Is 6GB RAM enough for gaming on Android?

If you were wondering if your Android phone can game effectively with only 6GB RAM, look no further, we have the answers.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the short-term storage for data to allow for quick retrieval. It allows for the smooth and quick running of games and programs on devices.

RAM capacity can completely change your gameplay experience so it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right amount for your needs. Let’s have a look at what RAM is best for gaming on Android.

Is 6GB RAM enough for gaming on Android?

While every device has RAM and HDD (Hard Disk Drive), Android has a unique way of optimising their RAM. While other devices swap out information as needed between the RAM and HDD, Android instead compresses the information then returns it to the RAM in it’s new compressed form. This is called zRAM.

Another way to think of zRAM is like a flat pack cardboard box. When not needed, the box is stored in it’s compressed form. When needed again, the box is expanded out and it becomes usable again. Like the box, zRAM data is uncompressed then copied back in when it is called upon.

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While this is undeniably an efficient system, it is important to remember that zRAM, is a finite resource. There is only so much space for the information. If Android runs out of space in the zRAM to store information it begins to make space by closing apps in memory or shutting down ongoing tasks. This can be very irritating for the user as it does not allow you to easily multitask or keep multiple background apps.

The higher your RAM, the more apps and games you can run efficiently.

What’s on the market?

So, what RAM do Android recommend?

We had a look at the top 3 Android phones on the market and their RAM capacity.

• The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra carries 12GB RAM.
• The OnePlus 11 carries 8GB RAM.
• The Google Pixel 7 Pro carries 12GB RAM.

As you can see the latest Android phones all carry very high RAM capacities.

Clearly, user experience is at the forefront of Android’s priorities in their latest releases. The consistently high RAM capacity of the their top 3 phones demonstrates their confidence that higher RAM will result in greater user satisfaction.

If you’re less interested in the top of the top and are looking for a more mid-range phone, (check out our recommendations or the best mid-range phone in 2023 if you’re unsure where to get started) we took a look at the RAM capacity of three of the best mid-range options.

Here are the results:

• The OnePlus 10T 5G carries 8GB.
• The Google Pixel 7 carries 8GB.
• The Samsung A53 carries 8GB.

As you can see all three had 8GB RAM. This is the recommended minimum amount needed to play most of the top mobile games available today. PUBG, Genshin Impact, Raid: Shadow Legends all require 8GB RAM at the minimum.

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Don’t worry if your Android carries less RAM though. It does not mean you can’t run any games. Call of Duty: Mobile required less RAM, needing only 6GB minimum for Android. Furthermore, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Stardew Valley and Badlanders needed only 2GB RAM on Android.

Our Answer

6GB – 8GB is the lowest recommended range for gaming on Android phones. This range should allow you to load your games with minimal difficulty while keeping your other apps like social media easily accessible. Unfortunately, any lower and background apps would begin to shut down and the game begin to lag or freeze.

There are games available that require less RAM however if you are gaming on your mobile regularly and wish to switch between games and apps without lagging higher RAM is recommended than the listed minimum.

Indeed, with phones such a massive part of every day life and games continuing to grow in visuals and complexity, it may be wise to think about investing in a phone with higher RAM. However, at the end of the day the decision is up to the user and what their particular needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, 6GB or 8GB RAM?

The higher the RAM the less likely the game is to lag or freeze. If your RAM capacity is too low for the game you are likely to experience interference with game play and some background apps may shut down.

Does more RAM make a phone faster?

Higher RAM makes it easier to switch between apps and games without any lagging or interference. The recommended RAM for average phone usage is 6GB-8GB. If you are a regular gamer on your mobile, you may want to go higher to between 12GB-16GB.