What's it like using a microSD card on Android in 2023?

I asked ChatGPT to provide a proper summary and conclusion:

Using a microSD card on Android in 2023 is somewhat different from the past. Here's a summary based on the provided article:

1. Availability: It's rare to find high-end Android phones with expandable storage in 2023. However, some midrange, budget phones, and a few high-end models like Sony’s Xperia still support it.

2. Basic Experience:
- Inserting a microSD prompts notifications for exploring or ejecting the card.
- Stock Android uses the Google Files app to view card contents.

3. Storage Type:

• Portable Storage:
  • Treated as removable storage.
  • Files can be freely transferred between devices.
  • Not encrypted.
• Internal Storage:
  • Treated as secondary internal storage.
  • Files and apps appear as if they're stored internally.
  • Encrypted, not easily transferable to another device.
  • Requires a faster microSD card.

4. Storing Apps and Games:

• Can move some apps/games to the microSD card after installing them on internal storage.
• Depends on developer settings and phone's interface.
• For performance, demanding games should remain on internal storage.

5. Photos and Videos:

• Most phones allow saving directly to the microSD card.
• Third-party camera apps vary in this support.

6. Offline Storage in Streaming Apps:

• Many streaming apps let users save offline content to the microSD card.

7. File Systems:

• Android supports both FAT32 and exFAT.
• FAT32 is more universally compatible but has a 4GB file size limitation.
• exFAT supports larger files but might not be supported by all devices.

In conclusion, while using a microSD card on Android in 2023 remains fundamentally similar to past years, the nuances regarding formatting, app/game storage, and device compatibility have evolved. As always, it's essential to understand your phone's capabilities and needs before making decisions regarding microSD card usage.