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The best Android phones with expandable memory

Internal storage is simply not enough for some users.
By
May 19, 2023
Sony Xperia 1 IV
By Sony
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Positives
4K 120Hz, 6.5-inch display
4K 120fps video recording
Powerful Sony videography tools
Negatives
Similar specs to phones half the price
Photography tools link to Sony Alpha cameras only
Sony Xperia 5 IV
By Sony
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Positives
Compact
Headphone jack
microSD card slot
Negatives
So-so selfie camera
No variable refresh rate
Poor sustained performance
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
By Samsung
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Positives
Galaxy S23-inspired design
Color-rich, fluid display
Strong primary camera
Solid everyday performance
Good battery life
Excellent update commitment
Negatives
Prone to extreme camera saturation
Cheap plastic frame
No wireless charging
No 4K/60fps video
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
By Motorola
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Positives
Built-in Stylus
Improved design
Cheaper than ever
Clean software
Great battery life
Negatives
Downgraded processor and laggy performance
Only one proper camera
Reduced memory and storage
Low-res screen
Still no NFC
Limited software update policy
POCO X5
By Poco
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Positives
Very affordable
Nice design
Nice specs for the price
Large battery with 33W charging
Negatives
Hard to get in the USA
Only IP53
OPPO Reno8 T 5G
By Oppo
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Positives
Comes with Android 13
Food mid-tier performance
Affordable
120Hz refresh rate
Negatives
Not much camera flexibility
No wireless charging
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
By Xiaomi
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Positives
Affordable
Large battery
Nice screen
Negatives
No wireless charging
Only IP53-rated
Limited availability
OnePlus Nord N300
By OnePlus
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Positives
Great battery life
Rapid charging
Solid speakers
Smooth 90Hz refresh rate
Decent performance
Negatives
Cheap-feeling construction
Dim, low-res display
Finicky fingerprint sensor
Inflexible camera setup and wonky colors
Poor update commitment
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
By OnePlus
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Positives
Great price
Fun design
Awesome specs for the price
Negatives
Hard to get in the USA

A few years ago, high-end phones with expandable memory became a dying breed. However, the feature is still around, even if it’s not as universal as it once was. Many great phones still include a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand your phone’s storage. Here are the best ones you should know about.

The best phones with expandable memory

Editor’s note: As new devices launch, we will regularly update this list of the best phones with expandable memory.


Sony Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV

Sony Xperia 1 IV lockscreen - Phones with expandable memory
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Sony’s Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV come with specs worthy of a high-end title. Aside from being among the best camera phones for video shooters, these are capable phones. Of course, all that video footage will require ample space, which is why these are phones with expandable memory.

Extra features include a side-mounted fingerprint reader, an IP68 rating, and even a headphone jack (another rare sight these days!). You get plenty of processing power and RAM too, and size will depend on the model you pick. You can look right below the buy button for more details.

The Xperia 1 IV is the better phone of the two, but it also comes with a very high price tag. If you want to save money, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.

By the way, the Sony Xperia 1 V is already announced and will launch in the USA on July 28. You might want to learn more about it before purchasing one of the IV series handsets.

Sony Xperia 1 IVSony Xperia 1 IV
AA Recommended
Sony Xperia 1 IV
4K display • Unique content creator apps • Stellar video capture
A Sony flagship aimed at content creators
The Sony Xperia 1 IV matches a large 4K 120Hz display with a camera that can shoot the same. A high-end phone with high-end specs, and it even has a headphone jack!
Sony Xperia 5 IVSony Xperia 5 IV
AA Recommended
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Excellent video capture • Superb camera autofocus • Compact design
One of the best multimedia hardware packages
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is for the folks who like the Xperia 1 IV but can't stomach the price. While it's cheaper and offers less than its bigger brother, it's still one of the best phones for creators out there.

Xperia 1 IV specs:

  • Display: 6.5-inch 4K
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 12GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP + ToF sensor
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Xperia 5 IV specs:

  • Display: 6.1-inch Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 12, 12, and 12MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G homescreen - Phones with expandable memory
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

Samsung is becoming a solid contender in the mid-tier market, offering devices with features you would otherwise only find in expensive devices. The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G has a 120Hz display, a pretty good Exynos 1380 processor, plenty of RAM/storage, and a nice 5,000mAh battery.

The design is pretty nice too, as it looks very much like the Galaxy S23 series. Of course, this is a more affordable device with a $449.99 MSRP, so the construction isn’t as good. It also lacks wireless charging. Otherwise, we liked the primary camera, and it has a really good battery life. Not to mention the update commitment, which consists of four years of Android versions, along with five years of security updates.

This is definitely one of the best phones with expandable memory if you are looking for optimal bang per buck.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5GSamsung Galaxy A54 5G
AA Recommended
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Galaxy S23-inspired design • Color-rich, fluid display • Excellent update commitment
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G packs a Galaxy S23-like experience into an affordable shell
The Galaxy A54 5G bridges the gap between Samsung's mid-range phones to its flagships. It rocks a premium design with a flexible camera setup and one of the best software commitments in the Android game, all while hanging onto its affordable $449 price tag for yet another generation.

Galaxy A54 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.4-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Exynos 1380
  • RAM: 6/8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 50, 12, and 5MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Motorola Moto G Stylus 2023

Moto G Stylus 2023 backside with Stylus pen resting on top - Phones with expandable memory
Adam Birney / Android Authority

Now, if you really want to save, and still want one of the best phones with expandable storage, you can’t ignore the 2023 Motorola Moto G Stylus. It has a low $199.99 MSRP, and it isn’t half bad for that price.

