How to check your phone’s RAM and storage
RAM and storage are two different things, and the numbers on a box can be confusing. Here is how to see the real figures on your phone.
The difference
- RAM is short-term memory the phone uses to run apps. It clears when the phone restarts.
- Storage is long-term space for photos, apps and files.
On Android
- RAM: open Settings > About phone and look for RAM or Memory. On some phones, look in Settings > Battery and device care > Memory (Samsung) or in the About phone details page.
- Storage: open Settings > Storage to see used and free space.
If the screen shows two numbers for RAM, such as “8 GB + 4 GB”, the second is virtual RAM, explained below.
On iPhone
- Storage: Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- RAM: iPhones do not show RAM in Settings. Look it up from the model name in the official specifications.
What is virtual RAM?
Some Android phones borrow part of the storage and use it as extra RAM. It is slower than real RAM, and it uses up storage. It can help apps stay open a little longer, but it is not the same as a phone with more real RAM. Always compare the physical RAM figure. See spec sheet red flags.
Why the free space is less than the box says
A “128 GB” phone does not give you 128 GB to use: the system and pre-installed apps take part of it. Some of the difference is also how storage is counted.
Check before you buy
When buying a used phone, check RAM and storage in Settings against the box and the listing.
How much do you need?
See how much RAM and storage you need in a phone and how to read a phone spec sheet.
