Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential return of MicroSD card slots in flagship smartphones due to rising NAND flash prices and the need for cost control among manufacturers [3][8][11]. Group 1: MicroSD Card Slot Trends - MicroSD card slots were commonly used for expanding storage in devices, especially during the feature phone era, but have been removed from many high-end smartphones in recent years for design and cost reasons [3]. - Major brands like Samsung and Huawei have eliminated MicroSD slots in their flagship models, while mid-range and budget devices still rely on them [3]. - There is speculation that MicroSD slots may return to flagship models as manufacturers reassess their storage strategies in light of rising memory costs [8]. Group 2: NAND Flash Price Increases - The demand for AI computing has led to a shortage of enterprise memory (HBM), causing a decrease in consumer-grade NAND flash supply and significant price increases [6]. - SanDisk has raised NAND flash prices three times in 2025, with the most recent increase in November reaching 50%, breaking market expectations [6][7]. - The consensus in the industry is that the shortage and price increases for DRAM will persist until at least 2027, impacting smartphone memory chip supplies [6]. Group 3: Cost Management Strategies - Smartphone manufacturers, particularly in the Android ecosystem, are reevaluating the feasibility of including MicroSD slots in flagship models to manage costs [8]. - By offering models with MicroSD support, manufacturers can keep base prices lower while allowing users to expand storage affordably, thus maintaining sales volume and revenue [8][9]. - The new MicroSD Express standard has improved performance, with some cards achieving read/write speeds of up to 800MB/s, addressing previous speed limitations [9]. Group 4: User Demand and Future Outlook - There remains a strong user demand for expandable storage, as the price difference between high-capacity internal storage and MicroSD cards is significant, making the latter a more attractive option for cost-sensitive consumers [11]. - However, flagship models are already in production, and it may take until the second half of 2026 for manufacturers to incorporate MicroSD slots into new designs [11].

Core Viewpoint - A federal jury in Marshall, Texas, ruled that Samsung Electronics must pay approximately $445.5 million (about 3.17 billion RMB) to Collision Communications for infringing on patents related to 4G, 5G, and WiFi communication standards [1] Group 1: Legal Outcome - The jury found that Samsung's laptops, Galaxy smartphones, and other wireless-enabled devices infringed on four patents owned by Collision Communications [1] - This ruling is part of a series of high-stakes patent infringement judgments against Samsung in the same Marshall court [1] Group 2: Background of the Case - Collision Communications, based in Peterborough, New Hampshire, filed the lawsuit against Samsung in 2023, alleging infringement of patents aimed at improving wireless network efficiency [1] - The patents in question originated from research conducted by defense contractor BAE Systems, although BAE was not involved in this case [1] Group 3: Samsung's Response - Samsung denied the allegations and argued that the patents in question are invalid [1] - As of the report's publication, representatives and lawyers for both Samsung and Collision had not responded to requests for comments [1]

Core Viewpoint - Apple plans to release the iPhone 17e in spring next year, aiming to maintain annual iPhone shipments between 220 million and 230 million units [1][3]. Group 1: iPhone 17e and OLED Display - The iPhone 17e will continue to use the 6.1-inch OLED display from the iPhone 16e, which itself reused the display from the iPhone 14 [3]. - BOE, Samsung Display, and LG Display are involved in the OLED screen development for the iPhone 17e, with BOE having the highest shipment share for the iPhone 16e's OLED screen [1][3]. Group 2: iPhone SE Series and Market Strategy - The iPhone SE series has historically reused components from previous models while incorporating the latest application processors to compete in the market [3]. - The first-year shipment of the iPhone SE series was approximately 20 million units, and the iPhone 16e series is expected to have similar shipment figures this year [3]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Future Releases - Apple increased its annual iPhone shipments to 230 million units during the home office period in 2020, while Samsung's Galaxy smartphone shipments fell to the same level [3]. - Analysts predict that Apple will continue to release iPhone E series models annually after the iPhone 17e, reflecting a consistent market strategy [4].