64, 128, 256 or 512 GB: which storage capacity to choose?
For most people, 128 GB is enough: calls, messages, social media, a few apps, and photos backed up in the cloud. Go for 256 GB if you keep your photos and videos on your phone, play games occasionally, or download music and series to listen to offline. Aim for 512 GB if you film a lot, especially in 4K, install several large games, or plan to keep your smartphone for four or five years. 64 GB is now only suitable for very basic use. And before paying for more storage, check if the model accepts a microSD card: it’s often a more affordable solution.
Prices recorded on 22/10/2026 in our store. Our prices and stock follow those of our supplier and change frequently: the up-to-date price is always on the product page. The specifications listed are those published by the manufacturers.
What really takes up a smartphone’s memory
The operating system and pre-installed apps
The advertised capacity is never fully available. The operating system and pre-installed apps take up some of it right from the first boot. Samsung states clearly that on the 128 GB Galaxy A17, 105.8 GB are available to the user, and 104.0 GB on the 128 GB Galaxy A27. You should therefore expect about one-sixth of a 128 GB model to be already occupied. Xiaomi provides the same warning on its product pages.
Photos and especially videos
Videos fill up a phone the fastest, especially in 4K or at 60 frames per second. If you film a lot and keep everything on your phone, storage becomes the most important factor.
Apps, games, and messaging apps
Recent 3D games can take up several gigabytes each, including updates. Photos, videos, and voice messages received on WhatsApp or other messaging apps are also saved on the phone: this is often where space disappears without you noticing.
Music, podcasts, and offline series
Playlists, podcasts, and episodes downloaded for the train or plane remain stored on the phone until you delete them.
Which capacity is right for you?
| Capacity | For whom | Examples in stock (prices as of 22/10/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 64 GB | Very basic use: calls, messages, a few apps, photos backed up in the cloud | No 64 GB smartphones in stock on this date |
| 128 GB | Regular use with photos backed up in the cloud | Galaxy A17 4G (€195.90), Redmi 15C 5G (€190.90), Redmi Note 17 4G (€212.90) |
| 256 GB | Photos and videos kept on the phone, a few games, offline music | Redmi 17 5G (€232.90), Galaxy A27 5G (€362.90), Redmi Note 17 Pro (€354.90) |
| 512 GB | 4K video, several large games, phone kept for a long time | Moto G56 5G (€268.90), Motorola Edge 70 Fusion (€342.90), Redmi Note 17 Pro (€423.90) |
Models in stock, capacity by capacity
128 GB: the right choice for regular use
The Galaxy A17 4G 128 GB Grey is €195.90 (€199.90 in Black). According to Samsung, it offers 105.8 GB of available storage and accepts a microSD card of up to 2 TB in a hybrid slot: the card then takes the place of the second SIM card. The Redmi 15C 5G 128 GB Dusk Violet (€190.90) accepts, according to Xiaomi, up to 1 TB of additional storage via microSD. The Redmi Note 17 4G 128 GB Black (€212.90) also has a hybrid SIM or microSD slot, up to 2 TB.
256 GB: extra room for photos and videos
The Redmi 17 5G clearly illustrates the price difference between two capacities of the same model: €207.90 in 128 GB Blue, €232.90 in 256 GB Black, meaning €25 to double the storage. Xiaomi states that it also accepts a microSD card of up to 2 TB. At Samsung, the Galaxy A27 5G 8 GB / 256 GB Black is €362.90, compared to €268.90 for the 6 GB / 128 GB version: the difference also includes an extra 2 GB of RAM. The Redmi Note 17 Pro 6 GB / 256 GB Purple (€354.90) uses UFS 3.1 storage according to Xiaomi.
512 GB: for filming, gaming, and keeping your phone for a long time
The Moto G56 5G 8 GB / 512 GB Black Oyster is the cheapest 512 GB model in our store at €268.90. Motorola also includes a microSD reader of up to 2 TB. The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion 8 GB / 512 GB Pantone Silhouette (€342.90) combines its 512 GB with a 144 Hz AMOLED screen. The Redmi Note 17 Pro 8 GB / 512 GB Black is €423.90, which is €69 more than the 256 GB version. Xiaomi’s official product page does not mention a microSD reader for this model: the capacity chosen at purchase is therefore the one you will keep.
microSD card: a great deal, with two limitations
A microSD card allows you to expand storage without changing your phone. It is well suited for photos, videos, and music. Two limitations to keep in mind:
- The hybrid slot: on several models, such as the Galaxy A17 and A27 or the Redmi 17 5G and Redmi Note 17 4G, the microSD card goes in the same slot as the second SIM card. If you use two physical SIMs, you will have to choose.
- Models without a reader: some smartphones, especially mid-range and high-end models, do not have a microSD reader. Check the manufacturer’s product page before buying.
The card is sold separately. Apps and games, however, are generally installed on the internal memory.
The cloud: useful, but not magic
Backing up your photos in the cloud frees up space and protects them in case of loss or damage. According to Google, a Google account includes 15 GB of free storage, shared between Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos; beyond that, a subscription is required. Apple offers 5 GB free with iCloud. Two caveats: you need a connection to access a file that is no longer on the phone, and a subscription is a recurring cost, which should be compared with the extra amount paid for higher capacity at the time of purchase. To organize your backup when changing phones, see our guide on transferring your data to a new smartphone.
Our tips for choosing
- Look at your current phone: in the settings, the Storage section shows the space used. If you are already over half full, take at least the next capacity up.
- Compare the price difference: on the same model, upgrading from 128 to 256 GB sometimes costs less than €30, as with the Redmi 17 5G.
- Check the microSD: on a model that accepts one, 128 GB plus a card may be enough.
To find your model, browse our selections under €200, from €200 to €300, and from €300 to €500, or read our guides to new smartphones under €300 and under €500.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add storage later?
Only if the phone has a microSD reader. Internal memory cannot be increased after purchase.
Are RAM and storage the same thing?
No. RAM (4, 6, 8 GB or more) is used to run open applications. Storage (128, 256, 512 GB) keeps your files, photos, and apps, even when the phone is turned off.
Why does my 128 GB phone not show 128 GB free?
Because the operating system and pre-installed apps take up some of the memory. On the 128 GB Galaxy A17, Samsung states that 105.8 GB are available.
Two capacities to compare on new iPhones
To have 512 GB available, check out the yellow iPhone 15 512 GB. If 256 GB meets your needs, also check out the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro 256 GB. The models also differ in their features: compare their full product pages, not just their storage.