Smartphone RAMs are going through the roof these days, as 12 or 16GB RAM on a smartphone is not a new thing. That’s why one question often comes to the mind of mid-range smartphone buyers: Is 8GB RAM enough in 2025? It’s easy to assume that 8GB may be outdated. But does the data support that assumption?
To find that out, our in-house core testing team tested some recently launched mid-range smartphones, including Motorola Edge 60 Pro, iQOO Neo 10, Vivo T4, and OPPO K13. Where the aim was not to compare these phones against each other but to assess whether 8GB RAM holds up under real-world and benchmark testing conditions. So, without wasting anymore time, let’s jump right in:
Performance at a Glance
Note: All tests were conducted in-house using standardised conditions and app versions. No third-party sources were used for these scores.
Understanding the Role of RAM in 2025
It’s important to keep in mind that RAM alone doesn’t define smartphone performance. The processor, storage type, software optimisation, and thermal design also play key roles. That said, RAM still impacts multitasking, background app retention, and UI fluidity.
Across all devices tested, we found no major performance bottlenecks directly linked to the 8GB RAM cap in typical daily usage.
Day-to-Day Usage: No Struggles for 8GB RAM
Even the least powerful device on our list, OPPO K13, equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip and 8GB RAM, managed to hold up during routine tasks, browsing, social media, video streaming, and even light gaming. The Motorola Edge 60 Pro and iQOO Neo 10, with more powerful SoCs, went a step further and supported background apps without reloads in most cases.
These days, smartphones, especially those backed by Android 15, have improved RAM management. Features like adaptive battery and background app limits help 8GB RAM models maintain fluid performance. Our testing confirms that, for most users, 8GB is more than adequate for gaming, streaming, and productivity tasks, especially when paired with efficient chipsets like the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Extreme or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.
Industry Trends and User Expectations
Today, many mid-range devices offer RAM expansion using internal storage (commonly branded as Extended RAM or Virtual RAM). However, this usually has a limited impact on performance. Because virtual RAM is slower than actual LPDDR5/5x RAM, it’s useful in theory but doesn’t replace real physical RAM, especially under load.
According to a recent industry analysis, nearly 40% of mid-range Android sales in 2025 feature 8GB RAM. This reflects a user base that values smooth performance without paying a premium for higher RAM configurations.
Final Verdict: 8GB RAM is Still Enough, But…
In 2025, 8GB RAM will remain adequate for most mid-range users. Browsing, video streaming, social media, and even gaming, to some extent, work without noticeable slowdowns as long as the processor and OS are up to the mark.
However, if you:
- Frequently switch between multiple heavy apps,
- Game extensively,
- Use your phone for video editing or productivity tasks,
- Or plan to hold the phone for 3+ years,
…then going for a 12GB RAM variant is a safer long-term bet. Keep in mind that 8GB RAM isn’t obsolete, but it’s no longer future-proof for all users. For average users, it’s still a sweet spot in 2025. But power users should look beyond.
FAQs
Is 8GB of RAM enough for gaming on mid-range phones?
Yes, 8GB RAM is sufficient for most mobile gaming, especially with efficient processors and modern software.
Will 8GB RAM phones slow down over time?
Not necessarily. If you avoid excessive background apps and keep your device updated, performance should remain stable.
Should I pay extra for more RAM in a mid-range smartphone?
Unless you are a heavy multitasker or plan to keep your phone for many years, 8GB of RAM is generally enough.
How does 8GB RAM compare to 6GB or 12GB in mid-range phones?
8GB offers a noticeable improvement over 6GB for multitasking, while 12GB is primarily beneficial for power users or those looking to future-proof their setup.
Do all mid-range phones with 8GB RAM perform the same?
No, performance also depends on the processor, software optimisation, and thermal management, and all things should be considered before making the decision.
Can I upgrade the RAM on these phones later?
No, RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded after purchase.
