High Time to Move Beyond 128GB Storage Options in Smartphones
As we approach the end of 2025, it’s clear that smartphone manufacturers are lagging behind in adopting higher storage configurations. Currently, every device in the Apple iPhone 17 lineup starts at a minimum of 256GB, a standard that other manufacturers must now follow. In a surprising twist, Apple—once notorious for its slow adoption of new configurations—has finally made this vital change. Meanwhile, competitors like Google still offer a 128GB option in their Pixel 10 Pro, and Samsung continues with the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, which also start at 128GB.
The iPhone 17’s base model comes with additional storage without a corresponding price hike, breaking the mold and setting an industry standard that others need to imitate.
Why 128GB is Insufficient in Today’s Smartphone Landscape
Apple
During testing, a reviewer pushed the Pixel 10 Pro to its limits while capturing numerous pictures and recording video, akin to activities one might engage in at a wedding. Following this usage, the storage became quickly maxed out, leaving no room to back up videos to Google Drive.
The increasing file sizes of images and videos contribute significantly to this storage crunch. Over the last decade, advancements in camera technology have led to the widespread availability of 4K and even 8K sensors in consumer devices. Although more efficient codecs have emerged, storage optimization has not kept pace with these developments.
This problem extends to app sizes as well. In the early days of smartphones, developers invested considerable time compressing files for optimal storage. Today, however, as smartphone storage has grown—and become more affordable—developers appear to have eased their compression efforts. Many popular mobile games, such as Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile, now occupy nearly 4GB each.
Additionally, operating systems consume a significant amount of device storage. On one personal device, for instance, iOS takes up approximately 11.78GB, while another 12.92GB is required for system data. This means that nearly 20 percent of available storage disappears even before users start downloading apps and saving files.
If one were to dedicate 128GB solely to images and video, it might suffice for average users. However, when it must also accommodate text messages, system files, applications, and daily usage data, the space quickly becomes a luxury.
Trailblazers in Storage Capacity: Apple Isn’t Alone
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While Apple has taken a substantial step with the iPhone 17, it’s worth noting that OnePlus was among the first companies to raise the standard for base storage on their devices. In fact, most Chinese manufacturers now start at 256GB and sometimes even offer 512GB as standard.
Many users may argue that cloud storage presents a viable alternative; however, that solution is not always practical. There are countless locations where internet speeds are slow, creating obstacles when transferring files between a phone and cloud services. Moreover, internal storage is not only faster but also more secure. Relying on cloud storage increases potential vulnerabilities, exposing data to multiple entities.
Furthermore, while moving photos and videos to the cloud is possible, apps must remain on the device. Offloading rarely-used apps can free up some space, but it seldom eliminates the bulk of the data tied to more resource-heavy applications.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Surveys reveal that the average smartphone has over 80 apps installed. While some of these may be minor—used occasionally for tasks like food ordering or loyalty programs—many users interact daily with social media apps, making removal less desirable.
Your personal app usage may vary, but consider this: TikTok, for instance, takes up 2.17GB, while Facebook consumes another 1.65GB. Even less frequently used apps can occupy substantial storage. For instance, Overcast, a podcast app, gulps down 3.99GB, despite having many saved episodes deleted.
As it stands, the Western smartphone market lags in this area. Chinese companies are unveiling innovative devices, like those from Huawei and Oppo, which typically offer significantly more storage for lower prices. While Apple’s move to increase base storage options is commendable, manufacturers like Google and Samsung need to follow suit, and Apple still needs to phase out 128GB options in its iPads as well.
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