Google has introduced new hardware requirements for Android phones starting with Android 15.
As per the latest update, smartphones must now have a minimum of 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage to be eligible for Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification. This change means that budget devices with lower specifications will no longer receive official support for Android 15.
A key stipulation in the new requirement is that 75% of the 32GB storage must be available in the data partition, which holds system data and user-installed apps. Devices that fail to meet this threshold will not be allowed to update to Android 15, even if they originally launched with an earlier version of the operating system.
RAM requirements are also tightening. Devices with less than 2GB of RAM are disqualified from running GMS entirely. Phones with 2GB or 3GB of RAM must run Android Go Edition, the lightweight version of Android tailored for low-end devices.
What’s more, starting with Android 16, even 4GB RAM devices will be required to use Android Go, effectively raising the minimum standard for full Android to 6GB of RAM.
These changes reflect Google’s push toward better performance and more consistency across devices. With mobile apps and services becoming increasingly resource-intensive, the company is aiming to eliminate poor user experiences on underpowered devices.
In addition to these hardware requirements, Android 15 also introduces enhanced emergency services. Users can now share emergency contact information during an emergency call via the Android Emergency Location Service. This feature is opt-in and designed with user privacy in mind, offering transparency about what information is shared and when.
Hopefully, these new standards will improve the baseline Android experience, encouraging manufacturers to deliver better-equipped smartphones and paving the way for a more seamless and secure platform.
