Smartphones being our daily companions require some effort to purchase as these devices have so much to do just like us humans. It is like choosing a partner for the long run. Just as their usage increased, mobile companies are launching new and technologically advanced models every year.
We as consumers also look for the best out of the many, and now that we have educated ourselves about the best brands, and new launches, we are also familiar with a few of the technical terms to look for while purchasing.
One of the many features that we look for is storage, based on our budget and requirements. It is very crucial for the systems’ smooth functioning and capacity. RAM would be a very familiar term if you are somebody who updates on the latest advancements on smartphones.
ROM is usually referred to as the mobile’s internal storage. This article lets you know everything about RAM and ROM, which are crucial for every device’s storage, focusing on the storage of your smartphone.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the storage that the device needs for daily functioning. It is the device’s short-term memory that gets deleted when the power is off, called volatile memory. RAM is necessary for the smooth operation of the device. When you open multiple apps, RAM enables proper functioning.
To say in simple terms, for your device to function smoothly without lag or hang, it needs enough RAM to store all your activities. The more RAM, the more tasks and applications it can open at the same time. It stores the data of currently running apps and processes.
The data of that app will be stored in RAM when you open it and the more apps you want to open, the more space for data storage is needed. So when you have more RAM there won’t be any trouble operating multiple applications as there is space for storage.
Size and capacity of RAM on your smartphone
RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB). The normal capacity of smartphones to store short-term data is 2GB to 12GB. Many latest model smartphones offer 24GB RAM for high-end functioning and gaming. For people who have basic uses like calling and texting, or social media browsing, you won’t necessarily need those high-end smartphones with 24GB.
Performance of your smartphone
If you are a gamer or use your smartphone extensively, you might need one with higher RAM. Even if we are only using a single app, let’s say YouTube, there will be a lot of other apps running in the background like WhatsApp, or other apps notifications or background syncing.
Insufficient storage can lead to a lag in any of these apps’ operations. So get a phone with not too little RAM than 6GB even if you are a normal smartphone user.
Multitasking
Your phone needs a good RAM capacity to work multiple apps at the same time. If RAM is not to the capacity, apps need to be reloaded every time. This is useful for power users who use many apps simultaneously.
Read More: Common Myths About Smartphone Charging
What is ROM?
Read Read-only memory (ROM) refers to the phone’s internal storage. The data will be pre-stored and is the primary non-volatile memory, which means the data won’t be lost even if the power is off. This is equally important as RAM.
ROM stores the phone’s operating system, pre-installed apps, photos, videos, music, and documents. If you are a person who has lots of data to be stored permanently, like lots of apps, photos, downloaded movies, or shows, you need to get smartphones with higher ROM.
The more the ROM, the more apps and files you can download and store.
Size and capacity of ROM on your smartphone
ROM or internal storage of smartphones is measured in gigabytes (GB). The standard capacity of internal storage offered by smartphones these days is 64GB. Many high-end smartphones offer up to 1TB (terabyte) of storage. If you want to download many apps and movies, get a phone with more than 64GB and buy according to your needs.
Performance of your smartphone
Running out of storage can affect the performance of your phone. It doesn’t affect the performance like RAM, but can slow down the phone’s overall functioning. You would probably know this if you get a notification saying you are running out of storage, that is when your device starts to slow down.
Can you increase the storage?
Expanding RAM
RAM on smartphones is soldered directly to the devices’ motherboard. So you cannot directly expand or increase RAM. But if you employ a few techniques to improve the devices’ functioning, like closing unnecessary apps, clearing cached data, and limiting live wallpapers. Updating the smartphone’s operating system can also enhance the performance.
Expanding the internal storage
Delete unnecessary apps or bloatware to regain storage. You can increase the internal storage capacity other than the built-in storage with the help of a memory card or microSD.
Also Read: Google’s Storage Plans Raise Plenty of Concerns
What to keep in mind?
Updating to the latest models of smartphones is a common trend these days. But it is better to buy a phone that suits your needs than going behind brands. There are a lot of trusted brands and emerging brands that offer high-end technology in smartphones.
Knowing the basic technical terms to look for while buying a new phone is necessary. When your primary need or focus is storage, then RAM and ROM are the terms you are looking for.
Both RAM and ROM act as the primary memory of the device. Buying a phone with not less than 4-6GB RAM is necessary for the smooth functioning of the phone. If you are a gamer or want a phone with less lag and high functioning, get a smartphone with 18-24GB.
If you are looking for more internal storage, then look for a phone with not less than 64GB because that is the most casual amount of storage provided for normal usage. There are high-end phones that offer 512GB to 1TB of internal storage. Both RAM and ROM are crucial for the smooth functioning of the device, but selecting a phone that suits your storage needs is what to keep in mind.
