The are basically two main arguments against SD cards. One is a technical issue dealing with multiple users and encryption, and the other is a cognitive burden issue for the user.

Android is clearly moving in the direction of multiple users and encryption, which are both good things IMO. The problem with SD cards is that they are typically formatted FAT for maximum compatibility, but FAT has no concept of users or file ownership, and encrypting it is kind of messy I think. This could be resolved by using a different filesystem, but then the SD card would basically be 'locked' into only being useful in that one device.

As for the cognitive burden, I know many of us don't have much trouble managing files across multiple storage media, but most people don't know or care where their stuff is physically stored. And to be honest, I don't always want to think about that stuff, either. It does become a hassle adjusting settings for each individual app to tell it where to find and save the files it uses. All music, photos and videos on the SD card? Is the SD card fast enough to save UHD video you shoot? Does it load photo thumbs fast enough so that gallery apps don't feel slow? As a user, do I know enough to blame the slowness on my decision to store my photos on the SD card rather than the phone? Do I even remember I did that?

I used to be all for SD card slots on phones, and I considered it to be a huge advantage for Android over iPhone. But after thinking about those arguments, I think it's best that they get phased out.

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Posted by musick

the internet

Member since Dec 2008

26126 posts

Posted on 12/4/14 at 12:29 pm to Korkstand

Yea,

Andrew is mine so you narrowed yourself down a good bit

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Posted by ILikeLSUToo

Central, LA

Member since Jan 2008

18018 posts

Posted on 12/4/14 at 12:33 pm to Korkstand

That all makes perfect sense, and given the mainstream nature of the Galaxy products I'm surprised they still do offer the SD expansion. I've been doing a lot of Android-related googling in the past couple of weeks, and I often come across posts about issues with SD cards (too slow, how to format, not recognized, can't back it up, how to encrypt, etc, things an average user might struggle with).

On the flip side, the Nexus user base strikes me as the type who would have a better understanding of the caveats of using an SD card and what speed class is appropriate for their use. But of course SD slots and interface hardware will take up physical space, and Nexus users may also be the type who can manage storage space, make backups, and know better than to clutter their phone.

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Posted by whodatfan

Member since Mar 2008

21349 posts

Posted on 12/4/14 at 1:14 pm to Korkstand

quote:
It does become a hassle adjusting settings for each individual app to tell it where to find and save the files it uses. All music, photos and videos on the SD card? Is the SD card fast enough to save UHD video you shoot? Does it load photo thumbs fast enough so that gallery apps don't feel slow? As a user, do I know enough to blame the slowness on my decision to store my photos on the SD card rather than the phone? Do I even remember I did that?

Do you even micro sdxc pro bro? 90mb/s reads.
And there are apps to set all different media type downloads to one location seamlessly. Dont short sight sd cards. They are still a great tool to have for storage options.

My gallery causes seizure activity with its speeds all from external sd.

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