The importance of RAM and ROM in smartphones.
The tech sector is improving day by day. Today, we can do everything on the little device in our hands. The gap between computers and smartphones is getting closer. A few years ago, we were only able to run any powerful program or software on computers but today, with the advancement of technology, we can use powerful software, apps, and games on our smartphones. Tech companies are investing a lot to improve every part that is essential for computers and smartphones. But, surprisingly, many of us do not know about RAM, ROM, and the basic difference between them.
 The RAM and ROM play an important role in the improvement of computers and smartphones. These days, we can use desktop-class apps and games on the smartphone because of the advancement of RAM and ROM. In this article, you will learn about what is RAM and ROM; and the basic differences between them. Furthermore, you will gain a clear understanding of why low RAM and high ROM are used in smartphones.
The full meaning of the RAM is Random Access Memory. It’s the memory of the smartphone that stores media files, apps, and Graphics while using any apps or playing games temporarily. That means it will keep the data while you use any particular app or game. After closing or switching to another app or game, the data from the previously used app or game will be cleared, and the RAM will start storing the data that you are currently using. However, it will keep the data in the background for a certain period so that if you reopen the same apps or games, it does not have to reload the data. But if you do not use the same app or games for a long period, it will clear the data. RAM is speedy but the space is limited and all the data are wiped while you turn off the phone.
What is ROM?
The full meaning of the ROM is read-only memory. ROM stands for the non-volatile memory. That means the information is stored permanently. From the name, it is clear that you can not write anything, just only read and process the data. ROM contains all the essential information permanently required to run a smartphone properly, such as the operating system, pre-installed apps and software, media files, and more. It is like your bookshelf. All the data will remain in the ROM, even after you turn off your system or computer. Internal storage is a portion of the ROM. When you buy a smartphone, you will notice that some storage is already occupied and not able to be used from the user side. That portion is used for memory. The operating systems, pre-installed apps, and important software to run the smartphone are stored within that particular storage. You are not able to modify any data from that particular potion. You are only able to process the data.
But practically, the ROM that is used in smartphones is known as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-only Memory). That means the data can be written using the Developer tool.
Major differences between RAM and ROM
In the below, you will find the major differences between the RAM and ROM
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RAM | ROM |
The definition is Random Access Memory | The definition is Read-only memory |
The speed of the RAM is higher | Speed is lower compared to RAM |
Data in RAM can be modified, erased, or read | Data can only be read. It can not be modified or erased |
RAM is expensive compared to ROM | Less expensive compared to RAM |
Data stored in the RAM is volatile. That means it is temporary | Data stored in the ROM is non-volatile. That means data are stored permanently |
The CPU can access the data directly stored in RAM | The CPU can not directly access the data. The data first have to be transferred to the RAM |
Why low RAM and high ROM are used in smartphones
If the smartphone uses high RAM but lower ROM, then it will be better for multitasking for the higher RAM but the user can not store so many apps or games and the ROM will be full and the user have to delete or uninstall the few programs to free up the ROM.
But if the smartphone has low RAM but higher ROM, then multitasking will be difficult. Practically, we do not use so many apps at a time in a smartphone so, it is good to use a sufficient amount of RAM with high ROM so that the system can handle the multitasking and the user can install a sufficient number of apps, games and stored the media and other files.
Conclusion
A balance between the two will give the smartphone better performance. The RAM that is required can be optimized and if a high amount of RAM is used but that amount of RAM is not needed then the resources will be wasted and the system will be not proper. That’s why it is always best to use a sufficient amount of RAM along with High ROM as smartphone companies are doing now.
