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 - The article discusses the complexity and confusion surrounding various storage card standards and types, emphasizing the need for consumers to understand these differences when purchasing storage cards for their devices [3][11][60]. Group 1: Storage Card Evolution - The evolution of storage cards began with the introduction of NOR and NAND flash memory technologies in the 1980s, leading to the first compact flash card in 1994 [15][17]. - The introduction of the SD card in 1999, as a response to Sony's proprietary Memory Stick, marked a significant shift in the market, with SD cards quickly gaining popularity due to their lower cost and open standards [28][34]. - The SD card has undergone multiple iterations, including SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC, expanding its maximum capacity from 2GB to 128TB [38][39]. Group 2: Types and Standards - Storage cards are categorized into three main types of markings: capacity, performance, and manufacturer-specific marketing terms [35]. - The article highlights the importance of matching the storage card's capacity and speed with the device's requirements, as older devices may only support certain standards [37][45]. - Different speed classes (Class, UHS, and Video Speed Class) are essential for determining the card's performance, especially for high-resolution video recording [48][50][51]. Group 3: Consumer Guidance - Consumers are advised to check their device specifications before purchasing a storage card to ensure compatibility with the required standards [45][63]. - The article suggests that for photography and videography, speed ratings and performance classes should be prioritized, while for general file storage, alternatives like USB drives may be more suitable [56][59]. - The complexity of storage card standards necessitates a clearer labeling system to reduce consumer confusion and improve purchasing decisions [62][64].