Google increases RAM and storage requirements for Android smartphones: What has changed and what it means for users

Google has made some changes to the system requirements that are required to run the Android operating system on a device. The change applies to both smartphones and tablets. According to Android Authority's report, Google has raised the minimum RAM and internal storage requirements for Android smartphones starting with Android 15. The change, effective for both new and upgrading devices, aims to improve user experience on budget Android hardware, which often suffers from performance and storage limitations.

Minimum storage doubled to 32GB
From Android 15 onwards, smartphones must have at least 32GB of internal storage to qualify for Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification. Additionally, Google mandates that 75% of this storage must be allocated to the data partition, which houses user apps, data, and preinstalled system apps. This marks a significant increase from the previous 16GB requirement introduced with Android 13. Devices with lower storage will still be allowed to use the open-source Android codebase (AOSP) but will not have access to proprietary apps like the Google Play Store unless they meet GMS requirements.

RAM requirement now includes 3GB devices
Google has also updated its memory policy. While Android 14 required 2GB RAM devices to use Android’s low memory optimizations (Go Edition), Android 15 extends this rule to devices with 3GB of RAM as well. Devices with 4GB RAM may optionally use these optimizations, but phones with less than 2GB RAM remain ineligible for GMS certification.

Why it matters
These changes affect the entry-level segment, which accounts for a large share of Android sales globally. By enforcing higher hardware baselines, Google hopes to offer smoother performance, better app compatibility, and an overall improved user experience on budget devices. However, cost-sensitive manufacturers may need to adjust pricing or specifications accordingly.