For starters, it comes with a stylus, which can be stored right in the device. We also like the design improvements, clean software, and great battery life.

We had plenty of things to complain about in our review. It has no NFC, the processor isn’t great, it doesn’t have much memory, and the screen has a 720p resolution. That said, you shouldn’t be expecting too much out of a $200 device. It’s a good deal, with some sacrifices.

Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
Built-in Stylus • Cheaper than ever • Great battery life
A compact, budget-friendly phone with a built-in stylus.
The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is an affordable stylus-equipped smartphone. It features a 50MP wide and a 2MP macro camera on the rear and houses a MediaTek Helio G85 processor.

Moto G Stylus (2023) specs:

  • Display: 6.5-inch, HD+
  • SoC: MediaTek Helio G85
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Cameras: 50 and 2MP
  • Front camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

POCO X5

POCO X5 - Phones with expandable memory

The POCO lineup is synonymous with value, and that’s precisely what you get with the POCO X5. Aside from being one of the best phones with expandable memory, it also has pretty good overall specs, considering what you pay.

The device comes with a 6.67-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, up to 6-8GB of RAM, and as much as 256GB of storage. It also comes with a sizeable 5,000mAh battery and 33W charging.

The only real downside is that it’s not available in the USA. However, it can be easily imported, and we know many of you live in other markets.


POCO X5 specs:

  • Display: 6.67-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 695
  • RAM: 6/8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 48, 8, and 2MP
  • Front camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

OPPO Reno8 T 5G

OPPO Reno8 T 5G - Phones with expandable memory
OPPO

The OPPO Reno9 series is great, and so is the Reno8 series, but none of those have expandable storage. The OPPO Reno8 T 5G does! It’s also very well-priced for what you pay.

The OPPO Reno8 T 5G comes with a Snapdragon 695 processor and as much as 8GB of RAM. The camera setup isn’t great, though. The 4,800mAh battery is also reasonably sized, and you can charge at 67W speeds. You do get a large 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

OPPO Reno8 T 5GOPPO Reno8 T 5G
OPPO Reno8 T 5G
Comes with Android 13 • Food mid-tier performance • Affordable • 120Hz refresh rate

Reno8 T 5G specs:

  • Display: 6.7-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 695
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 108, 2, and 2MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 4,800mAh
  • Software: Android 13

Redmi Note 12

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 - Phones with expandable memory

It’s hard to get the Redmi Note 12 outside of Asia, but if you can get your hands on it, it’s one of the best phones with expandable memory. It costs about $200 but has plenty to offer casual users.

You’ll enjoy the solid build quality, great screen, long battery life, and surprisingly good performance for such an affordable handset. Specs include a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 processor, up to 6GB of RAM, as much as 128GB of storage, and a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also sports a hefty 5,000mAh battery.

There are more powerful Pro versions of it, but those don’t come with a microSD card slot.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12
Affordable • Large battery • Nice screen

Redmi Note 12 specs:

  • Display: 6.67-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
  • RAM: 4/6GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Cameras: 48, 8, and 2MP
  • Front camera: 13MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

OnePlus Nord N300

oneplus nord n300 hero - Phones with expandable memory
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

In recent years, people started focusing on what matters and realized an affordable handset can also be an excellent device for everyday use. OnePlus made a name for itself with the Nord brand, and the OnePlus Nord N300 is one of the best phones with expandable memory.

Its specs are modest, but its price is even more humble and will keep your bank account healthy. Not to mention you get a lot for what you pay, and we happen to be fans of its battery life, fast charging, solid speakers, and overall performance.

That said, there are things we think could be improved. The construction could be improved, for example. It also has a lousy fingerprint reader and poor update commitment. It’s also available only to T-Mobile and Metro customers in the USA. It’s still a good budget option if you want microSD support on a budget and don’t mind sticking with the magenta carrier.

OnePlus Nord N300OnePlus Nord N300
OnePlus Nord N300
5,000mAh battery • Big 90Hz display • Headphone jack
A large battery with fast charging for the Nord N300
The Nord N300 delivers a larger display than the previous version, and the company introduced the 33W wired charger for their budget-friendly smartphone. It has up to 1TB of expandable storage and a 3.5mm port.

Nord N300 specs:

  • Display: 6.56-inch, HD+
  • SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 810
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Cameras: 48 and 2MP
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 12

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G - Phones with expandable memory
OnePlus

Here’s another affordable handset that seems to cost too little for what it offers. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a £299 MSRP. Aside from being one of the best phones with expandable storage, it offers some features you’d struggle to find elsewhere, even in some high-end devices.

The device has a 6.72-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, a 108MP primary camera, and a large 5,000mAh battery with high-speed 67W charging. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor, which isn’t outstanding, but it’s also pretty capable for casual users.

As you may have assumed from that MSRP currency, this phone isn’t available in the USA. You’ll need to import it if you’re on this side of the pond.


Nord CE 3 Lite specs:

  • Display: 6.72-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 695
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128/256GB
  • Cameras: 108, 2, and 2MP
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 13

If you got one of the best phones with expandable storage, you now need to buy one of the best microSD cards.

Are you still not convinced by these options? The good news is that many phones come with lots of storage options. It would help if you also learned how to make the most out of the memory you already have.