Samsung and Apple Deleted This Feature, BUT Sony Brought It Back
Why It Matters
The reintroduction of fast micro‑SD support gives content creators a low‑cost, offline workflow, challenging the cloud‑centric model dominating flagship smartphones.
Key Takeaways
- •Sony reintroduces microSD slot in 2026 flagship phone.
- •Apple and Samsung removed expandable storage, pushing cloud reliance.
- •MicroSD now faster, enabling direct 4K120 video transfers.
- •Sony’s phone costs £1,400, lacks US availability and top specs.
- •Feature may appeal to creators despite slower charging and basic hardware.
Summary
Sony has revived the micro‑SD card slot in its 2026 flagship, a feature that Apple, Samsung and most premium Android makers have eliminated in recent years.
The decision counters the industry narrative that expandable storage is slow and unnecessary. New UHS‑III and SD Express cards now deliver read speeds exceeding 1 GB/s, making them viable for off‑loading 4K 120 fps video directly from the phone.
Sony markets the device at £1,400, unavailable in the United States, and admits slower charging and modest hardware compared with rivals. Yet photographers and videographers praise the ability to swap a card and move footage without cloud subscriptions or cables.
If creators value on‑device flexibility, Sony could carve a niche, but the high price and limited distribution may confine the feature to a niche segment rather than spark a broader industry reversal.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...