Best Android phones with expandable storage 2023

Whether you carry your media library with you, shoot a lot of 4K videos, or you're looking to download a few movies ahead of a long commute, expandable storage is essential for many users. Thankfully, plenty of options are still available, although most of them are budget phones or mid-rangers with a few compromises here and there. If you're not looking to spend upwards of $1,000 on a flagship with 256GB or more built-in, take a look at our list of best Android phones with expandable storage.

Great Android phones that still accommodate SD cards

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Value phones are keeping MicroSD alive

With most of the best Android phones moving away from expandable storage and some brands like Huawei switching from microSD to their own standards, you might think the format is becoming a dying breed, but don't panic just yet. There are still plenty of great phones with microSD support, though the vast majority of them are budget offerings. Grab some of the best MicroSD cards, and you'll be able to expand your storage with ease.

If you want the absolute best of the best with expandable storage, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G. With this stunning phone, you get phenomenal value and rich features like 5G support for any compatible U.S. carrier. That gorgeous 6.5-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display coupled with stereo speakers is ideal for multimedia consumption. The camera array is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to capture some neat shots in varying conditions. You also get to upgrade to Android 13, with three more major updates down the line.

In terms of full-blown flagships that offer expandable storage, you're out of luck with the latest releases. You won't find a microSD slot in the Galaxy S22 lineup or the Pixel 6 series. You're better off with mid-range value phones such as the Redmi Note 11 or the OnePlus Nord N20 5G. You'll find the internals to be solid in both phones, pushing out smooth performance consistently. Both devices are great hits in the camera and battery departments too.

If you're looking to spend even less, though, the OnePlus Nord N200 5G and TCL Stylus 5G are also great options to consider. Both deliver performance well above their asking price and are some of the best cheap Android phones you'll find, expandable storage or otherwise. Pair your phone with a reliable microSD card and you'll be all set for the next couple of years.

Namerah Saud Fatmi
Editor — Accessories, speakers, and tablets

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS.

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