Secure Digital (SD) cards are based on flash memory and as such have a finite technical lifespan. Fortunately, the expected period of functionality tends to be comfortably long. Most flash memory cards are equipped with a wear controller to balance out the demands on particular parts of the memory, and are guaranteed to withstand about 100,000 program-erase cycles before the integrity of data storage becomes compromised. In other words, even if one were to fill and format an SD card five times every day, it would still last for more than 50 years.
It's why I use Google Photos even if some can assume it's another Google spyware like Android, Google Search, YouTube Search, and Facebook. Imagine if your phone completely dies? Your files in the microSD card may not be. And vice-versa if the microSD card gets corrupted. I have a duplicate copy of the same exact files of my favorite content on another microSD card.
I read posters here saying they want the 256 GB iPhone X. I have nearly 2 TB of movies and TV shows I can easily hoard on a 256 GB iPhone X. I rarely have time to watch any of them on my 48" Samsung TV. Why would I want to hoard them on a phone? I don't like adding and deleting files over and over. It's like laptops. Shortens their lifespan.
You hoard files with very little left of storage that the device becomes slow. It's not like you will listen to 200 GB of your music within a year and you will be skipping through alot of them anyway. Hoarding files for nothing. Only keep the best or what you truly love. Adding media to fill up the storage is similar to updating your firmware or apps. The more updates, the more bloat, the slower it gets.
Cloud is the way. Streaming. Why would I need The Walking Dead episodes on my phone when I can watch them on Netflix? Keep your storage "mostly" as is after you stored them. For videos, only keep your favorites. The rest is just hoarding through media content you won't look at or listen to throughout the few years you will use a phone until the next planned obsolescence upgrade.
Pixel 2 XL and Essential PH-1 have deal breakers - Both lack microSD slot.
Sony. "Mirai" (future) design to finally replace OmniBalance. If Sony can bring back the Z3 design but lower the top and bottom bezel with the Z5/XZ rear, I would get it. Sony isn't very strong in camera and mobile displays though. Weak in reception like Essential. Great with software updates and battery life. Underrated ecosystem.
Last great Sony smartphone, Z3 (2014)
Unlocked. No carrier bloat. Likely keeps microSD slot and headphone jack. And not many Americans will buy Xperias so you might actually stand out from the 70% iPhone crowd and 20% Galaxy crowd here where I live.
BTW, Google Assistant > Siri
Only times I use Siri is to recognize a song on the radio like Shazam and Soundhound. They all have weaknesses. It's all a matter of preferring which strengths they have and putting up with their flaws.
Matthew Moniz
Again, what do I know about different phones and OSes?
"I didn't major in myopia to graduate as a fanboy." - KingslayerG5