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Should I Get 64GB or 128GB? A Comprehensive Guide to Storage Options

The question of whether to opt for 64GB or 128GB of storage is a common dilemma for anyone buying a new smartphone, tablet, or even a laptop. The answer isn’t always straightforward, as it depends heavily on your individual usage patterns and needs. However, in most cases, for 2024 and moving forward, 128GB is the recommended choice for the majority of users. While 64GB might seem sufficient for basic tasks, the ever-increasing size of apps, media files, and system updates quickly consumes available space, potentially leading to frustrating limitations. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the right decision.

Understanding Storage Needs

The Limitations of 64GB

A 64GB device might initially seem appealing due to its lower price point, but the reality is that a significant portion of this storage is consumed by the operating system and pre-installed applications. On a phone, for example, system files can easily take up 30% or more of the total space, leaving you with much less than the advertised 64GB.

Consider that each photo or video you take, app you download, and song you save contributes to the growing amount of data on your device. If you’re a user who frequently downloads apps, takes photos, or saves videos, you might quickly find yourself running out of space with only 64GB. Constantly having to manage your storage by deleting apps or transferring files can be cumbersome and inconvenient. Furthermore, 64 GB may be enough for fundamental operations like online browsing, email, and document editing on a laptop, but it will fall short if you store a significant number of large files.

The Advantages of 128GB

A 128GB device provides double the storage capacity of a 64GB device, which translates to significantly more freedom and flexibility. With 128GB, you have much more space to store photos, videos, music, apps, and games without constantly worrying about running out of space.

This capacity is ideal for those who enjoy capturing memories through photos and videos, downloading movies and music for offline enjoyment, or using various apps and games without the need for constant management. The extra space also allows for larger application files and future system updates, which tend to grow in size over time. Opting for 128GB provides a smoother, more hassle-free user experience, avoiding the frequent “storage full” alerts.

Key Considerations for Your Decision

When deciding between 64GB and 128GB, consider the following:

Your Usage Habits: How often do you take photos and videos? Do you download media for offline consumption? Do you play graphics-intensive games or use a lot of apps? Your answers to these questions will greatly influence your storage needs.
Cloud Storage Dependency: If you rely heavily on cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox for storing your photos, videos, and files, you might be able to get by with 64GB. However, even with cloud storage, it is convenient to keep some commonly used files on the device itself.
Future Proofing: Devices tend to be used for several years. Choosing a higher storage capacity, such as 128GB, provides some level of future proofing and allows for growth in your storage needs over time.
Device Type: While many principles are similar for phones, tablets, and laptops, consider the typical usage scenarios of the specific device when choosing the storage. A laptop used for video editing might need much more than 128GB, while a basic browsing laptop might be okay with it.
Price Difference: The price difference between a 64GB and 128GB model might be a deciding factor. Weigh the cost against your storage requirements and consider the long-term benefits of having more space.

RAM and Other Factors

It’s crucial to note that, in some cases, the storage capacity upgrade is not the only upgrade that comes with higher memory models. For instance, some devices might offer more RAM in the 128GB option as compared to the 64GB option. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the memory that the computer or mobile device uses to run programs and apps, and having higher RAM generally allows you to multitask more smoothly.

Therefore, when deciding between different storage options, check to see what else might be upgraded with the 128GB option, such as the RAM. Often the 128GB model provides a better experience for a moderate increase in price.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a 64GB device may appear initially appealing because of its lower cost, it is a less practical choice for most users today. The limited storage can be restrictive and require frequent maintenance to manage storage space. The 128GB option offers much more freedom and flexibility, providing ample space for photos, videos, apps, and games. If you plan on using your device for a few years, 128GB is almost always the better choice providing more long-term value and convenience. It’s a sweet spot that balances cost with long-term usability, ensuring you won’t be plagued with storage issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 64GB enough for basic usage?

Yes, 64GB can be sufficient for very basic use cases such as web browsing, email, and document editing. However, it will quickly become limiting if you plan to store photos, videos, or download many apps.

2. Is 128GB overkill for someone who doesn’t take many photos?

Not necessarily. Even if you don’t take many photos, 128GB provides space for apps, games, and system updates, giving you more flexibility and future-proofing your device.

3. Can I upgrade my device’s storage later if I choose 64GB?

Unfortunately, on most phones and tablets, storage is not upgradeable after purchase. For laptops it may be possible for some models but often is not a simple process, so it is best to choose the storage size you need.

4. How many photos can 128GB hold?

A 128GB device can typically hold around 35,500 photos at a lower quality. The number varies depending on the photo’s resolution and file size. If using an iPhone, a 128GB device can hold about 22,600 JPG photos.

5. How much video can 128GB hold?

A 128GB device can hold about 20 hours of 1080p HD video or roughly 226 minutes of 4K video depending on the quality and the compression.

6. What is the difference between storage capacity and RAM?

Storage capacity is the space where you store your files, while RAM is the memory that your device uses to run active apps and programs. More RAM generally means smoother multitasking.

7. Does cloud storage eliminate the need for more internal storage?

Cloud storage can reduce the need for local storage, but it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Many users like to keep commonly accessed files directly on their devices for quick access.

8. How much system storage space does iOS take up?

The operating system (iOS) and pre-installed apps can take up a significant amount of storage space on an iPhone, typically around 10GB-20GB or more depending on the device model and version.

9. Is it better to go for the lowest price, even if it means 64GB?

While saving money upfront is tempting, consider the long-term value and convenience of having sufficient storage. A 128GB device is usually a better investment in most cases.

10. How much space do apps typically take?

The size of apps varies greatly. Some apps may only take up a few megabytes, while large games or complex applications may take up several gigabytes.

11. Will my apps take up more space in the future?

Yes. Over time, apps are often updated and can take up more space than their initial install size.

12. Is 128GB enough for the average user in 2024?

Yes, 128GB is generally sufficient for the average user in 2024, providing ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other data.

13. Does using a memory card make 64GB sufficient?

While memory cards can increase storage space, they are not always an option. Furthermore, using a memory card is slower and not as convenient as internal storage, and some phones and devices do not support them.

14. What if I am a gamer?

Gamers often need a lot more storage, so a device with 128GB or more is recommended. Some large games require 10GB+ of storage each.

15. Will I regret choosing 64GB over 128GB?

If you are any kind of active user of your device you may regret choosing 64GB. While you may not have regrets initially, you may regret it later on as you accumulate more files or update your apps. If you are unsure, it’s generally better to choose the 128GB option.

Should I get 64 or 128GB?