6 Best Samsung Phones with SD Card Slot (March 2026) Models Tested

After Samsung removed SD card slots from their flagship Galaxy S21 series, I spent weeks researching which models still offer expandable storage.

The good news? You have more options than you might think, especially in Samsung’s A-series lineup.

I tested 6 current Samsung phones with SD card support, checking everything from real-world storage performance to which SD cards work best with each model. Our team put each phone through daily use for at least 30 days, transferring hundreds of photos and videos to test the SD card functionality.

Whether you’re a photographer needing extra space for 4K videos or just someone who wants to avoid paying $100+ for higher storage tiers, this guide shows you exactly which Samsung phones still let you expand storage affordably.

Our Top 3 Samsung Phones with SD Card Support For 2026

Complete Samsung Phone Comparison

Here’s every Samsung phone with SD card support we tested, from premium flagships to budget-friendly options.

Detailed Samsung Phone Reviews

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra – Last Flagship with SD Card

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra represents Samsung’s last premium flagship with SD card support before they eliminated the feature from the S and Note series.

This phone packs serious power with its Snapdragon 865+ processor and 12GB of RAM, handling everything from heavy multitasking to demanding games without breaking a sweat. The 108MP main camera captures incredible detail, and the 5x optical zoom lets you get close to distant subjects.

What sets it apart is the S Pen stylus functionality – perfect for note-taking, sketching, or precise photo editing. The phone supports microSD cards up to 512GB, giving you plenty of room for 4K videos and RAW photos from that powerful camera system.

Since it’s only available refurbished now, battery life varies depending on the unit you receive. Most users report 4-5 hours of screen time, which is decent but not exceptional by 2026 standards.

What Users Love: Premium build quality, versatile S Pen features, flagship camera performance

Common Concerns: Refurbished condition varies, some S Pen connectivity issues, higher price for older tech

2. Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – Premium A-Series Choice

Samsung’s Galaxy A36 5G brings premium features to the mid-range market while keeping the SD card slot that flagship buyers miss.

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks that rival phones costing twice as much. Samsung’s Circle to Search feature, powered by Google, lets you search for anything on screen just by circling it – incredibly useful for shopping or identifying objects.

The enhanced Nightography feature automatically adjusts camera settings for low-light shots, producing clear photos without manual tweaking. While not matching the Note 20 Ultra’s camera specs, it handles everyday photography exceptionally well.

At $374.99, it’s positioned between budget and flagship territory. You get features like super-fast charging and 5G connectivity, plus that crucial microSD slot supporting cards up to 1TB.

What Users Love: Premium AMOLED display quality, innovative Circle to Search, solid build quality

Common Concerns: Price higher than other A-series models, limited initial availability

3. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G – Latest Budget A-Series Entry

The Galaxy A16 5G proves you don’t need to spend big for modern features and expandable storage.

Released in 2026, this phone brings AMOLED display technology to the budget segment – a significant upgrade over the LCD screens typically found at this price. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and outdoor visibility is surprisingly good.

Battery life easily stretches through a full day of moderate use, and the super-fast charging gets you back up quickly. The 5G connectivity future-proofs your purchase, though actual speeds depend on your carrier’s coverage.

Customer photos show the clean Samsung One UI interface running smoothly on the device. While some users report occasional touchscreen lag, most find performance adequate for social media, streaming, and everyday tasks.

The microSD slot supports cards up to 1TB, though I’d recommend a quality 256GB card for the best balance of capacity and value. Transfer speeds are decent for a budget phone, handling 4K video recording without issues.

What Users Love: Great value for money, AMOLED display at budget price, reliable battery life

Common Concerns: Samsung apps can’t be uninstalled, occasional performance hiccups, aggressive update notifications

4. Samsung Galaxy A42 5G – Solid Mid-Range Performer

The Galaxy A42 5G strikes a balance between price and performance, offering more storage than budget models while staying affordable.

With 128GB of internal storage plus SD card support, you start with plenty of space before even adding a memory card. The Snapdragon processor handles games smoothly – users report no lag even with graphics-intensive titles.

The 6.6-inch display is large enough for comfortable media consumption, though the HD+ resolution (720p) is a step down from the AMOLED panels on newer A-series phones. In daily use, most people won’t notice unless comparing side-by-side with higher-resolution screens.

Battery life is a strong point, with the 5000mAh cell easily lasting all day. Heavy users report getting through a full workday with 30-40% remaining.

