What Is Read Only Memory with Smartphones?
In this post we will discuss why ROM matters in smartphones and how it influences the performance and user experience of your device.
What is ROM – Read-Only Memory?
To begin explaining ROM, or Read-Only Memory, the definition of the words is essential. Read-only memory is a kind of non-volatile storage for storing information that either shouldn’t change, or seldom does.
Unlike RAM, which is temporary and volatile – meaning the data is lost when the device is powered off – ROM is permanent and retains its content when the device is powered off. It is called “read-only” because, in its original form, whatever data was written into ROM could not be modified of rewritten.
ROM is integral to many types of electronic devices, not just smartphones. It can be found in everything from computers and microwaves to games consoles. Its primary purpose is to store firmware, which is the software that is essential for the device to boot up and function correctly.
Read-Only Memory in a smartphone
Have you ever wondered what happens when you turn your smartphone on? That’s where ROM comes in. ROM helps your phone start up, processing all the functionalities and launching the operating system.
Your smartphone’s operating system is responsible for controlling all the hardware on your device as well as managing all your applications. Without ROM, your smartphone would not start correctly or load any of your apps.
ROM isn’t just responsible for holding the operating system and apps. It also stores all your essential pieces of software that enable your smartphone to function. This might include low-level system files, boot-up procedures and, in some cases, customisations made by the manufacturer or carrier (like Motorola’s custom features on Android).
What’s the difference between ROM and RAM?
Confusion can often creep in when discussing ROM and RAM (Random Access Memory). It’s easy to mix up the two terms and, whilst they are both types of memory on a smartphone, they serve very different functions.
- ROM is used for permanent storage of essential system files and the operating system. It retains its data even when the device is turned off and cannot be easily altered.
- RAM, on the other hand, is temporary and volatile. It stores data and instructions that are actively used by the processor. However, once the device is powered off, RAM loses all its data.
A useful analogy is thinking of ROM as a hard drive or a book that holds instructions, while RAM is like a workspace where you temporarily store your tools and materials to complete a task.
Why is ROM important for smartphones?
ROM plays several crucial roles in smartphones:
1. Boot-up process
When you press the power button on your phone, the device needs to load the operating system (OS). The first place it looks is in ROM to retrieve the bootloader, which is the software that kicks off the rest of the startup process. Without ROM, your smartphone would not be able to load the necessary software to start.
2. System integrity
Because ROM is non-volatile, it ensures that vital system files are stored in a way that cannot be easily lost or altered. This is important for the integrity of the system, preventing corrupt or faulty system files from ruining the device’s performance.
3. Firmware updates
Over time, manufacturers release updates to improve performance, fix bugs and add new features. ROM is where these firmware updates are stored, ensuring that the phone operates with the latest system version.
4. Security
ROM plays a key role in the security of the device. The essential system files and boot processes stored in ROM ensure that malicious software cannot easily overwrite or corrupt the core system components, providing a layer of defence against viruses or other security threats.
5. Custom features
In some cases, smartphone manufacturers like Motorola may store custom user interface features, settings or other enhancements in ROM. These are special features that give your device its unique characteristics, such as custom gestures, themes or settings that you may not find on other Android phones.
How much ROM do you need in a smartphone?
When purchasing a smartphone, you will typically find that the storage space is described as a combination of internal storage and ROM. The total internal storage refers to both ROM (where the operating system and system files are stored) and the space available for apps, photos, and other files.
- Entry-level smartphones may have ROM with capacities of 16 GB or 32 GB. This is enough for the basic operating system, essential firmware, and a handful of apps.
- Mid-range and premium smartphones often come with larger ROM – 64 GB or 128 GB – providing more space for system files, apps, and future updates. With this amount of storage, users can store a larger collection of apps, music and other data.
- High-end flagship smartphones or gaming phones may have even larger ROM, offering ample space for the operating system, system apps and a robust range of third-party apps. This is typically 256 GB or higher.
The larger the ROM capacity, the more room there is for system updates and storage of additional features. However, it’s important to note that ROM alone doesn’t define the storage capacity available for personal data. This is determined by the phone’s overall storage, which may include both ROM and additional storage components like UFS (Universal Flash Storage).
Can you upgrade ROM?
In most smartphones, upgrading or replacing ROM is not a simple task. Since ROM is integral to the system software, it is typically fixed during the manufacturing process. However, there are ways to update or modify ROM in some cases:
System updates: As mentioned earlier, smartphones frequently receive system updates. These updates are often downloaded to the device and stored in ROM, making the device run a newer version of its operating system.
Custom ROMs: In the world of Android smartphones, some users choose to install custom ROMs. These are third-party operating systems developed by the community, offering different features and functionalities. However, installing custom ROMs often requires technical expertise and may void the warranty of your device.
ROM plays a vital role in the operation of a smartphone. While providing permanent storage for critical system files, the operating system and firmware, it is a type of memory that will keep your smartphone running without glitches, safely. While it isn’t as flexible or editable as RAM, ROM is the memory needed for everything from starting up to keeping integrity and security in a device.
Whether you are a tech enthusiast or a casual user, knowing what ROM is and how it works to provide performance for your smartphone will help you appreciate the technology powering your device.
