Introduction
In 2020, Android smartphones had an average of 95.7GB of internal storage, significantly less than the 140.9GB of iOS devices. However, this year marked a turning point, as the average Android smartphone finally surpassed the 100GB barrier. Despite iPhones leading the way in internal storage capacity, Android manufacturers have been pushing the limits with impressive growth rates. While iOS devices showed a modest 4.1 percent increase in storage, non-iOS devices experienced a much higher growth of 21.7 percent. This change led to the release of high-storage models like the 512GB Galaxy S20 Plus and 1TB Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, signaling a big leap for Android’s storage capabilities.
The shift in storage growth is clear, with Android manufacturers advancing quickly while Apple focuses on a more stable 512GB mark. The increasing demand for larger internal storage options means that Android devices are becoming more competitive, offering a variety of options for users who need extensive storage for apps, photos, and files.
Additional Internal Storage in Mid-Range Smartphones
As the demand for more storage in smartphones continues to grow, Android devices are leading the way with increasing benchmark storage capacities. By Q4 2020, about 40 percent of Android smartphones had at least 128GB of internal storage, up from just 24.9 percent the previous year. This steady growth indicates that manufacturers are beginning to offer more storage in even mid-range models, catering to consumers’ needs for apps, media, and documents.
Smartphones with over 256GB of internal storage have also seen a rise in demand, with a significant increase of about 9.3 percent in Q4 2020. While this is slightly lower than the demand from the previous year, it still reflects the growing need for larger storage. This shift is partly driven by decreasing NAND-based storage prices, which allow manufacturers to provide higher storage options at a more affordable rate.
Interestingly, while iOS devices continue to dominate in storage capacity, with the average iPhone holding almost 130GB, their growth in the high-capacity model segment has remained flat. In contrast, Android manufacturers have focused on boosting internal storage in their mid-range smartphones, allowing users to enjoy larger storage options without having to pay top-tier prices. As storage capacity increases, the gap between premium and mid-range devices becomes smaller.
In the future, baseline storage figures are expected to continue rising as smartphone manufacturers push the boundaries of what mid-range devices can offer. With Android devices leading the charge, users can expect better performance, more apps, and an overall enhanced experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: The Rise of Internal Storage in Android Smartphones
The year 2020 was pivotal for Android smartphones, marking the first time their average internal storage exceeded the 100GB barrier. Although iPhones maintained their lead with an average of 140.9GB, the 21.7 percent growth in non-iOS devices outpaced iOS’s modest 4.1 percent increase. This progress introduced high-capacity Android models like the 512GB Galaxy S20 Plus and the 1TB Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, showcasing Android’s commitment to innovation in storage.
FAQs
1. Why did Android smartphones surpass the 100GB storage barrier in 2020?
In 2020, Android smartphones reached an average internal storage of 100GB due to increased consumer demand for larger capacities and advancements in NAND-based storage technology, which reduced costs and allowed manufacturers to offer higher storage options.
2. How does Android’s internal storage growth compare to iOS?
Android devices saw a 21.7 percent growth in storage in 2020, while iOS devices experienced a smaller 4.1 percent increase. This growth allowed Android manufacturers to introduce high-capacity models, bridging the gap between the two platforms.
3. What are some examples of high-storage Android smartphones?
Examples include the 512GB Galaxy S20 Plus and the 1TB Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, which were introduced to cater to users requiring extensive storage for apps, photos, and media files.
4. How has storage capacity evolved in mid-range Android devices?
By Q4 2020, approximately 40 percent of mid-range Android smartphones featured at least 128GB of internal storage, up from 24.9 percent the previous year, offering more affordable options with larger storage.
5. Are Apple devices still leading in internal storage?
While Apple devices, like iPhones, average nearly 130GB, their growth in high-capacity models like 256GB and 512GB has remained flat. Android manufacturers, however, are aggressively increasing storage options across all price segments.
6. Will internal storage in smartphones continue to grow?
Yes, as NAND storage technology becomes more cost-effective, baseline storage in both premium and mid-range devices is expected to rise, providing users with better performance and more space for their growing digital needs.