Android Authority lists Android phones with microSD slots still worth buying in 2026

The report noted that the smartphone industry is feeling the full effect of rising memory costs in 2026, with brands passing on higher component prices to consumers. Higher RAM and storage configurations now command a steep premium, making microSD support increasingly valuable for users who need extra local storage without paying flagship prices.

Among the models listed is the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, which was not officially launched in the US but can be found on Amazon for around $430 for the 128GB variant. It has a hybrid SIM tray that can accommodate a microSD card of up to 1TB. The phone features an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass back panel, Gorilla Glass Victus Plus over the display, and an IP67 rating. It is 8.2mm thick and weighs 213 grams. Launched in 2024 with One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, it is powered by the Exynos 1480 SoC. According to Android Authority's review, the A55 5G delivered solid sustained performance for gaming and multitasking, had good battery endurance with its 5,000mAh battery, and its 50MP main camera captured detailed photos in daylight. The FHD AMOLED display offered crisp visuals and smooth motion at a 120Hz refresh rate. Downsides included low-light camera performance, weak auxiliary cameras, no Galaxy AI features, and a fair amount of bloatware.

Another model highlighted is the Moto G Power (2025), which retails for $200 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It offers an IP68/IP69 rating, MIL-STD-810H certification, wireless charging, Android 15, and two guaranteed OS upgrades. Battery life is solid thanks to a 5,000mAh capacity. However, Android Authority cautioned that the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip is not very powerful and is only adequate for basic tasks. The 50MP main camera is decent, but the other sensors should not be expected to perform well. The publication said the Moto G Power (2025) is a solid choice for users prioritizing ruggedness and durability, but not for those needing more horsepower.

The Moto G Stylus (2026) is also included, priced at $500 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Its key upgrade over the 2025 model is an active stylus that detects pressure and tilt and features palm rejection. Users can start taking notes immediately when they pop out the stylus, without opening any apps. The stylus button is configurable to various shortcuts and can activate Circle to Search. Other positives include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 SoC, an IP68/IP69 rating, clean Android 16 UI, a large battery with 68W wired charging, wireless charging, and an incredibly bright AMOLED display. Android Authority noted the price is on the higher side, but worth it for those who need active stylus features; otherwise, the 2025 Moto G Stylus at $350 is a better value pick, as it is practically the same phone with a passive stylus.

The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is highlighted as an affordable option that supports microSD cards greater than 1TB, with expandable storage up to 2TB, given its $300 starting price. TCL offers three storage tiers up to 512GB, but users can get double that storage by using a high-capacity microSD card for less.