Smartphone makers eye microSD return amid memory chip price surge

The Return of the MicroSD Slot: A Strategic Play by Smartphone Manufacturers

For years, the microSD card slot was a beloved feature for smartphone users, offering a straightforward and budget-friendly way to expand device storage without opting for pricier, higher-capacity models. This offered consumers unparalleled freedom of choice, while simultaneously cutting into the profit margins of manufacturers who pushed sales of their premium storage versions. Now, a significant shift may be on the horizon.

Navigating the Memory Chip Crisis

The mobile industry is currently grappling with a dramatic surge in memory chip prices. This global shortage, impacting prominent players like Micron and Transcend, has fueled speculation that smartphone makers might be inclined to reintroduce microSD card slots. Whispers from the Chinese supply chain, shared by insider Repeater 002 on Weibo, suggest this isn't mere conjecture. The anticipated continuation of this memory deficit and price escalation, potentially extending through the fourth quarter of 2027, is already causing noticeable price hikes for PC components. It's only logical that this trend will inevitably spill over into mobile DRAM.

Samsung's Strategic Balancing Act

A telling indicator of the industry's predicament is the alleged decision by Samsung's Device Solutions division to prioritize external contracts over fully supplying its own mobile business, opting for quarterly price renegotiations. The cost of a single 12GB LPDDR5X module has skyrocketed to an eye-watering $70, more than double the $33 it commanded at the beginning of the year. In such a climate, every division within a company like Samsung is keen on preserving its profit margins. Realistically, the rising cost of DRAM will inevitably drive up smartphone prices. The crucial question is how much of this burden manufacturers are willing to absorb themselves. This is precisely where the revival of the microSD slot emerges as a compelling solution.

A Win-Win Scenario?

The resurgence of microSD support offers a clear benefit to consumers and manufacturers alike. Users could opt for a more affordable base model smartphone, saving money and subsequently expanding storage with a cost-effective microSD card. This strategy would allow manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing for their devices, thus safeguarding sales volumes without sacrificing profitability. Imagine the convenience and financial relief!

The Promise of microSD Express

Ideally, future smartphones will embrace the microSD Express standard, effectively eliminating any speed bottlenecks. For instance, a 512GB Samsung P9 Express card, boasting read speeds of up to 800 MB/s, is readily available for approximately $74.99 on Amazon. To put this into perspective, Apple charges an additional $200 for a storage upgrade from 256GB to 512GB within its iPhone lineup. While a microSD slot in an iPhone remains a distant possibility, Android manufacturers are likely to exhibit greater flexibility in this regard.

The Road Ahead: Timing and Design Considerations

However, there's a caveat. Smartphones already in the production pipeline are unlikely to undergo design modifications. Consequently, manufacturers will likely only be able to integrate the microSD slot into models slated for release in the latter half of 2026. This phased introduction offers a glimpse into the strategic planning involved in adapting to market pressures and evolving consumer demands.