The right amount of storage depends on how you use your phone. This guide explains what uses storage, the different storage options available and how to choose the right amount for your needs.
Many different types of content and data take up storage on your phone. The main things that use storage are:
Photos can take up significant storage, especially high resolution images.
Videos, particularly in high definition or 4K, can use a lot of storage.
Apps vary in size, and some (like social media, editing or streaming apps) can be quite large.
Modern games can be several gigabytes in size.
Music, films, offline maps and other downloaded content all use storage.
Documents, saved files and system data also take up space on your phone.
The amount of storage you need depends on how you use your phone. If you mainly use it for calls, messages, browsing and streaming, you may be comfortable with a lower storage capacity. If you take lots of photos and videos, play games or keep a large range of apps and files, a higher capacity may be a better choice.
| Storage size | Typical use | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 128GB | Everyday use | Suitable for calls, messaging, browsing, streaming, apps and a moderate amount of photos and videos. |
| 256GB | More room for photos and apps | A good option if you take more photos and videos, use plenty of apps or want more space for downloads. |
| 512GB | Heavy use | Useful for large photo and video libraries, bigger games, offline content and users who want plenty of spare capacity. |
| 1TB | Very large storage needs | Designed for users who store large amounts of photos, high resolution video, games and other files directly on their phone. |
| 2TB | Very high storage needs | Available on a limited number of phones and intended for particularly large local storage requirements. |
One of the easiest ways to estimate how much storage you need is to check how much you currently use.
Look at your phone’s storage settings to see how much space is being used and what is taking up the most room.
If your current phone is almost full, choosing more storage on your next phone may give you more flexibility.
Cloud storage can reduce the amount of content you need to keep directly on your phone.
Services can store photos, videos and files online, allowing you to access them when needed without keeping everything permanently stored on the device.
However, cloud storage may require a subscription and access to an internet connection, so it should not be treated as a complete replacement for having enough storage on your phone.
Many modern smartphones do not allow you to expand their internal storage after purchase.
Some Android phones support removable memory cards, but this varies by model. iPhones do not support expandable storage.
It is therefore worth choosing enough internal storage when you buy your phone, particularly if you plan to keep it for several years.
If you plan to keep your phone for several years, it can be worth allowing some extra storage for future use.
Photos, videos, apps and other files can build up over time, and apps themselves may also become larger as they are updated.
Choosing a little more capacity than you currently use can give you more room as your storage needs change.
Once you know how much storage you need, you can compare refurbished phones and choose the model and capacity that suits you.
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