The memory crisis might bring back expandable storage on phones

Phones are getting expensive, but expandable storage might be the new savior.

By Vikhyaat Vivek Published March 23, 2026

google-sim-lock-protection-android-17 — Silvie Lindemann / Pexels

The ongoing memory shortage is starting to hit smartphone makers, and consumers are seeing the impact with rising pricing and specs.

New reports suggest that the cost of high-end RAM and storage configurations has surpassed even flagship chips, bringing a major shift in how smartphones are built. This is a big deal since the processor was usually the most expensive component. But now, it looks like memory is taking that premium spot.

What’s the issue?

The problem is simple. Growing demand for AI has caused memory prices to see a sharp rise. High-speed storage and RAM chips are being taken up by AI data centres and services. This causes flagship configurations like 16GB RAM + 1TB storage to become increasingly more expensive. Even mid-range models are sticking to 8GB RAM, as brands are having to either cut down on specs or raise prices to maintain margins.

Modern problem, familiar solution

But here’s where things get interesting.

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Rather than continuing the “more internal storage every year” trend, smartphone makers could revisit an older, reliable solution: expandable storage via microSD cards, particularly through hybrid SIM slots. For those unaware, hybrid SIM slots basically let users choose between dual SIM or one SIM + microSD card.

Why hybrid storage could make a comeback

Expandable storage helps solve a very specific problem by allowing users to boost the storage on their device. Instead of shipping phones with pricey 512GB or 1TB internal storage, brands could lower the case storage to 128GB or 256GB and let users expand via microSD cards.

But this also brings real trade-offs.

There’s a reason brands moved away from microSD in the first place. The external storage cards run at slower speeds compared to internal storage, offer less control over performance consistency, and bring potential fragmentation in the user experience.

Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience covering consumer hardware, with a focus on…

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