Storage
Storage is the permanent space where your apps, photos, videos and files stay, even when the device is switched off.
On this page 4 sections
Storage is the permanent space inside a device where the operating system, apps, photos, videos, music and downloads live. Unlike RAM, which works only while the device is on, storage keeps files after the device is switched off.
How it works
Modern phones and tablets use flash memory chips, and many laptops use solid-state drives, which are flash memory too. Files stay in storage until they are deleted, and the device copies what it needs into RAM when it runs an app. Storage is measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB).
What fills it up
- Photos and videos, which take the most space, especially at high quality.
- Apps and games, which grow with every update.
- Offline downloads such as maps, films and music.
Usable space
The usable amount is always less than the advertised capacity, because the operating system and pre-installed apps take a share before anything is installed.
What it does not promise
More storage does not make a device faster, and it does not help apps run more smoothly, which is the job of RAM. A nearly full storage can slow a device down and stop new files and updates from being saved. On most phones and tablets, built-in storage cannot be upgraded after the device is made.