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Poll: Which is better? Cloud storage or microSD?

Poll: Which is better? Cloud storage or microSD?

With the launch of the Moto E and 4G version of the Moto G earlier this week, both with a microSD card slot, and the very high likelihood of the upcoming LG G3 having microSD expansion as well, we realized that microSD expansion is still a hot topic, one that hasn't disappeared even with all the cloud storage options in the world. So, which is better: cloud storage or microSD?

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As you probably already know, Android KitKat has made microSD card changes that affect your ability to easily switch between storage options. Some think this an attempt to push users more towards cloud storage and to further feed the flames of the conspiracy theorists that say the NSA is behind it all, pulling the strings so they have easier access to our sensitive data. Others think that cloud storage is a natural progression of the admittedly rather archaic idea of physical storage, but is it secure? Is it safe? How much does it cost? You tell us: which storage option do you prefer (and tell us why in the comments!).

Cloud storage or microSD?
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Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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32 comments
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  • shonangreg 4
    shonangreg Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

    I use both, but for media files, there is no substitute for micro-SD. I just don't have the data plan to stream all my media even if I had it all in the cloud. And when the network is congested, large files aren't available anyway.

    My need for local storage is not going away anytime soon . . .


    • My1 37
      My1 Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

      true story. when I am in the train and travel to South Germany I realize that the mobile network brings even swiss cheese to shame, especially in Bavaria


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

        This is, I think, the core issue. It's fine for Google to assume all (ahem, American) users are fine with widespread and speedy data coverage, but even in Germany there's large patches of the country without internet availability. Then if you head to less internet-developed regions the whole plan falls apart. Maybe in five years, but not anytime soon. Let's just hope their proposed ''transition'' is a very slow process.


      • My1 37
        My1 Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

        yeah, this will need some decades. also, probably in most large countries like US or Germany you cannot get REALLY unlimited data without paying half the fortune of Bill Gates (metaphoric, obviously)


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

        This is another interesting point @Philipp: if we are increasingly pushed to the cloud we are increasingly using our data, which, while it may get faster, is not becoming more plentiful, with most carriers getting rid of unlimited data plans with the introduction of LTE. So if we are expected to use the cloud for everything we used to use local storage for, can we expect an associated drop in the cost of data plans? I somehow doubt it. Maybe Google should subsidize that.


      • My1 37
        My1 Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

        yeah. I dont wanna pay for home, and mobile internet AND the cloud.
        it was even before LTE was introduced, but LTE made it worse.
        assuming I had a full 100MBit/s LTE connection my 200MB would be over in 16 seconds, so well...
        And LTE-A doesnt make it better.
        also all providers should enable LTE connectivity for the users, even those running on small prepaid ones. I don't say LTE speeds, just being able to connect to the network...
        I am usually in airplane during work since I only get 1-2 bars and my friend and colleague apprentice has LTE (also Note 3) and full reception.
        #owncloud4ever


      • Kris Carlon 35
        Kris Carlon Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

        Ericsson's 5G speed tests have produced 5 Gbps wireless... that's your data plan over in the blink of an eye!


      • My1 37
        My1 Jul 2, 2014 Link to comment

        truly, that's why I hate that speeding in mobile, HSPA speeds are way more than enough and the fact that LTE towers can have more speed should be used the other way, as in "instead for more speed per user while keeping the user number per tower the same, we increase the number of users for each tower"


  • Kris Carlon 35
    Kris Carlon May 23, 2014 Link to comment

    PS Our survey came out with just on 60% saying microSD card! Not too many fans of cloud at all it seems. Glad to see the new Moto's and LG coming out with microSD expansion, as well as Oppo and OnePlus. Maybe SD will make a comeback, even in Android!


    • My1 37
      My1 May 23, 2014 Link to comment

      yeah, the only Cloud I really use is ftp in my local network to get rid of the cable, or rather to plug my Note 3 on the charger, since it's faster in charging (obvious)


    • Diptangshu M. 15
      Diptangshu M. Jun 27, 2014 Link to comment

      Comeback??!
      I don't even buy a device without micro SD.


