Samsung, Apple Set to Maintain RAM Configurations in Upcoming Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16

Highlights

Galaxy S24 may add 12GB RAM option for Plus model, no overall increase.
iPhone 16 likely to retain 6GB in base model, 8GB in Pro versions.
Rising memory prices influencing conservative RAM upgrades.
On-device AI applications not demanding significant RAM increase yet.

Processing requirements are the need of the hour and with it, the landscape of smartphone technology is evolving rapidly.

One of the biggest areas of focus is the integration of advanced on-device AI capabilities which major OEMs are right now in the process of developing.

Samsung and Apple and their upcoming Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16 smartphones will be influenced by this, however, their hardware capabilities, especially the RAM are to likely remain unchanged, if reports are to be believed.

Current RAM Configurations

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Series RAM Configurations

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series features 8GB of RAM in the standard models, with the Ultra variant offering both 8GB and 12GB options.

The expectation for the Galaxy S24 series is an addition of a 12GB RAM option for the Plus model, but not an overall increase in RAM capacity.

iPhone 15 RAM Configurations

For Apple, the iPhone 15 carries 6GB of RAM, and while there were initial expectations for the iPhone 16 to upgrade to 8GB, the Pro models have already received this bump.

The base iPhone 16 might still retain the 6GB version while the Pro monikers will have an 8GB capacity.

Mizuho Securities Analysis

Mizuho Securities points out that one of the primary reasons for this conservative approach is the anticipated increase in memory prices.

As the cost of components rises, it becomes more challenging for manufacturers to justify significant RAM upgrades without impacting the final product price.

Apart from that another crucial factor is the current state of on-device AI applications.

Despite the theoretical need for more RAM to support advanced AI functionalities, the real-world applications of these technologies have not been overwhelmingly compelling or demanding enough to have this substantial increase in RAM.

Samsung and Apple’s Possible Marketing

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Apple and Samsung are reported to do a cost-benefit analysis, weighing the advantages of increased RAM against the additional costs and the current state of AI applications. If the benefits do not convincingly outweigh the costs, it makes little sense for them to opt for higher RAM configurations. Both company’s marketing is likely to reflect that.
Consumer Demand and Usage Patterns: The companies must also consider consumer demand and usage patterns. If the majority of users are not utilizing AI capabilities to their fullest potential or are not demanding higher RAM, it becomes less imperative for manufacturers to push these boundaries in their standard models.

APPLE IPHONE 16 KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM	6 GB
Processor	Apple A16 Bionic
Rear Camera	13 MP + 13 MP + 13 MP
Front Camera	13 MP
Battery	4700 mAh
Display	6.25 inches (15.88 cm)

General

Launch Date	October 26, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System	iOS v16

Performance

Chipset	Apple A16 Bionic
CPU	Hexa Core (3.464 GHz, Dual core, Everest + 2.02 GHz, Quad core, Sawtooth)
Architecture	64 bit
Fabrication	4 nm
Graphics	Apple GPU (Five-core graphics)
RAM	6 GB

Display

Display Type	OLED
Screen Size	6.25 inches (15.88 cm)
Resolution	1189 x 2546 pixels
Pixel Density	450 ppi
Bezel-less display	Yes
Touch Screen	Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup	Triple
Resolution	13 MP, Primary Camera 13 MP 13 MP
Autofocus	Yes
Flash	Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution	4128 x 3096 Pixels
Settings	Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes	Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features	Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection
Video Recording	1920×1080 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup	Single
Resolution	13 MP, Primary Camera
Video Recording	1920×1080 @ 30 fps

Battery

Capacity	4700 mAh
Type	Li-Polymer
Removable	No
Quick Charging	Yes, Fast
USB Type-C	No

Storage

Internal Memory	128 GB
Expandable Memory	No

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s)	Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size	SIM1: Nano, SIM2: eSIM
Network Support	5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE	Yes
SIM 1	4G Bands: TD-LTE 2300(band 40) FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands: UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz 2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS: Available EDGE: Available
SIM 2	4G Bands: TD-LTE 2300(band 40) FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands: UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz 2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS: Available EDGE: Available
Wi-Fi	Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features	Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth	Yes, v5.3
GPS	Yes with A-GPS, Glonass
USB Connectivity	Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker	Yes
Audio Jack	Lightning

