How Much RAM Does My Smartphone Need?
What Is RAM and why does it matter?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is like your phone’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores data for apps and processes that are currently running, allowing your phone to switch between tasks quickly without having to reload them every time. The more RAM your phone has, the more efficiently it can multitask and handle memory-intensive apps.
Think of RAM as a work desk. If the desk is large, you can spread out all your tools, books and documents and get your work done without constantly putting things away. But if the desk is small, you’ll have to shuffle papers and tools around just to make room for what you need next which slows down your productivity.
In a smartphone, RAM plays a similar role in ensuring smooth performance. But how much RAM is enough? That depends on how you use your phone.
How much RAM do you really need?
For casual users (3GB to 4GB)
If you mainly use your phone for basics like calling, texting, browsing the web, social media and the occasional YouTube video or game, 3GB to 4GB of RAM will serve you just fine. Many budget-friendly smartphones come with this amount of RAM and offer decent performance for everyday tasks.
However, if you’re someone who keeps several apps open at once or enjoys switching between Instagram, Spotify, and your photo gallery without waiting for them to reload, you might start feeling some lag with only 3GB of RAM.
Who it’s best for:
- People who stick to essential apps and don’t push their phones too hard
- Budget-conscious users who prioritise value over cutting-edge performance
For average users (6GB to 8GB)
This range is the sweet spot for most smartphone users. With 6GB to 8GB of RAM, you can comfortably run multiple apps at once, play popular mobile games, and even do some light photo editing without your phone slowing down.
In fact, 8GB of RAM is becoming the new standard for mid-range smartphones. It offers enough power to future-proof your device for a couple of years, ensuring it won’t feel sluggish as apps become more demanding.
Who it’s best for:
- Social media enthusiasts who love snapping photos, recording videos and sharing them across multiple platforms
- Gamers who play graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact
- Anyone who wants a well-rounded device that can keep up with their daily life without breaking the bank
For power users (12GB and above)
If you’re a power user who lives on the cutting edge of tech, 12GB or more of RAM is where things get exciting. This amount of RAM is typically found in flagship devices designed for heavy multitasking, high-end gaming and professional-level productivity tasks like video editing or working with large files.
With 12GB of RAM, you can run multiple demanding apps simultaneously without a hitch. Want to edit 4K videos while listening to music and switching between a dozen Chrome tabs? No problem.
However, unless you’re truly pushing your phone to its limits, 12GB of RAM might be overkill for the average user.
Who it’s best for:
- Gamers who demand the best performance possible
- Content creators who edit videos and photos on their phones
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest and greatest hardware
Other factors that can affect smartphone performance
While RAM is important, it’s not the only thing that determines how fast and smoothly your phone operates. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind:
Processor: The processor (or chipset) works hand-in-hand with RAM to deliver performance. A phone with a powerful processor and 6GB of RAM may perform better than a phone with 12GB of RAM and a weaker processor.
Storage Type: Phones with faster storage (like UFS 3.1) can load apps and files more quickly, improving overall performance.
Software optimisation: Some brands do a better job optimising their software to make the most of available RAM, resulting in a smoother experience even with lower RAM.
Why Motorola smartphones offer the perfect balance
At Motorola, we know that not all users are the same. That’s why we offer a wide range of smartphones with different RAM options to suit every need and budget.
- Motorola edge 50 ultra – A huge 16GB of RAM for powerhouse performance. The edge 50 pro offers a sizeable 12GB and the edge 50 neo comes in at 8GB of RAM.
- Motorola razr 50 ultra – Packed with 12GB of RAM which is perfect for multitaskers. The razr 50 offers 8GB of RAM.
Expanding RAM with RAM Boost
Motorola’s RAM Boost is a performance-enhancing feature that uses a portion of internal storage as virtual RAM to improve multitasking and overall speed. It helps keep more apps running in the background without closing, reduces lag during resource-heavy tasks like gaming, and ensures smoother performance. Available on newer Motorola devices with Android 11 or later, RAM Boost can be enabled through Settings > System > Performance, allowing users to automatically or manually allocate extra virtual RAM for optimised performance.
RAM boost is available on both the moto g family and moto e family. Take a look at the table below:
| Smartphone | RAM | RAM Boost |
| moto g85 5G | 12GB | Up to 24GB |
| moto g55 5G | 8GB | Up to 16GB |
| moto g75 5G | 8GB | Up to 16GB |
| moto g35 5G | 4GB | Up to 12GB |
| moto g15 | 4GB | Up to 12GB |
| moto g05 | 4GB | Up to 12GB |
| moto e15 | 2GB | Up to 6GB |
| moto e14 | 2GB | Up to 4GB |
Find what works for you
At the end of the day, the right amount of RAM depends on how you use your phone. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding your needs will help you make a smarter decision.
If you’re shopping for a new Motorola smartphone and still have questions about which device is right for you, we’ve got you covered. Check out our full lineup and find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
So, how much RAM do you need? Now that you’re armed with the facts, the choice is yours.
