In the first nine months of 2023, memory card sales for smartphones, cameras, drones and other devices surged by about 70 percent compared with the previous year, according to industry retailers cited in major market updates. This growth story continued into the period from January through October 2023, when roughly 2.9 million memory cards were sold in the Russian Federation. The increase stood at 70 percent in physical units and around 27 percent in monetary terms year over year. These numbers reflect a robust demand across consumer electronics, not only for photography and videography but also for compact devices that rely on expandable storage.
The micro SDXC format emerged as the dominant category, making up about 58 percent of total memory card sales. The popularity of micro SDXC is driven by their compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, drones, action cameras and other portable gear that benefit from compact, high-capacity storage solutions. Consumers and retailers alike highlight the practical advantages of these cards in everyday use, such as faster media transfer and greater on-device storage for high-resolution content.
Leading brands in the market during this period included a mix of American and Asian manufacturers. Brand shares in this segment were approximately 26 percent for a well-known American maker, followed by about 8 percent for another widely recognized name in the United States, and around 7 percent for a prominent Chinese producer. The competitive landscape reflects a trend toward affordable, globally distributed options that balance price and performance for consumers who frequently upgrade, replace or expand their devices’ memory capabilities.
Analysts and retailers point to several factors that power the memory card market’s momentum. A rising interest in aerial photography and videography with consumer drones has contributed to sustained demand for reliable, high-capacity memory solutions. In addition, the prevalence of low-cost smartphones, particularly from major manufacturers in Asia, has expanded the user base seeking expandable storage to capture more photos and videos without worrying about space limitations.
Industry observers note that the popularity of smartphones equipped with memory slots has become a key driver. In some markets, single-brand ecosystems and aggressive entry-level models have helped expand the installed base of devices that support external memory. Data from market watchers shows that the share of affordable, feature-rich smartphones in the Russian market has remained substantial, fueling continued card sales as users look to maximize storage for apps, media and documents. This dynamic supports a broader shift toward flexible, removable storage across multiple device categories.
Recent product launches from major brands illustrate how the trend persists. For example, new flagship lines continue to emphasize expanded storage options and reliable performance in real-world conditions, reinforcing the appeal of micro SDXC and compatible cards among enthusiasts and everyday users alike. The market evidence collectively points to a durable demand cycle driven by ongoing device refreshes, rising consumer content creation, and a preference for cost-effective, versatile memory solutions (industry reports, attribution: retailers and market analysts).