Device storage determines the number of applications, photos, and files you can keep on your device. When you run out of storage, it can negatively impact your productivity and the performance of your device. However, determining the right amount of storage isn’t always straightforward.
It’s easy to either underestimate our needs or opt for too much storage. This guide is designed to help you figure out the appropriate amount of storage you truly require.
What is device storage?
Device storage refers to space on the phone, tablet, or computer. The device storage stores all your data, such as apps, photos, videos, and documents. You can no longer save videos and documents when you fill up your storage space. In that case, you would need to pay for additional storage or get a new device.
There are two major types of storage:
• Internal Storage: This is a built-in device. It can’t be removed, and is usually faster compared to external storage.
• External Storage: This includes SD cards and USB drives, which can be added or removed. They give you more space but may be slower.
Different devices come with various storage options. Let’s look at some common ones:
• Smartphones: Most smartphones start at 64GB. High-end models can have up to 1TB. iPhones don’t have SD card slots. Many Android phones do.
• Tablets: Tablets typically range from 32GB to 256GB. Some have slots for memory cards if you need more space.
• Laptops: Laptops tend to contain 128GB to 1TB of storage. You can generally upgrade that later.
• Desktops: Desktop computers can have really large storage. 1TB to 4TB is common. You can easily add more if needed.
How Much Storage Do You Really Need?
It can be difficult to know how much storage you really need. Many people get too much or too little storage. Your storage needs depend on how you use your device. Let’s look at some common user types:
Basic Users
If you mostly browse the web and use simple apps, 64GB might do the job. This is enough for:
• Email
• Social media
• Light photo taking
Average Users
For people who take lots of photos and use many apps, 128GB to 256GB works best. This covers:
• Many apps
• Photo libraries
• Some video storage
Power Users
• Video editing
• Large game libraries
• Huge photo collections
Professional Users
Some jobs need even more space. 1TB or more is common for:
• 4K video production
• Large datasets
• Professional photo editing
How Can You Manage Device Storage Better?
You can optimize your storage to avoid running out of space. Here are some tips:
• Use cloud storage: Services like Google Drive or iCloud can store your files online and save device space. 65.2% of people use cloud storage as their primary storage.
• Delete unused apps: Remove apps you don’t use. They take up space and might slow down your device.
• Clear cache regularly: Many apps store temporary files. Clearing these can free up space.
• Use streaming services: Stream music and videos rather than downloading them. That saves a lot of space.
What Takes Up More Storage?
Some things use more storage than others. Here are the biggest storage users:
• Videos: Videos are space hungry. A 1-hour 4K video can take up 7GB or more.
• Photos: Photos take up less space compared to videos. However, they accumulate rather fast. 1000 high-quality photos may take up 5GB.
• Games: Modern games are huge. Some can be over 100GB each.
• Apps: Most apps are small. But some, like editing tools, can be very large.
What to Do If You Run Out of Storage?
If you run out of space, you can add more storage by using SD cards or an external drive. This is a great option instead of buying a new device. If possible, change your device for one with higher storage. An upgrade will give you more space internally.
You can also put more files in the cloud with cloud storage solutions. Some popular options are Google Drive and Dropbox. This frees up more space on your device.
How to Choose the Right Storage for Your Next Device
When buying a new device, consider how many photos, videos, apps, and large files you use. Choose a device with enough storage—it’s better to have excess than to run out. Understanding device storage will help you make a better choice. Keep in mind that your needs may change, so opting for more storage is often wise.
If you have questions about device storage, feel free to reach out to us for personalized advice. We’re here to help!