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor	No
Other Sensors	Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Compass, Gyroscope

SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 SPECIFICATIONS

Key Specs

RAM	8 GB
Processor	Samsung Exynos 2200
Rear Camera	200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP
Front Camera	32 MP
Battery	5000 mAh
Display	6.8 inches (17.27 cm)

General

Launch Date	November 23, 2023 (Unofficial)
Operating System	Android v12
Custom UI	Samsung One UI

Performance

Chipset	Samsung Exynos 2200
CPU	Octa core (2.8 GHz, Single core, Cortex X2 + 2.52 GHz, Tri core, Cortex A710 + 1.82 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A510)
Architecture	64 bit
Fabrication	4 nm
RAM	8 GB

Display

Display Type	Dynamic AMOLED
Screen Size	6.8 inches (17.27 cm)
Resolution	1440 x 3200 pixels
Pixel Density	516 ppi
Bezel-less display	Yes with punch-hole display
Touch Screen	Yes, Capacitive Touchscreen, Multi-touch

Design

Waterproof	Yes, Water resistant, IP68
Ruggedness	Dust proof

Camera

MAIN CAMERA
Camera Setup	Quad
Resolution	200 MP, Primary Camera 12 MP, Ultra-Wide Angle Camera 10 MP , Telephoto Camera 10 MP
Autofocus	Yes
OIS	Yes
Flash	Yes, LED Flash
Image Resolution	15500 x 13000 Pixels
Settings	Exposure compensation, ISO control
Shooting Modes	Continuous Shooting High Dynamic Range mode (HDR)
Camera Features	Digital Zoom Auto Flash Face detection Touch to focus
Video Recording	7680×4320 @ 24 fps 3840×2160 @ 30 fps
FRONT CAMERA
Camera Setup	Single
Resolution	32 MP, Primary Camera

Battery

Capacity	5000 mAh
Type	Li-Polymer
Removable	No
Wireless Charging	Yes
Quick Charging	Yes, Fast
USB Type-C	Yes

Storage

Expandable Memory	No
User Available Storage	Up to 128 GB

Network & Connectivity

SIM Slot(s)	Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
SIM Size	SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Network Support	5G Not Supported in India, 4G Supported in India, 3G, 2G
VoLTE	Yes
SIM 1	4G Bands: TD-LTE 2300(band 40) FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands: UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz 2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS: Available EDGE: Available
SIM 2	4G Bands: TD-LTE 2300(band 40) FD-LTE 1800(band 3) 3G Bands: UMTS 1900 / 2100 / 850 / 900 MHz 2G Bands: GSM 1800 / 1900 / 850 / 900 MHz GPRS: Available EDGE: Available
Wi-Fi	Yes, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 b/g/n)
Wi-Fi Features	Mobile Hotspot
Bluetooth	Yes, v5.2
GPS	Yes with A-GPS
NFC	Yes
USB Connectivity	Mass storage device, USB charging

Multimedia

Loudspeaker	Yes
Audio Jack	USB Type-C

Sensors

Fingerprint Sensor	Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Position	On-screen
Fingerprint Sensor Type	Ultrasonic
Other Sensors	Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope

FAQs

What are the expected RAM configurations for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series?

The Galaxy S24 series is anticipated to include a 12GB RAM option for the Plus model. However, an overall increase in RAM capacity across the series isn’t expected, maintaining similar configurations to the Galaxy S23 series, which features 8GB and 12GB options.

Will there be a RAM upgrade in the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 15?

Apple’s iPhone 16 is likely to continue with 6GB of RAM for the base model, consistent with the iPhone 15. The Pro models of the iPhone 16 might feature 8GB of RAM, aligning with the current Pro configurations.

How are memory prices affecting decisions on RAM upgrades in new smartphones?

