Determining Your Device Storage Needs: An In-Depth Guide

Device storage determines how many applications, photos, and files you can retain on your device. When you run out of storage, it can affect your productivity and device performance. However, finding the right storage amount isn’t always easy.

We can underestimate what we need or get too much storage. This guide will help small businesses figure out how much storage is actually needed.

What is Device Storage?

Device storage refers to the space on your phone, tablet, or computer where all your data, such as apps, photos, videos, and documents, is stored. When you fill up your storage space, you can no longer save videos and documents, and you may need to pay for additional storage or get a new device.

There are two major types of storage:

• Internal Storage: This is built into the device and cannot be removed. It is usually faster compared to external storage.
• External Storage: This includes SD cards and USB drives, which can be added or removed. They provide more space but may be slower.

Different devices come with various storage options. Let's look at some common ones:

• Smartphones: Most smartphones start at 64GB, with high-end models offering up to 1TB. iPhones don't have SD card slots, but many Android phones do.
• Tablets: Tablets typically range from 32GB to 256GB, with some having slots for memory cards if you need more space.
• Laptops: Laptops generally contain 128GB to 1TB of storage, which can often be upgraded later.
• Desktops: Desktop computers can have very large storage capacities, commonly ranging from 1TB to 4TB, with the option to easily add more if needed.

How Much Storage Do You Really Need?

It can be difficult to know how much storage you really need. Many people get too much or too little storage. Your storage needs depend on how you use your device. Let's look at some common user types:

• Basic Users: If you mostly browse the web and use simple apps, 64GB might do the job. This is enough for email, social media, and light photo taking.
• Average Users: For people who take lots of photos and use many apps, 128GB to 256GB works best. This covers many apps, photo libraries, and some video storage.
• Power Users: Those who engage in video editing, have large game libraries, or huge photo collections may need more storage.
• Professional Users: Some jobs require even more space, with 1TB or more being common for 4K video production, large datasets, and professional photo editing.

How Can You Manage Device Storage Better?

You can optimize your storage to avoid running out of space. Here are some tips:

• Use Cloud Storage: Services like Google Drive or iCloud can store your files online and save device space. 65.2% of people use cloud storage as their primary storage.
• Delete Unused Apps: Remove apps you don't use, as they take up space and might slow down your device.
• Clear Cache Regularly: Many apps store temporary files, and clearing these can free up space.
• Use Streaming Services: Stream music and videos rather than download them, saving a lot of space.

What Takes Up More Storage?

Some things use more storage than others. Here are the biggest storage users:

• Videos: Videos are space-hungry, with a 1-hour 4K video taking up 7GB or more.
• Photos: Photos take less space compared to videos but accumulate quickly, with 1000 high-quality photos taking up around 5GB.
• Games: Modern games are huge, with some being over 100GB each.
• Apps: Most apps are small, but some, like editing tools, can be very large.

What to Do If You Run Out of Storage?

If you run out of space, you can add more storage by using SD cards or an external drive, which is a great option instead of buying a new device. If possible, upgrade your device to one with higher storage. An upgrade will give you more space internally.

You can also store more files in the cloud with solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox, freeing up space on your device.

How to Choose the Right Storage for Your Next Device

When buying a new device, consider how many photos and videos you take, how many apps or games you download, and whether you work with big files. Choose a device that will have enough storage for your needs. It's better to have too much than too little.

Now you know much more about device storage and can make a better choice for your next device. Your needs may change over time, so it’s usually wise to get more storage than you think you need.

Do you still have questions about device storage? Contact us for personalized advice. We are here to help small businesses find the right device with just the right amount of storage.