RAM and storage

RAM is a work table; storage is a cupboard.

1. What it means

   RAM is a work table; storage is a cupboard.

2. RAM keeps apps ready

   Physical RAM keeps apps ready.

3. Storage keeps your files

   Storage keeps photos, videos and files.

4. Physical and virtual RAM

   Choose physical RAM; virtual RAM uses slower storage.

5. Before you buy

   RAM keeps current work ready; storage keeps apps and files. More storage cannot replace RAM. Virtual RAM is not physical RAM.

   RAM keeps current work ready; storage keeps apps and files. More storage cannot replace RAM. Virtual RAM is not physical RAM.

RAM

6 GB is fine for everyday use. 8 GB keeps more apps open and suits gaming. 12 GB or more helps a flagship stay smooth for years.

"Virtual RAM" or "RAM expansion" borrows space from storage. It is much slower than real RAM, so compare the physical RAM figure. This guide always lists physical RAM.

Storage

128 GB is a sensible minimum. Choose 256 GB if you shoot a lot of video, keep big games or rarely clear WhatsApp media. Part of the advertised storage is used by the system and preinstalled apps.

Most phones no longer have a memory-card slot, so buy enough storage up front. Upgrading later means buying a new phone.

Updated 6 Oct 2026. Illustrations explain concepts; they are not product tests.