Let us get to the bottom of it — Mobile Phone Specs — RAM & ROM
Now that the processor is out the way, let us get to the RAM and ROM.
It is very easy, at least for us Indians and products of rote learning to recall the expansions, namely Random Access Memory and Read Only Memory.
But what are they and what do they do?
This is how a RAM chip looks like in a mobile phone:
And this is how the ROM looks like:
Quite honestly, I can’t make out any difference between the two chips. They seem pretty much the same save for the lettering.
Now, what the RAM does is, it holds on to the data that the processor would need to carry out its tasks. And the ROM holds on to all the data that our mobile phone has.
So a RAM basically does the role of a child who acts as a messenger between parents who are cross at each other.
You would assume, that more the number of children, the better. But you know that is not always the case.
A processor needs only so much RAM to function. The rest is pretty much excess hardware in your phone. While Apple has optimized its functions and its devices can make do with minimum RAM (even the latest Apple iPhones have only a 4GB RAM) the case with Android is a bit different. When new Android mobile phones show off their bling, the spec that catches the eye of unwary consumers like us is the RAM. If you are not using gaming apps with high intensity graphics, a 4GB RAM is sufficient for you. A 12 GB RAM is basically overkill.
In the case of ROM, the more the better. I am sorry but just one high definition picture of my little pumpkin in that red shirt is not enough. A mom needs more.
Sources:
1. Image 1
2. Image 2
