Is 128 GB enough for an iPhone?

When buying an iPhone, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is how much storage to get. iPhones with smaller storage capacities are cheaper, but you can upgrade to 512 GB or even 1 TB so that you never run out of space.

The choice you make should depend on how you use your iPhone. Do you play a lot of games and download storage-heavy apps? Do you take a lot of photos and videos? Do you intend to pay for additional storage in iCloud?

Let’s break down the numbers so you can make an informed choice when purchasing your next iPhone.

How much memory does my iPhone have?

Before deciding on a new iPhone, it's helpful to check how much storage you're currently using. Here’s how to find out:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. You'll see a breakdown of your used and available storage, including which apps take up the most space.

Is 128 GB enough for an iPhone?

A 128 GB iPhone offers plenty of storage for most users, but whether it’s enough for you depends on how you plan to use your device. If you mostly browse the web, use social media, and store some photos and videos, 128 GB should work well. However, if you record a lot of high-resolution videos or download large games, you may need more space.

How much video can 128 GB hold?

Video files can take up a significant amount of storage, especially in high-resolution formats. Here’s a rough estimate of how much storage 128 GB on your iPhone can hold.

• 1080p HD video at 30fps: ~10 hours
• 4K video at 30fps: ~4 hours
• 4K video at 60fps: ~2 hours

If you frequently shoot 4K videos, consider upgrading to a higher-capacity iPhone.

How many photos can a 128 GB iPhone hold?

As with video, the number of photos you can store depends on their resolution. Here’s an estimate of how many photos you can store on your 128 GB iPhone.

• 12 MP photos: ~25,000–30,000
• 48 MP ProRAW photos (on iPhone 15 Pro or higher): ~2,000–3,000

If you take a lot of photos, especially in RAW format, you may quickly fill up 128 GB, and should opt for more storage.

How to clear storage on any iPhone

If you're running low on space, you don't need to upgrade—just optimize your storage. CleanMy®Phone's Declutter Module helps remove unnecessary files, duplicate photos, and large videos, freeing up storage without deleting your most essential data. Using this tool regularly can help any iPhone, regardless of its capacity, stay clutter-free.

CleanMy®Phone on the App Store

How many photos can 64 GB hold?

The last iPhone with 64 GB was the iPhone SE (3rd generation), released in 2022. Since then, all new iPhones start with at least 128 GB. If you’re still using a 64 GB model, here's an estimate of what it can hold:

• 12 MP photos: ~12,000–15,000
• 1080p videos: ~5–6 hours
• 4K videos: ~2 hours

If you have a 64 GB iPhone and are running out of space, consider upgrading to a newer model, offloading media to iCloud, or using CleanMy®Phone to clear out unnecessary files.

How many photos and videos can a 512 GB iPhone hold?

A 512 GB iPhone is a great choice for photographers, videographers, and gamers. Here’s an estimate of what it can store:

• 12 MP photos: ~100,000–120,000
• 4K videos at 30fps: ~16–20 hours
• 4K videos at 60fps: ~8–10 hours

How many pictures and videos can I store on the 1 TB iPhone?

For power users, the 1 TB iPhone offers massive storage, ideal for professionals and content creators shooting high-resolution content. Here’s what you can expect:

• 12 MP photos: ~200,000–250,000
• 4K videos at 30fps: ~40 hours
• 4K videos at 60fps: ~20 hours

If you frequently record ProRes videos or store large files, 1 TB may be the best choice.

Choosing the right iPhone storage depends on how you use your device. Casual users may find 128 GB sufficient, while content creators and gamers will benefit from 512 GB or 1 TB models. Regardless of your storage size, keeping your iPhone organized with CleanMy®Phone's Declutter Module can help you maximize space and avoid unnecessary upgrades.