Samsung has announced plans to increase the RAM capacity in its upcoming Galaxy S26 series, narrowing the gap it once had over the iPhone. In the past, it was common for top-tier Android phones to have around 4GB of RAM, but that standard has since risen. Today, 12GB is the minimum for high-end devices.
The Galaxy S25 series already offers 12GB of RAM, with a 16GB variant available exclusively in Korea for the Galaxy S25 Ultra. According to research from Macquarie, Samsung is expected to raise the RAM capacity of the Galaxy S26 series to 16GB by its release in February 2026. This upgrade aligns with competitive pressures from Chinese manufacturers, who are outfitting their leading models with advanced hardware.
As the demand for multitasking capabilities grows, the enhanced RAM will significantly improve device performance. On the other hand, Apple is projected to keep the iPhone’s RAM at 12GB through 2026, although the iPhone 16e budget model will feature at least 8GB to support its AI functionalities. Despite not matching Samsung’s expected increase, Apple’s lineup demonstrates consistent advancements in RAM, particularly with rumors suggesting that the base iPhone 17 could potentially contain 8GB.
In recent years, the RAM disparity between iPhones and the Galaxy S series has shrunk significantly. Once, there was a 10GB difference with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. By early next year, that difference is anticipated to decrease to just 4GB: the Galaxy S26 with 16GB of RAM and the iPhone 17 series with 12GB.
The evolution of AI requirements has prompted both manufacturers to enhance their RAM offerings, reflecting a broader desire from users for more robust performance across all smartphones.