  • 3
    Deactivated Account May 21, 2014 Link to comment

    I feel like everyone can see all my info using cloud. lol


    • My1 37
      My1 May 21, 2014 Link to comment

      that as well, that's why the cloud almost only gets my pics for instant sync with PC...


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon May 23, 2014 Link to comment

      Well it depends on which cloud provider you use. Mega based out of New Zealand was started by the Mega Upload guy, and he's all about privacy and encryption. So you can always make wiser cloud choices than Microsoft or Google Drive if you're worried about prying eyes.


      • My1 37
        My1 May 23, 2014 Link to comment

        if cloud then owncloud4ever


  • My1 37
    My1 May 21, 2014 Link to comment

    @everyone talking about dying micro SD and therefore using the cloud (even though he didnt write anything yet):

    at least in my case, my microSD data is almost always coming from the PC, so no problem...
    and even in the cloud data canbecome lost, either through a crisis or trough an acc ban or whatever.
    and internal storage can die too, but unlike microSDs you cannot exchange them yourself once broken without voiding the warranty (unless you are a member of a Service center)

    also you probably did not yet see areas with bad reception or data li limits where you are slowed down to 64kBIT/s, or rather 8KByte/s (protocol overhead included, so even less...)


  • 5
    Berend Werkman May 21, 2014 Link to comment

    micro sd in combination with a backup on my pc


  • 2
    chris hunt May 20, 2014 Link to comment

    SD card is way better!!! I won't buy a phone without an SD slot!! hopefully phone makers take note of this poll and more new great phones are made with SD slots!!


    • My1 37
      My1 May 20, 2014 Link to comment

      true story. one of of the Main reasons I stick with Samsung, along with removable battery and S-Pen...


  • My1 37
    My1 May 19, 2014 Link to comment

    I only use the cloud for syncing photos to my PC when at home, and FTP over WLAN, in other words a local "cloud" for transferring my videos to my, you get it, microSD card wirelessly...


  • 7
    Deactivated Account May 19, 2014 Link to comment

    Micro SD. Cloud storage isn't always available and it eats battery like I eat French fries.

    Kris Carlon


  • 2
    Thomas Schon May 19, 2014 Link to comment

    Cloud or NSA.... No .... thanks


  • 2
    Thomas Schon May 19, 2014 Link to comment

    i prefer SD


  • Gwen Miller 5
    Gwen Miller May 18, 2014 Link to comment

    Micro sd, because I know exactly where my data is, and I have access to it any time, even if the network is down.


  • 14
    Amat Mulisha May 18, 2014 Link to comment

    absolutely SD card


  • Daremo Sensanome 7
    Daremo Sensanome May 18, 2014 Link to comment

    (Political stuff ahead) Strange situation this of NSA involved in a tech matter. Mainly when is USA who originate the topic. Wheren't the communist the "bad guys" of the tale?.
    Nowadays, China, a communist country that leads technological and economical development, doesn't show interest in such practices (NSA). Who are really the "bad guys"!??.
    Both... SD & cloud.


  • 7
    william koffke May 18, 2014 Link to comment

    MICROSD - if your WiFi only MicroSD is the only storage. No network = No cloud. On 4G this means eating into the date plan = Expensive!


  • 4
    Johnny May 17, 2014 Link to comment

    Little of both, say what you want you will not get away from having some in the cloud. Though that is given your options on the poll, should be mostly SD and a little cloud :)

    David T


  • 4
    imanitta May 17, 2014 Link to comment

    we still can skip KitKAt limitation by rooting device..sd card is essential in the phone coz switching and storing become very flexible..


  • 14
    Saem Sarguroh May 17, 2014 Link to comment

    MicroSD. Ease of use and available anywhere anytime (no network and all required). I even connect hard disk to my device incase I want more


  • Sterling Keys 12
    Sterling Keys May 17, 2014 Link to comment

    MicroSD. No worries about data limits and you can expand to your needs.

    My1


  • My1 37
    My1 May 17, 2014 Link to comment

    MicroSD. You only have to pay once and not per month and not multiple instances (cloud provider and network provider)

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