Do You Need 16GB RAM for Gaming on a Phone?

When it comes to mobile gaming, many players wonder if a higher RAM capacity really makes a significant difference. While 16GB of RAM is becoming more common, it’s not always necessary for optimal gaming performance. In this article, we'll explore the impact of RAM on games and identify which titles truly benefit from the extra memory.

Understanding the Benefits of 16GB RAM

It's widely believed that 16GB of RAM would drastically improve gaming performance over 8GB. However, the reality is more nuanced. Most games, even those with complex graphics and high CPU demands, show negligible differences in performance when running on 16GB versus 8GB RAM. On average, the performance gain is just 1-3 frames per second (fps) higher with 16GB, which isn't significant to most players.

There are, however, specific high-CPU based and extremely complex games that can benefit from 16GB of RAM. These include:

Arcemu Star Citizen: This ambitious space simulator often struggles with insufficient RAM, even with high-end hardware. Besieged: An Epic Tale of Warfare: Another complex strategy game that can suffer from memory leaks. Battlefield 1 (multiplayer): The multiplayer aspect of this game can be resource-hungry, especially when played on less powerful devices. Just Cause 3: Known for its large open-world design, this game requires robust performance to maintain smooth gameplay. Ark: Survival Evolved: This survival game features a vast, unrendered world, leading to significant memory usage even on high-end systems.

Personal Experience with 16GB RAM

Before upgrading to 16GB RAM, I faced severe stuttering in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) after 1-2 hours of gameplay. The game would freeze intermittently but always stay at 60 fps, which was a frustrating experience. After upgrading to 16GB, I didn't experience any more freezing, making it much more playable.

Games That Require 16GB RAM for Optimal Performance

Though many gamers can get away with 8GB of RAM, certain titles genuinely benefit from the extra memory. Here are some games that are highly recommended to run with at least 16GB RAM:

Gears of War 4 GTA V Battlefield 1 (multiplayer) Dying Light Dishonoured 2 Forza Motorsport 6 Quantum Break Cities Skylines (modding support, especially with a large number of mods)

The Role of RAM in Modded Games

When it comes to modded games, the role of RAM becomes even more critical. Games like Cities Skylines can consume a significant amount of memory, especially if numerous mods are installed. Each mod can add additional textures, buildings, and other assets, leading to increased memory usage. During the game’s loading process, the balance between mods and available RAM can make a noticeable difference in performance.

Conclusion

In summary, while most games can run smoothly on 8GB of RAM, certain high-end or modded games do benefit from 16GB. If you're a hardcore gamer and spend a lot of time in intensive games like Ark: Survival Evolved, Besieged, or Star Citizen, or if you frequently play modded games like Cities Skylines, upgrading to 16GB RAM could make a significant difference in your gaming experience.

For the majority of players, however, 8GB of RAM remains a sufficient and cost-effective choice. When deciding whether to invest in 16GB, consider your specific gaming needs and whether the extra memory will truly enhance your enjoyment of your favorite titles.