Topics:
What does storage really mean?
What are my storage size options?
What amount of storage do I need?
There's nothing more frustrating than running out of storage space on your device, so we hope this guide helps you make the right decision before your purchase.
What does storage really mean?
The storage holds all the data and info you have locally on your device. This means everything from messages, and app data can all use up your storage. Anything that is stored on the "Cloud" means that it isn't on your device but rather stored on a company's server that you access wirelessly via mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. All apps store some information locally, but most of your device's storage will be used by the photos, videos, music, and messages that you keep on your device.
What are my storage size options?
Phones and Tablets
iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets all have different storage options. Over time, cell phone manufacturers have been able to increase the amount of storage space a device can hold, so most devices made after 2016 start at 32 GB and typically go up to 350 GB. Newer devices have options higher than that, such as 500 GB or 1 TB (1000 GB).
Laptops
Because laptops are bigger and more storage hungry, they typically start around 120 GB and go up 8 TB (8000 GB).
What amount of storage do I need?
Storage size can greatly change the price of the device you're looking to purchase, so understanding how you'll use the storage and what you need can help save money.
- Will you use this for creative work?
- If you'll use your device for video, music, or photo editing; digital design, or other digital creative work, then you might want to consider more storage
- Additionally, consider external storage options, like external hard drives to store larger projects
- If you’re planning on using a laptop or phone for just the basics, then a lower storage amount should work perfectly
- Do you like to save messages or take a lot of photos and videos?
- If you like to back-scroll through old texts and group chats or keep tons of pics and videos on your device, then you should consider higher storage
- There's nothing worse than trying to capture the perfect moment only to be told your phone is out of storage
- Do you have Cloud storage such as iCloud, Google Cloud, or Samsung Cloud?
- Cloud storage is typically offered at a low monthly or yearly fee and can help free you from the constraints of your device's storage specs
- If you have Cloud storage or are planning on getting some, then you can comfortably purchase a lower storage device