What Users Love: Smooth 5G performance, generous base storage, reliable battery life

Common Concerns: Lower resolution display, compatibility issues with some MVNOs, heating during charging

5. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G – Best Budget 5G with SD Card

At under $100, the Galaxy A32 5G delivers impressive value for anyone needing 5G speeds and expandable storage on a tight budget.

The quad-camera setup, headlined by a 48MP main sensor, captures surprisingly detailed photos in good lighting. The ultra-wide lens is handy for group shots and landscapes, though quality drops in low light.

Customer images show the phone’s slim profile and modern design that doesn’t scream “budget phone.” The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works reliably and doubles as the power button.

With only 64GB of internal storage, the SD card slot becomes essential. I recommend adding at least a 128GB card immediately – you’ll need it for apps, photos, and system updates.

The MediaTek Dimensity processor handles everyday tasks well, though you might notice slowdowns with heavy multitasking. For the price, performance exceeds expectations.

What Users Love: Unbeatable price for 5G, sharp main camera, responsive touchscreen

Common Concerns: Some units have durability issues, won’t work with Verizon, limited internal storage

6. Samsung Galaxy A13 5G – Ultra-Budget Champion

The Galaxy A13 5G proves you can get Samsung quality and SD card support for less than $100.

The 90Hz display refresh rate is a pleasant surprise at this price, making scrolling and animations noticeably smoother than standard 60Hz screens. Combined with the 6.5-inch size, it’s great for media consumption on a budget.

The 50MP main camera outperforms what you’d expect from an ultra-budget phone, capturing decent detail in daylight. The 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP depth sensors are basic but add versatility.

Battery life is exceptional thanks to the efficient processor and massive 5000mAh cell. Light users report getting two full days between charges.

Since these are renewed units, condition varies. Most arrive in good shape with minimal wear, but check the return policy before buying.

What Users Love: Incredible value, long battery life, smooth 90Hz display

Common Concerns: Refurbished quality varies, limited to GSM carriers, only 4GB RAM

Understanding SD Card Support in Samsung Phones

Samsung phones with SD card slots support microSD cards, with most models accepting up to 1TB of additional storage.

Not all SD cards are created equal, and choosing the right one matters for performance.

SD Card Types and Speed Classes

Samsung phones use microSD cards (not full-size SD cards). Look for cards marked with “A1” or “A2” ratings – these are optimized for running apps directly from the card.

For 4K video recording, you need at least a U3 or V30 speed class card. Slower cards will cause dropped frames and recording errors.

I’ve tested dozens of cards, and SanDisk Ultra and Samsung EVO Select consistently deliver the best performance-to-price ratio.

Hybrid vs Dedicated Slots

Some Samsung phones use hybrid SIM slots where you choose between a second SIM or an SD card. The Galaxy A-series models vary – check specifications carefully if you need dual SIM functionality.

Dedicated SD slots (separate from SIM slots) are becoming rare but offer the most flexibility.

Real-World Capacity Limits

While Samsung claims support for 1TB cards, I’ve successfully used 512GB cards in all tested models without issues. The 1TB cards work but cost significantly more per gigabyte.

For most users, a 256GB card hits the sweet spot – enough space for thousands of photos and hours of 4K video without breaking the bank.

How to Choose a Samsung Phone with SD Card Slot?

Choose based on your budget, required features, and carrier compatibility – A-series phones offer the best current options with SD support.

Consider Your Storage Needs

If you shoot lots of 4K video or download Netflix shows for offline viewing, prioritize models with 128GB base storage plus SD expansion.

For basic users who mainly browse and use apps, 64GB internal storage with a small SD card works fine.

Carrier Compatibility Matters

Most unlocked Samsung phones work with AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Verizon compatibility is limited – the Note 20 Ultra and some newer A-series models work, but always verify before buying.

Check the specific band support if you use smaller carriers like Cricket, Metro, or Mint Mobile.

New vs Refurbished

The newest A-series phones (A16, A36) come with warranties and latest Android versions. Refurbished flagships like the Note 20 Ultra offer premium features at lower prices but may have shorter lifespans.

I’ve had good experiences with Amazon Renewed phones, but always buy from sellers offering return policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing these Samsung phones extensively, here’s what I recommend for different users.

For most people, the Galaxy A16 5G offers the best balance of features, price, and modern technology. The AMOLED display and 2026 release date mean you’ll get years of updates.

If you need flagship features, grab the Note 20 Ultra while you still can. Yes, it’s older and refurbished, but no current Samsung flagship matches its combination of S Pen, premium cameras, and SD card support.

Budget shoppers should choose the Galaxy A32 5G for its sub-$100 price and solid feature set. Add a good SD card and you have a capable phone for under $150 total.