How much storage do you need for your iPhone?
New iPhone? Then there's one crucial question: how much storage? 64GB, 128GB, or maybe 256GB? The choice seems simple. More is better, right? But here's the catch: once you buy a refurbished iPhone , you're locked into that choice. Upgrading later isn't possible.
Moreover, you never actually get the promised gigabytes. iOS and standard apps immediately take up 20% of the space . A 128GB iPhone actually only has 100GB of free space. Add to that the fact that modern photos and 4K videos eat up gigabytes, and you get the dilemma.
The solution isn't where you think it is. It's not about how much space you use now, but about your future habits . Will you download more apps in the future? Will you create more professional content in two years? These questions will determine which capacity is truly right for you. Plus, a surprising insight: sometimes a smaller storage space with smart accessories like external storage is more cost-effective than going all-in right away.
The Reality of iPhone Storage
Your new iPhone has less space than it says on the box. A 128GB model? Feel free to deduct 20%. The iOS operating system and standard apps immediately take up about 25GB. So, that 128GB actually becomes 100GB of usable space. Important to know: upgrading later is impossible. The choice you make now will be yours for years to come.
The question isn't how much storage you're using today. It's about your future needs. Will you be taking more photos? Downloading more apps? Creating more professional content? That outlook will determine which capacity is truly right for you.
32GB: the absolute minimum
With 32GB, you're walking on eggshells. After subtracting the system, you're left with about 25GB. That's enough for:
- WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram
- A handful of extra apps
- Several hundred photos
- No offline music or videos
You constantly have to clean up. Upload photos directly to the cloud. Delete apps you don't use daily. It's just about possible for those who only use phone calls and apps, but it's not very convenient.
64GB: basic with limitations
64GB gives you a bit more breathing room. You effectively have about 50GB available for:
- About 15-20 apps and games
- About 10,000 photos
- A few favorite playlists offline
- Some episodes for on the road
Regular cleaning remains necessary. Large games of 2-3GB each? Then it fills up quickly. For average use without a lot of media, it's manageable, but you'll feel the limits.
128GB: the golden mean
This is the sweet spot for most users. With over 100GB of usable space, you can:
- Try apps without any worries
- Store up to 30,000 photos
- Download complete seasons for vacation
- Installing multiple large games
You don't have to constantly check what can go. Cleaning it out once every six months is sufficient. The device never really feels full, unless you're a fanatic 4K video shooter.
256GB: space without worries
256GB is always a good choice. About 200GB of usable space means:
- Try unlimited apps and games
- Your complete photo library locally
- Hours of 4K video
- Major professional apps like Photoshop
Cleaning up? Once a year at most. Perfect for those who take a lot of photos, film, or combine business and personal life on a single device.
512GB and 1TB: for professionals
512GB and 1TB are available on Pro models. With 400GB and 800GB+ of usable space respectively, these are designed for:
- Professional photographers and videographers
- Complete music libraries offline
- Heavy editing software
- RAW photography and ProRes video
The additional cost is significant. Only worthwhile if you're truly professional in content creation.
RAM: Why iPhones Need Less
iPhones have remarkably little RAM compared to Android devices. An iPhone works perfectly well with 6GB, while Android phones often have 12GB or more. How is that possible?
The difference lies in efficiency. iOS is specifically designed for Apple hardware. The system allocates RAM directly as needed and releases it immediately. Android, on the other hand, uses a "garbage collection" system. Unused RAM is only cleared later. Furthermore, Android apps run in a Java virtual machine, which uses additional memory.
Apple designs hardware and software as a unified whole. Every line of code is optimized for the A-series chips. The result: an iPhone with 6GB of RAM often outperforms an Android with 12GB. In benchmarks and everyday use, you won't notice any difference. In fact, iOS devices run smoothly for years without lag.
Practical considerations
When choosing storage, several factors play a role:
iCloud as a fallback option
With 50GB of iCloud storage for €0.99 per month, you can store photos externally. The device keeps small versions locally, while the originals are stored in the cloud. Convenient for smaller storage needs, but you need internet access.
External storage via accessories
Lightning or USB-C flash drives offer extra space for specific files. Not as seamless as internal storage, but still an option for those who occasionally need more space.
Resale value
Models with more storage hold their value better. A 256GB model sells more easily than a 64GB one, especially after a few years.
Conclusion: which capacity suits you?
Choose 64GB only if you use minimal data and are willing to manage it constantly. For most people, 128GB is the sensible choice: enough space without breaking the bank. Go for 256GB if you take a lot of photos, film, or simply don't want to worry about anything. The higher capacities are only sensible for professionals.
Remember: you're stuck with this choice for years. Better to have a little too much space than a constant lack of space. A refurbished model with more storage can be more cost-effective than a new one with less capacity.
Making the right choice
Ultimately, the choice is simple: 128GB is the smartest option for most people . You'll have plenty of space without constant stress, but you won't pay a premium for capacity you probably won't use. Only if you have minimal use should you consider 64GB, but keep in mind that you'll be stuck with that for years.
For those who take a lot of photos or simply want peace of mind, 256GB is worth the investment. Be sure to check out the refurbished iPhone collection – you'll often find a model with more storage for the same price as a new one with less. And don't forget: with the right accessories , like external storage, you can always create some extra space when needed.
