How to Expand storage on LG Nexus 4

Now that Google has given us their side of the story on the missing expandable storage slots in Nexus devices, we are on our own with upto 16GB (more like under 14GB actually) of storage space to play with. While a lot of people that I know, would be perfectly happy, even with 8GB of storage for their daily usage, and think of it as a small inconvenience which is outweighed by the many benefits of owning the latest Nexus device, there are also several people I know who fall short of space with 32GB and some even 64GB devices.

All Google had to do was include one teeny little microSD slot, and that was it. But that’s not gonna happen, and we’re going to have to figure out alternative methods of memory expansion for the latest and the greatest. And we’ve come across three viable options that can help you never run out of storage space on your Nexus 4. Of course, they involve a slight workaround, and come at an extra cost, but if you’re someone who has to have the Nexus 4, and has to have extra storage space on the go, then you might want to take a closer look. Besides, Google’s pricing on the Nexus 4 is so attractive, that you probably wouldn’t mind investing a wee bit more to sort out your storage capacity issue.

Option 1

Wireless Storage – Patriot Memory Gauntlet Node 

If you’re really stubborn about having that extra storage, and don’t mind paying a pretty penny, this could be an excellent solution for you. The Patriot Memory Gauntlet Node is a portable wireless storage enclosure, which breaks free from the storage limitations of devices like tablets and smartphones. All you need to do is fit in a standard 2.5″ hard-drive or solid-state drive, charge the node, download the Gauntlet Node app on your Android phone and you’re good to go. To hell with 32/64GB, this fella can  take upto a 2TB HDD, and wirelessly stream all your files to your phone or tablet. And as you know, a 2.5″ HDD enclosure can fit comfortably into your jacket pocket, or in a satchel, and you have all that storage accessible readily on your Nexus 4, none the wiser.

The other advantage of the Gauntlet node is that it can stream movies, music and documents to upto 8 devices simultaneously! So if you have a Nexus 4 and a Nexus 7 16GB, you really don’t need to go for the 32GB upgrade. The Patriot Gauntlet Node is available for $99 from Amazon. If you feel this could be a useful solution  for you, hit the link below to order one.

Order the Patriot Gauntlet Node

Option 2

indiegogo MicroSD to Micro USB Adapter for Nexus

If you are looking for an inexpensive, but really unobtrusive solution, the indiegogo microSD to microUSB adapter could be an ideal on-the-go solution for your additional storage needs. Just plug in an inexpensive microSD card into the adapter, and connect it to the microUSB port of your device, and you’re good to go. However, there is a small catch here. The indiegogo project is currently undergoing a fixed funding campaign, and needs to raise $28,500 by November 28th, to be eligible to receive funding. Hence it is inviting contributions from folks who find this product useful, and are likely to buy it if it launches. And the good thing is that a contribution of $16, not only gives you all the updates on the project, but also a MicroSD to MicroUSB Adapter, a MicroSD Card Holder that can hold up to 10 standard Micro SD memory cards and one standard Micro SD to SD card adapter. Not a bad deal at all. And if the project doesn’t take off, you get a full refund of your contribution. We’d really like to see indiegogo take off, as this is a pretty convenient and cost-effective on-the-go storage solution. If you’d like to go ahead and make a contribution, you can  hit the link below to the indiegogo page.

Support the indiegogo project

Option 3

Standard OTG adapter and USB Flash drive

Probably the cheapest alternative is pairing a standard USB OTG adapter, that can be purchased for a few dollars, or even lesser if you try eBay, with a small USB Flash drive. While it does make your device look like it’s growing a tail, Android’s native USB host capability can be taken advantage of with this solution. It might not be convenient to carry the device around with the adapter+flash drive sticking out of it, it certainly is a cheap and effective option to carry around your favorite music and TV shows. We came across this really tiny flash drive that can make the tail look quite a bit shorter, and an OTG, out together for under £20. Not a bad investment if you’re looking for extra storage handy when you need it.

Order the USB OTG adapter

Order the 32GB Verbatim Flash drive

Whether we like it or not, it looks like Nexus devices are not going to be blessed with expandable storage slots, and so if you are really particular about having extra memory at hand, any one of these could sort you out depending upon your budget. Of course, there may be other similar options as well, and if you come across something interesting, do let us know in comments below.