The cost of built-in storage in smartphones and computers has soared in recent months. The main culprit is the insatiable demand for memory chips from AI data centers, which has created a global shortage. Products like the Mac Mini have gone out of stock, while OEM storage options have seen hefty price hikes. Having ample onboard storage is becoming a luxury not everyone can afford. Yet there is a ready-made solution we have forgotten: the microSD card.
The chip crisis hits consumers hard
Artificial intelligence has reshaped technology more than we imagined, but in an unexpected direction. AI data centers devour memory chips, diverting resources from the consumer market. This has led to rising prices for storage configurations in mainstream devices. Industry analysis shows that the cost per gigabyte of integrated solutions has increased by up to 30% over the past year. Users now have to pay hundreds of euros just to double their device space. The situation is unsustainable, especially for those who do not want to rely solely on cloud storage.
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A forgotten technology that can solve today's problems
MicroSD cards were the standard for expanding memory on smartphones, tablets, and cameras for years. Then, with the rise of thinner and waterproof designs, many manufacturers removed the slot. But the demand for space has not decreased; if anything, it has grown. Restoring microSD support could offer an affordable and flexible alternative. Today's microSD cards boast read speeds over 200 MB/s, enough for 4K video recording and heavy apps. The cost per GB of a quality microSD is significantly lower than built-in storage, and users can choose when and how to expand.
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Industry resistance and exceptions
Despite the benefits, big brands like Apple and Google have long abandoned the microSD slot. Samsung, however, still offers it on some Galaxy A models, but not on flagships. Consumer pressure might reverse the trend. A recent study shows that 65% of smartphone buyers consider the microSD slot a decisive factor. Companies need to listen to the market, especially when storage prices are climbing. Samsung has already shown it can lower prices on foldables; it could do the same by bringing microSD back to high-end devices.
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Real benefits for the average user
A microSD card lets you manage photos, videos, and music without cluttering internal memory. For professionals, it is a handy way to transfer files between devices. Versatility is key: you can use the same card in a smartphone, tablet, and camera. In case of device failure, data remains safe on the card. It may not be perfect for everyone, but for most users it offers an excellent balance of cost and convenience. Read more on Wikipedia.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/storage-upgrades-cost-too-much-microsd-cards-3688866
