Google Sets New Standards in Android 15 for Storage, RAM, and Safety Features

Google is tightening the screws on Android device makers with the rollout of Android 15, introducing stricter hardware requirements that could shake up the budget smartphone market. Google has raised the minimum RAM and storage requirements for Android 15. Devices now need at least 32GB of storage and 6GB of RAM.

Storage: Say Goodbye to 16GB Phones

Starting with Android 15, smartphones must have at least 32GB of internal storage to qualify for Google Mobile Services (GMS)—the essential suite of Google apps like the Play Store, Gmail, and YouTube. That’s double the previous minimum (16GB in Android 13 and 14).

To make things even more specific, 75% of that storage must be dedicated to the data partition, which is where system apps, user apps, and your personal files live. If a phone doesn’t meet this standard, it won’t get Android 15 — or the beloved Google apps that come with it.

RAM: Android Go for the Low-End Crowd

Google is also updating the rules on RAM:

• Devices with 2GB or 3GB of RAM must now use Android Go Edition, the lightweight version of Android tailored for basic phones.

• And looking ahead to Android 16, phones with 4GB of RAM will also be pushed to Android Go, making 6GB RAM the new unofficial minimum for the full Android experience.

No GMS, No Play Store

Manufacturers can still build ultra-budget devices using the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), but those phones won’t have access to GMS. In other words, no Google apps, no Play Store, no fun.

Safety Gets Smarter

On a more positive note, Android 15 is introducing a lifesaving feature — support for sharing emergency contact information directly with emergency services during a call. This could be a game-changer for first responders, giving them access to critical info when seconds matter most.