Has the difference between RAM and ROM ever occurred to you? We do check out these storage options along with other specifications while purchasing smartphones, laptops, PC, Tablets and so on. But where does the real difference lie? What’s their purpose, and how do their technical differences impact the device? You are going to know all of it here, and we break it down for you. So, let’s get started!
Difference Between RAM And ROM Fullforms
To start with, the full form of RAM and ROM is Random Access Memory and Read Only Memory, respectively. You must have heard these computer terms before. While both are essential for a device’s functionality, they serve different purposes. Let’s get down to knowing each of them a little in detail.
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What Is The Purpose Of RAM?
Random Access Memory stores the data that you can instantly access as it is placed in a temporary folder. This data is mostly what you have been using actively. RAM allows your device to run applications and perform tasks quickly. The more RAM storage you have, the more capable your device is for multi-tasking.
Key Features of RAM
- RAM loses all its stored data when the device is powered off.
- It stores data for active applications like social media, games, and video editing software.
- More RAM improves a smartphone’s ability to run multiple apps without lag.
Areas Where RAM Could be Useful In Smartphones:
- When you switch between apps, RAM keeps them running in the background for quick access. This is how you can go right back to where you left in different apps simultaneously.
- Playing high-end mobile games requires RAM to load graphics and process data in real time.
- Using video editing apps or browsing multiple websites simultaneously uses RAM for smooth performance.
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What Is The Purpose Of ROM?
ROM is also storage but not volatile like RAM. ROM, or Read-Only Memory, permanently stores essential data needed for the smartphone to function. So, apps, gallery photos, videos, documents, etc., are all the data that ROM stores. It also contains the operating system, pre-installed apps, and system updates. If you have noticed smartphones coming with storage capacity, such as 128GB or 256GB, it refers to the ROM. It includes system files and user data storage.
Key Features of ROM:
- Some parts of ROM can be modified, such as updates, but core files remain unchangeable.
- Other parts of RAM are reserved for system functions that manage things like GPU functions, network radios, kernel and so on.
- ROM size determines how much data, apps, and media a smartphone can store.
Areas Where ROM could be Useful In Smartphones:
- The Android or iOS operating system is stored in ROM to ensure the phone boots up properly.
- Pre-installed apps that come with the device are stored in ROM.
- Updates to the OS and system firmware modify specific sections of ROM.
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A Quick Glance On Difference Between RAM And ROM
Have a look at the table below for getting an overview of the the technical of the RAM and ROM differences.
| Feature | RAM (Random Access Memory) | ROM (Read-Only Memory) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Storage | Temporarily stores data and instructions that are actively used by the processor. Volatile (data lost when powered off). | Permanently stores essential data (e.g., firmware, bootloader). Non-volatile (data retained when powered off). |
| Purpose | Used for real-time processing, multitasking, and quick access to data for running applications and OS. | Stores critical system information (e.g., BIOS, firmware) for device startup and basic operation. |
| Speed | Significantly faster, allowing rapid read/write operations for active tasks. | Slower, primarily designed for reading data rather than frequent writing or modification. |
| Modifiability | Data can be easily read, written, modified, or erased during operation. | Data is mostly unmodifiable or requires special processes (e.g., PROM, EPROM) to alter. |
| Capacity | Larger capacity (in GBs) for handling multiple processes and applications. | Has a smaller capacity (in MBs) as it only stores essential system files. |
Also read: Here’s How You Can Get Temporary iCloud Storage When You Move to New iPhone For Smooth Transition
Why Are RAM and ROM Important In Smartphones?
Understanding the simple difference between RAM and ROM can help you decide the kind of smartphone you would want to have in future. While both are crucial for smartphone performance, each plays its own importance.
- Smooth, lag-free performance while using different apps could be achieved with high RAM capacity.
- Your phone could carry more apps than just the pre-installed ones, and OS if it has high ROM capacity.
- Both RAM and ROM together can enhance overall device speed, responsiveness, and longevity.
Final Thoughts
I hope the RAM and ROM difference explained above helps you choose the right device based on your needs. If you end up opening up a lot of apps simultaneously, be it for work, play or both, or just simply forget to close apps, a phone with more RAM is ideal. At least, you can be assured to have a no-freeze performance. If you store a lot of photos, videos, and apps, opting for a phone with a higher ROM capacity is beneficial. Currently, the market has plenty of options for both high RAM and ROM. So, you can choose the best according to your budget.
Still, have doubts about the difference in RAM and ROM in smartphones? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: How To Free Up Storage On Your Android Device
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