It was once common to find microSD slots in Android phones, allowing users to easily expand app space or carry their music and movie libraries with them. However, in 2024, those slots are becoming increasingly rare. This begs the question of whether Samsung’s new S24 series supports expandable storage.
In short, no, Samsung does not offer a microSD slot on any version of the Galaxy S24 — not even on the higher-priced Plus and Ultra models.
Samsung hasn’t included microSD in Galaxy S phones since launching the S21 lineup. The company claims it isn’t necessary anymore, as customers can easily upgrade to higher storage tiers. However, microSD still offers better value for the money. Today, a 256GB Samsung card can be purchased for less than $25.
Why would Samsung cut out the feature? Three reasons: manufacturing costs, design space, and upselling. An SD slot is an extra component to buy or manufacture and takes up space that could be used for other components. Eliminating upgradeable storage means consumers have to pay upfront for extra memory if they’re worried about running out of room.
The storage options for the Galaxy S24 series are as follows:
– Galaxy S24: 128GB or 256GB
– Galaxy S24 Plus: 256GB or 512GB
– Galaxy S24 Ultra: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
If you’re considering the base S24, it’s worth upgrading to 256GB if your phone is your primary camera and/or you expect to store a lot of music and podcasts. 512GB may be overkill for most owners, but there’s a case to be made if you play a lot of 3D games, store a lot media for trips, or plan to shoot a lot of video, especially in 4K.
As for alternatives if you want more storage on the Galaxy S24:
– Purge unused items in your internal storage
– Use cloud storage
– Use an external drive
The Galaxy S24 Ultra does come in a 1TB version, but only if you’re shopping for that specific model. Additionally, the amount of usable space on each phone varies depending on the storage tier chosen.
In conclusion, while the Galaxy S24 series does not support expandable storage, there are alternative options for users looking for more storage space.