The anticipated rise in memory prices is a key factor in the conservative approach towards RAM upgrades in new smartphone models. Manufacturers like Samsung and Apple are balancing the cost implications of higher RAM with market demands.

Are current on-device AI applications demanding more RAM in smartphones?

Despite the potential of advanced AI applications necessitating more RAM, the current real-world usage and demand for such AI functionalities have not yet justified a substantial increase in RAM in standard smartphone models.

What is the expected screen design of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Recent rumors hint at the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra featuring a subtly curved screen, diverging from earlier flat screen speculations. The bezels may have a slight curvature, around 0.3-0.4mm, enhancing the tactile feel rather than significantly changing the visual aspect.

What are the key specifications of the Galaxy S24 Ultra?

Rumors suggest that the Galaxy S24 Ultra could be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor. It may boast a 6.8-inch display with a 2500 nits peak brightness, a 5000mAh battery, and likely start with a configuration of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Will there be a RAM upgrade in the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 15?

How are memory prices affecting decisions on RAM upgrades in new smartphones?

What features are rumored for the iPhone 16 series?

The iPhone 16 series is anticipated to feature larger screens and a new metal shell designed for improved battery heat dissipation. Additionally, a graphene thermal system is rumored to enhance thermal conductivity. For AI capabilities, the iPhone 16 is expected to bring significant improvements in Siri, aiming for a more intuitive and responsive user experience.

How will the iPhone 16’s upgraded microphones improve Siri and dictation?

The new microphone hardware in the iPhone 16 is designed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, which will make Siri more accurate in interpreting voice commands and improve the quality of dictation.

What additional benefits might come from the iPhone 16’s microphone enhancements?

Apart from AI and Siri improvements, the upgraded microphones are also expected to offer better audio clarity in video recordings, enhanced voice call quality, and overall improved audio performance.

Is Apple investing in AI development for Siri enhancements?

Yes, Apple is reportedly investing around $1 billion annually in AI development, with a focus on advancing Siri’s capabilities, potentially starting as early as 2024.

What other features are rumored for the iPhone 16 series?

The iPhone 16 series is rumored to have larger screens, a new metal shell for improved battery heat dissipation, and a graphene thermal system for better thermal conductivity.

What AI features can we expect in the iPhone 16?

The iPhone 16 is set to feature groundbreaking AI enhancements, particularly in Siri, to offer a more intuitive and responsive user experience. These improvements are part of Apple’s commitment to integrating sophisticated AI technologies into their devices, responding to the growing trend in the tech industry.

How does Apple’s AI ambition compare to its competitors?

Apple’s AI initiatives, especially with the iPhone 16, are poised to compete directly with Google’s AI-driven features in its Pixel 8 series. Apple is not just catching up but also innovating in the AI space, possibly introducing its own advanced AI chatbot, Apple GPT.

When will the new AI features be unveiled for the iPhone 16?

The new AI capabilities, including an enhanced Siri, are expected to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2024. This timeline is a year ahead of earlier forecasts, indicating Apple’s accelerated efforts in AI development.

What are the rumors about the iPhone 16’s Action button?

The iPhone 16 series is rumored to be introducing a redesigned Action button that employs solid-state technology. This represents a significant shift from traditional mechanical buttons, integrating capacitive touch and haptic feedback for a refined user experience.

What are the rumoured screen sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max?

The iPhone 16 rumours suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro might feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max could come with a 6.9-inch screen. These would be an increase from the current 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch displays of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, respectively.

What camera upgrades are expected in the iPhone 16 Pro series?

Among the iPhone 16 rumours, the Pro model is expected to inherit the 5x zoom tetraprism camera from the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max might feature a periscope ultra-long telephoto camera. Both models are also rumoured to include new Sony sensors for better low-light photography.

How will the camera of the Galaxy S24 Ultra differ from its predecessor?

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to undergo changes in its camera setup, particularly in the periscope lens, which is expected to be downgraded from 10x to 5x optical zoom. Despite this change, the phone is still anticipated to offer high-quality photographic capabilities.

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