The iPhone 13 Pro comes in four storage variants. The 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. As expected, each is suited for different scenarios or phone users. If you are in limbo on which to buy, this article got you sorted.
Let’s see which best suits you.
What to consider when choosing storage capacity?
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System files capacity
Gone are the days when 16GB internal storage was enough. Currently, phones with a storage capacity of 64GB are considered low-end smartphones. Why? Because they cannot let you store large files or heavy apps with ease.
And here is the reason. Since Android 10 was released, the system files of most top-end phones can take up to 30GB. For example, system files of an LG V60 eat up 28 GB while that of the OnePlus 7T takes at least 27GB. With consistent updates and bolt are, this can add up to almost 60GB.
This is the same case with iPhones. The latest iOS 13 can take up to 30% of your storage space. The best part the 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB will serve you well despite the bloated system files.
However, if you are a heavy gamer and like watching and downloading 4K videos, you’ll run into storage issues. Your iPhone 13 might run slow or eventually not turn on.
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Games
Games eat up a lot of space within a few weeks or months. This is thanks to the cache and user data that gets updated every time you play. If you are into heavy graphics games that eat up more than 5GB, then you’ll need a high storage capacity phone.
While graphics eat up more space, sound data also plays a significant role. Gone are the days when sound was compressed into a minute file size. Currently, sound effects, dialogues, and other sounds are of high quality. And as such, they come in an uncompressed design further eating up your space.
Also, games are generally becoming bigger and more complex. Particularly free-roaming games. They come with large maps that demand the high storage capacity of your phone. And of course, developers know iPhones have large internal space. This means they’ll develop large games offering more and better engagement.
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Images and videos
This is yet another aspect you need to consider. If you are a photography or videography enthusiast then you need a phone with a high storage capacity. For example, a single photo on most iPhones can take up to 50MB. Having more than 1000 photos, which is obvious, can see you eat up to 5GB.
Likewise, videos will take up more space. In fact, 4K videos will have a capacity of up to 20GB. Downloading 5 to 10 such videos can significantly eat up your space, not to mention the high-quality videos an iPhone 13 takes.
Again, you like downloading images and videos, we’d recommend settling for a high storage capacity phone such as the iPhone 13 512GB.
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Audio Files
Most people overlook audio files but you shouldn’t. While streaming services such as Spotify have seen most people shun downloading music, downloading podcasts and audiobooks is still fashionable. And as expected, they come in bundles of hundreds of MBs or GBs.
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Apps
Apps whether system or downloaded, take up much space. This is due to the large amount of data they store and constant updates. For example, a news app can update constantly throughout the day. One app that eats up space but most iPhone users overlook is the messaging app.
With hundreds of text, audio, and video messages, it can grow from a few MBs to 5GB or 10GB depending on how often you chat with friends.
Another reason why they take up space is that you download new ones without deleting old ones. It’s no surprise you’ll find image or video editing apps that you rarely. And such apps can take up a lot of space.
Is 128GB enough for iPhone 13 Pro?
Well, it is enough for a light phone user. This is preferably someone who does light browsing, takes a few photos, and rarely streams 4K or HD videos. Also, it is enough for lite games, smaller files, and basic apps. So if you are not into many graphics and heavy apps this is the right storage option for you.
Is 256GB enough for iPhone 13 Pro?
This is the right option if you are an average phone user. If you play 5GB or fewer games, this option will serve you right. With it, you can store as many basic files as possible. Also when it comes to videos, HD and standard videos will play without hiccups. In short, it is ideal for everyday phone use.
Is 512GB enough for iPhone 13 Pro?
This is exactly what you need if you are an avid gamer, stream constantly, and do heavy editing with your phone. In fact, the storage capacity is larger than most basic laptops in the market. This means you can do just about anything you can with a laptop.
Is 1TB enough for iPhone 13 Pro?
Well, the 1TB variant is an ideal option for video and photography enthusiasts. Not only does it come with large storage space but also a fast processor. With it, watching 4K videos and playing high graphics games will be easy.
How to free up space
- Delete messages: You can automate this process or manually delete old messages after a few weeks. As mentioned, messaging apps take up much space compared to other basic communication apps.
- Avoid duplicate photos: do not save the same image twice. If possible, download apps that remove content.
- Clear browser cache: Your iPhone 13 Pro will store browsing data that you don’t need. Head over to the Safari browser and clear your browsing cache.
- Delete downloaded audio files: Ensure to delete downloaded podcasts and music. You can always stream or download when you need to listen to them.
Final thoughts
Should you buy the iPhone 128 or 256? Well, this depends on your phone usage habits. If you don’t stream HD or 4K videos, you are better off with the iPhone 128GB. The 256GB is ideal for an average user. What of the iPhone 13 Pro 256 vs. 512GB? The 512GB takes the lead as it offers more flexibility and convenience.
