As Android continues to evolve, the devices required to run Google’s operations system must meet higher requirements. Android 15 is an even more complex version of the OS compared with the previous iterations, which is why Android devices are required to feature a minimum of internal memory.
Up until now, Android devices were required to pack at least 16 GB internal storage in order to smoothly run Android 13 or Android 14. However, starting with Android 15, devices are required to feature a minimum of 32 GB internal memory.
Google mentions that 75 percent of the required storage will be allocated to the data partition, which usually includes things like system app data and files, user apps and files, as well as any pre-installed system apps.
It’s important to mention that smartphones and tablets that don’t have at least 32 GB of internal memory can’t be upgraded to Android 15 because they don’t meet the minimum requirements.
Despite the new changes, OEMs can still manufacture entry-level Android smartphones with less than 32 GB storage, it’s just that these companies will not be allowed to include Google Mobile Services (GMS) on these specific devices. The only way to launch these devices is by using the open source of Android (AOSP), which doesn’t have such hardware requirements.
But wait, there’s more! It appears that Android 15 introduces even more requirements for manufacturers. One such requirement is support for emergency services, which typically allows Android users to share their emergency contacts and location data when needed.
Last but not least, Google slightly increased the RAM requirements for Android 15. Up until now, Android 14 devices that pack just 2 GB RAM could only ship with Android Go Edition. Starting with Android 15, devices with 3 GB RAM can also enable low memory optimizations (Android Go Edition).
Starting with Android 16, the RAM requirement might increase and devices with 4 GB RAM might be required to enable Android’s low memory optimizations. These new requirements might not seem that important for many of us, but let’s not forget that most people are using very cheap Android smartphones, so they do impact a large audience after all.
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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brings a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.
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