MicroSD is the standard for phone expansion cards. Modern cards come in capacities up to 1 TB (commonly sold sizes) and carry speed classes like UHS and Video Speed Class for recording. Support varies by phone - Apple iPhones do not accept cards, and some Android flagships have removed slots. Cards suit photographers, travelers, and users who need removable offline storage, while cloud services and larger built-in flash reduce their necessity for many users.

Why phone memory cards still matter

External memory cards remain a simple, low-cost way to expand a phone's storage. For users who keep large photo or video libraries, record 4K/8K footage, or carry lots of media and offline maps, a memory card can add inexpensive capacity without relying on a desktop or internet connection.

Formats and capacities you should know

MicroSD is the dominant format for phones; full-size SD cards are common in cameras but rare on phones. The microSD family follows the SD standards: microSDHC (smaller capacities), microSDXC (higher capacities), and the newer microSDUC specification for very large cards. High-capacity cards are widely available in 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB sizes from major vendors.

Cards also carry speed and performance ratings. UHS (Ultra High Speed) and Video Speed Class (V30, V60, etc.) matter for video recording. App Performance Class (A1, A2) indicates suitability for running apps from the card - relevant when a phone supports adoptable or portable expanded storage.

Which phones support memory cards?

Support varies. Many Android phones - especially midrange and some flagship models - still include a microSD slot. Apple iPhones have never supported microSD. A growing number of premium Android flagships have also dropped the slot, shifting users toward larger internal storage options and cloud backups.

If expandable storage is important, check the phone's specs before buying.

Use cases: who benefits most

  • Photographers and videographers who shoot large RAW files or long 4K/8K clips benefit from high-capacity, high-speed cards.
  • Travelers and commuters who want offline maps, podcasts, and media can keep more content without subscribing to extra cloud storage.
  • Business users with large document libraries may use cards for transferring files between devices, though encrypted cloud sync or secure corporate storage is often preferable.
Note: running apps from a card can be slower than internal flash. Only use adoptable storage (where the card is formatted as internal storage) if your phone supports it and you accept potential performance trade-offs.

Alternatives and current trends

Internal flash storage in modern phones is larger and faster than before, and cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive) offer seamless sync and off-device backups. For many users, these alternatives reduce the need for physical cards. Still, memory cards remain the most direct, offline, and removable way to expand capacity.

Buying tips

  • Match the card class to your need: V30 or higher for 4K video; A1/A2 for app performance.
  • Buy reputable brands and check warranty and return policy.
  • Verify your phone's maximum supported capacity and whether it supports adoptable storage.
Memory cards are no longer the only way to get more space, but they stay practical for specific workflows and users who value removable, offline storage.

FAQs about Phone Memory Cards

Do all phones accept memory cards?
No. Many Android phones include a microSD slot, but some flagship models have removed it. Apple iPhones never support microSD. Always check a phone's specifications before buying if expandable storage matters to you.
What is the difference between microSDHC, microSDXC, and microSDUC?
These are SD Association capacity classes. microSDHC covers smaller capacities (up to 32 GB), microSDXC covers larger cards (commonly 64 GB to 1 TB), and microSDUC is the newest standard for very large capacities. Brand availability and device compatibility vary.
Which speed class should I choose for video?
Choose cards with Video Speed Class ratings appropriate for your footage: V30 is a common baseline for 4K video; V60 or higher suits higher-bitrate or 8K recording. Also consider UHS bus ratings for sustained throughput.
Can I run apps from a memory card?
Some Android phones support adoptable storage that formats a card as internal storage and allows apps to move to it. Performance can be slower than internal flash, so use Class A1/A2 cards and only enable this if your phone supports it and you accept potential performance trade-offs.
Are memory cards still worth buying?
Yes for specific needs: removable offline storage, large media libraries, or transferring files without internet. For many users who rely on cloud sync and large internal storage, cards are less essential.