Removable Storage on Pixel 8 Pro: Card Slot Explained (Storage + Guide)

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a feature-rich smartphone, but one aspect that has caught the attention of potential buyers is its lack of expandable storage.

Interested in Purchasing the Google Pixel 8 Pro? Here are 17 commonly asked questions before buying.

The phone comes with various internal storage options but does not offer a card slot for expandable storage. This has led to questions about whether the available internal storage is sufficient for long-term use.

What the Specs Say

The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers the following internal storage options:

• 128GB with 12GB RAM
• 256GB with 12GB RAM
• 512GB with 12GB RAM
• 1TB with 12GB RAM

Note: There is no card slot for expandable storage.

Why No Card Slot?

The absence of a card slot is a design choice by Google, likely to encourage the use of cloud storage solutions like Google One. This could be a deal-breaker for users who are accustomed to having the flexibility of expandable storage.

User Experience from Reddit

“Not Enough Storage Space”

One Redditor who switched from a Samsung S8 to the Pixel 8 Pro mentioned, “The only one that was available was the 128GB storage. It honestly feels like there won’t be enough storage space.” Source

“Check Your Storage Before Opening”

Another user ordered the 256GB model but received the 128GB one instead. They had to return the whole package. Source

“Is 256GB Worth It?”

A user contemplating between storage sizes questioned, “Is Pixel 8 Pro 256GB worth it if you pay for Google One?” Source

Using USB-C Storage as an Alternative

USB-C storage devices, like the Samsung USB-C Flash Drive, offer an alternative to expandable storage for the Google Pixel 8 Pro. These devices plug directly into the phone’s USB-C port and provide additional storage space for files, photos, and videos.

Pros

1. Portability: USB-C storage devices are compact and easy to carry around.
2. Fast Data Transfer: These devices often offer fast read and write speeds, making file transfers quick and efficient.
3. No Installation Required: Simply plug the device into the USB-C port, and it’s ready to use.
4. Compatibility: These devices are generally compatible with multiple devices, not just your smartphone.
5. Affordable: Many USB-C storage options are relatively inexpensive compared to upgrading to a phone with higher internal storage.

Cons

1. Not Seamless: Unlike internal or expandable storage, you’ll need to plug and unplug the device, which might not be convenient.
2. Risk of Loss: Due to their small size, these devices are easy to misplace.
3. Limited Storage: While they offer extra storage, it’s still limited compared to having a larger internal storage or expandable storage option.
4. Battery Drain: Using a USB-C storage device can consume more battery power.
5. File Management: You’ll need to manually manage what goes on the USB-C storage and what stays on the phone’s internal storage.

Summary

Using a USB-C storage device like the Samsung USB-C Flash Drive can be a practical alternative for adding more storage to your Google Pixel 8 Pro. While it offers the advantage of portability and fast data transfer, it comes with its own set of limitations such as the inconvenience of manual file management and potential battery drain. Weigh these pros and cons to determine if this solution meets your storage needs.

Real Data Samples and Case Studies

• Average App Size: 100MB
• Average Photo Size: 3MB
• Average 4K Video Minute: 350MB

Storage Size	Apps	Photos	4K Video Minutes
128GB	500	20,000	200
256GB	1000	40,000	400
512GB	2000	80,000	800

Troubleshooting Storage Issues

Method 1: Use Google One

Summary: Google One allows you to store files in the cloud, freeing up device storage.

1. Download Google One app
2. Choose a plan (starts at 100GB)
3. Upload files to Google One

Method 2: Regularly Clear Cache

Summary: Clearing the cache removes temporary files and can free up storage.

1. Go to Settings > Storage
2. Tap on “Cached data”
3. Tap “Clear”

Method 3: Use Files by Google

Summary: This app identifies unused apps and large files that you can delete.

1. Download Files by Google
2. Open app and go to “Clean”
3. Follow recommendations

Google Pixel 8 Pro Storage

The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers ample internal storage options, but the lack of expandable storage may be a concern for some. Weigh your storage needs carefully before making a decision.