It’s nearly 2026, but my 2019 Samsung Galaxy S10 remains in daily use. Why? It was part of the final mainline Galaxy S lineup to ever include a microSD card slot. For me & countless other Android enthusiasts, this single feature represented genuine freedom: expandable storage that could be upgraded or replaced for pennies compared to the ever-escalating cost of built-in memory. When Samsung dropped the slot with the Galaxy S20 in 2020 & every flagship since, many of us felt the industry was simply copying Apple’s long-standing refusal to offer expandable storage on any iPhone. We warned that removing this incalculably beneficial feature would be bad for business – & now, in late 2025, it appears that prediction is proving more correct than ever. Soaring DRAM prices are pushing manufacturers to the limit, & the latest supply-chain intelligence strongly suggests that microSD card slots are being seriously reconsidered for future flagship devices. The feature we refused to surrender may be on the verge of a full-scale return.
In an era where smartphone storage demands continue to escalate, the prospect of expandable memory options returning to flagship devices has sparked considerable interest among consumers & industry observers alike. Recent reports suggest that surging prices for DRAM – the core component in device memory – may compel leading manufacturers to reinstate the microSD card slot, a feature absent from premium handsets for over six years. This potential revival could alleviate the financial burden on buyers facing ever-higher costs for internal storage upgrades, offering a more flexible & cost-effective alternative.
The Surge in DRAM Prices: A Catalyst for Change
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) forms the backbone of smartphone storage, enabling the seamless multitasking & high-resolution media handling that modern users expect. However, global supply constraints have driven DRAM prices to unprecedented levels, with shortages projected to endure until at least the fourth quarter of 2027. Analysts note that prices for 12GB LPDDR5X components – essential for contemporary flagships – have more than doubled, climbing from $33 at the year’s outset to $70 per unit.
This escalation stems from broader semiconductor challenges, including production bottlenecks & heightened demand from data centres & AI applications. Even established players like Samsung have prioritised profitability over internal supply chains, reportedly declining bulk memory requests from their own mobile division in favour of quarterly contracts. As a result, manufacturers face mounting pressure to maintain competitive pricing without eroding margins, prompting a reevaluation of longstanding design choices.
Why a MicroSD Comeback Makes Strategic Sense Now
With DRAM costs showing no signs of abating through 2026, reinstating microSD slots emerges as a pragmatic response for manufacturers. By enabling consumers to purchase entry-level storage models & augment them with high-capacity cards, brands can mitigate the need for across-the-board price hikes. This strategy not only preserves shipment volumes but also appeals to value-driven buyers, fostering loyalty in a saturated market.
Emerging standards like microSD Express further bolster the case, promising read & write speeds exceeding 800 MB/s – on par with internal SSDs. Samsung’s own 512 GB P9 Express card, available for around $75, exemplifies this evolution, delivering rapid transfers without the performance bottlenecks of older formats. Chinese supply chain whispers indicate that new flagships slated for the latter half of 2026 could integrate these slots.
Such a revival would democratise access to ample storage, empowering photographers, videographers, & power users to sidestep the escalating cost of built-in memory.
Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Storage Landscape
Your trusty Galaxy S10 might soon stop being the last of its kind. As smartphone innovation accelerates, the rumoured return of microSD slots signals a potential recalibration towards consumer-centric design. The flexibility many of us miss may soon enhance the devices of tomorrow.
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