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?
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!).
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 . . .
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
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.
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)
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.
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
Ericsson's 5G speed tests have produced 5 Gbps wireless... that's your data plan over in the blink of an eye!
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"
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!
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)
Comeback??!
I don't even buy a device without micro SD.
I feel like everyone can see all my info using cloud. lol
that as well, that's why the cloud almost only gets my pics for instant sync with PC...
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.
if cloud then owncloud4ever
@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...)
micro sd in combination with a backup on my pc
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!!
true story. one of of the Main reasons I stick with Samsung, along with removable battery and S-Pen...
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...