a specific need by enabling users to augment the storage on their devices. Instead of offering phones with costly 512GB or 1TB of internal storage, brands could opt for 128GB or 256GB as standard and allow users to expand storage through microSD cards.
However, this comes with genuine trade-offs.
There’s a reason brands initially moved away from microSD. External storage cards generally operate at slower speeds than internal storage, provide less control over consistent performance, and may lead to fragmentation in the user experience.
Tech journalist and product reviewer focusing on consumer electronics. Sean has covered various topics, including flagship devices.
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