>
It’s been a busy few days for Samsung Galaxy S23 leaks, but we’re not done yet: the latest news from the rumor mill is that the three models in the range will come with internal storage options starting at 256GB, up from 128GB last year.
This is from a regular tipster Ahmed Qwalder (opens in new tab) (through SamMobile (opens in new tab)), who also predicts that the Ultra model will be available with 512 GB and 1 TB of onboard storage. At least from this source there is no mention of higher options on the standard and Plus models.
We also get a mention of 8GB RAM for the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus, and 12GB RAM for the Galaxy S23 Ultra – although previous leaks have pointed to an 8GB RAM version of the Ultra phone also coming in the pipeline is .
Configuration options
The Galaxy S22 is available with 128GB or 256GB of onboard internal storage, just like the Galaxy S22 Plus. When it comes to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it is available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage, giving you the most configuration options.
From this latest leak, it looks like the 128GB launch option is being removed for all three phones – with no other options added. The 8GB of RAM (with 12GB an option on the Ultra) would also fit the 2022 phones.
So while this is technically an upgrade – and one that could come for free, if the starting prices of the Galaxy S23 phones are the same as their predecessors – Samsung is reducing the number of variants that will be available for the series this year.
Analysis: Internal storage still matters
With so many apps now using streaming technology, internal storage options may not be as important as they once were – with Netflix, Spotify and the rest pulling all their content from the cloud rather than your actual smartphone.
However, it’s still a case of the more storage the better, not least so that apps like Netflix and Spotify can cache video and audio offline for times when you’re off Wi-Fi. Then there are podcasts, photos and videos you capture yourself, and apps and games that are getting bigger and more complex.
In short, 128 GB is starting to feel a bit low for a starting configuration on a modern phone, even though many are still starting there. This year could be the year when 256GB and above becomes the norm – while Apple still offered 64GB just like the iPhone 12, it may take some time to catch up.
We still pine for the days when phones came with a memory card slot, which allowed users to add more storage when needed. That capability is now largely gone, but a boost to 256GB for the Galaxy S23 will be welcome – as long as the pricing is right.