Google puts an end to 16GB Android phones

Accordingly, Google has officially increased the required minimum internal memory capacity for all devices launched or updated to Android version 15 to 32GB.

Google's new requirement is a game changer for Android device makers, and could spell the end of low-cost phones with as little as 16GB of internal storage in the near future.

Android phones with 16GB of internal storage won't be able to run Android 15

It is known that the previous limit was 16GB, applied since Android 13. Notably, phones with storage capacity below 32GB cannot even update to Android 15 despite being supported.

For Android 15, Google requires at least 32GB of storage for smartphones that want to pre-install Google's suite of apps and services (known as Google Mobile Services, or GMS). Of that 32GB, at least 75% of the storage must be reserved for the data partition, which stores pre-installed system apps, system app data, some system files, and all user apps and files.

This move by Google is considered a significant effort to bring users a better experience, especially on low-cost phones that often have limited configurations but are sold in large quantities in many markets. Having more storage space will help the operating system as well as applications operate more smoothly, reducing lag due to lack of memory.

However, this only applies to devices that want to be certified by Google and use its services. Technically, manufacturers can still create devices under 32GB and install the open source version of Android (AOSP), but they will not have access to the Google Play Store or core Google apps.

Therefore, meeting the 32GB memory requirement is almost mandatory for devices running Android 15. Users who own or intend to buy low-cost phones with low internal memory need to pay special attention to this new requirement if they want to experience future versions of Android.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/google-dat-dau-cham-het-doi-voi-dien-thoai-android-16gb-311396.html