With every new iteration of Samsung’s flagship devices, consumers eagerly anticipate what features will be added or removed. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, the latest powerhouse from Samsung, follows in the footsteps of a long lineage of premium smartphones. Expectations are naturally high — especially regarding storage options, performance capabilities, and whether Samsung will reintegrate certain much-missed features.
TLDR: Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra Have an SD Card Slot?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra does not include a microSD card slot. Samsung continues its trend of omitting expandable storage in favor of promoting faster internal memory and cloud storage solutions. While this may disappoint some loyal users, others may not find it a dealbreaker due to the generous internal storage options now available. If expandable storage is a top priority, you may need to look beyond the S25 Ultra for alternatives.
Why the microSD Card Slot Used to Matter
Earlier flagship Samsung phones were beloved for their support of microSD cards. These tiny memory cards allowed users to upgrade their storage capacity significantly and affordably. Whether it was for saving large video files, keeping music libraries offline, or simply having more space for apps and games, the microSD card offered unmatched flexibility.
However, in recent years, several top-tier smartphones — including Samsung’s own — have gravitated away from this feature. The move has sparked considerable debate among tech enthusiasts.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra: Storage Specs
The Galaxy S25 Ultra ditches the microSD card slot but tries to compensate with impressive internal storage options. Samsung offers configurations starting at 256 GB, with options up to a whopping 1 TB. Coupled with faster read and write speeds (thanks to UFS 4.0 technology), the phone delivers a top-tier data management experience.
Here’s a quick look at the internal storage configurations for the Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- 256 GB – Suitable for average users with moderate photo, video, and app usage
- 512 GB – Ideal for content creators and heavy media consumers
- 1 TB – Tailored for professionals, mobile gamers, and those who store large files
Why Did Samsung Remove the SD Card Slot?
Samsung’s decision to permanently eliminate the microSD card slot started with the Galaxy S21 Ultra and has remained consistent through subsequent models. Here’s why Samsung likely made that call:
- Encouraging Cloud Storage: With the increasing reliability and affordability of cloud storage, manufacturers feel local storage may be less critical.
- Design Simplicity: Removing the SD card slot allows smartphone makers to streamline the internal architecture for slimmer designs and larger batteries.
- Performance Coordination: Internal storage is faster and more integrated into the device, allowing better performance across apps, especially for 4K video recording or loading heavy games.
That said, this choice is not without backlash. Loyal Samsung fans who grew accustomed to expandable storage have voiced disappointment, especially those who keep their phones for several years or frequently travel without access to cloud services.
Alternatives for More Storage
If you’re planning to buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra and require more storage than the internal space offers, the good news is that there are a few workarounds:
- Cloud services: Apps like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Samsung Cloud offer seamless file backup and expansion that doesn’t require a physical memory card.
- Portable SSDs: Thanks to USB-C connectivity and fast data speeds, portable solid-state drives (SSDs) can be connected directly to the Galaxy S25 Ultra for easy data transfer and backup.
- OTG USB drives: These plug-and-play drives can expand your storage while on the go. Just plug it into the charging port, and you’re all set to back up photos, videos, and documents.
Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Competitors: Who Still Offers microSD Slots?
Samsung might be moving on from microSD expansion, but not every manufacturer has followed suit. Some mid-range or rugged Android smartphones still offer microSD support, appealing to a niche but loyal consumer base.
Here’s how the Galaxy S25 Ultra compares with some competitors:
| Device | microSD Slot | Max Internal Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | No | 1 TB |
| Sony Xperia 1 V | Yes | 512 GB |
| ASUS ROG Phone 7 | No | 1 TB |
| Samsung Galaxy A72 | Yes | 256 GB + SD Slot |
The trend is clear: flagship phones are ditching microSD slots, while mid-range models will likely continue to carry them — at least for now.
User Sentiment and Market Trends
It’s clear that user opinion on the microSD card issue is divided. Power users, travelers, and photographers still miss the added versatility, while other users are more than content with cloud solutions and generous internal storage.
The consumer electronics industry, influenced by Apple’s long-standing stance of no expandable memory, seems to suggest that this trend is here to stay. It’s a strategic move that favors controlled ecosystems and higher revenue margins through cloud storage subscriptions and higher storage variants.
Conclusion
In summary, the Galaxy S25 Ultra does not come with an SD card slot, signaling a continued shift in flagship design philosophy. Samsung seems committed to offering high internal storage and a streamlined architecture over legacy features like expandable memory slots. For certain users, this may be a disappointment, but for many, the enhanced internal specs and new features outweigh the loss.
If microSD card support is a non-negotiable feature for you, it may be time to explore alternative smartphones still supporting removable storage or adjust your workflow to include cloud storage and portable drives.
FAQs about the Galaxy S25 Ultra and SD Card Slot
- Q: Does the Galaxy S25 Ultra have a microSD card slot?
A: No, the Galaxy S25 Ultra does not include a microSD card slot. - Q: What are the available storage options for the S25 Ultra?
A: Available storage configurations include 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB of internal storage. - Q: Can I use external storage devices with the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
A: Yes, the phone supports USB-C OTG devices and portable SSDs for external storage. - Q: Why did Samsung remove the SD card slot?
A: Samsung removed it to promote faster internal storage systems, improve design efficiency, and encourage cloud storage adoption. - Q: Are there any Samsung phones that still include an SD card slot?
A: Yes, certain mid-range models like the Galaxy A-series may still include microSD card support.
