Google has announced new hardware requirements for Android 15, a move that will impact device manufacturers and users alike. These updated standards are designed to ensure consistent performance and a better user experience across all certified Android phones.
Minimum RAM and Storage Requirements for Android 15
To receive Google Mobile Services (GMS) certification for Android 15, smartphones must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 2GB of RAM
- Minimum 32GB of internal storage
- 75% of that storage must be accessible in the data partition
Devices that don’t meet these minimum specs will not be eligible for Android 15 updates, regardless of their current Android version.
Android Go Mandate Expands
Google is also restructuring how Android Go Edition is deployed:
- Devices with 2GB or 3GB RAM must now run Android Go Edition
- Starting with Android 16, even 4GB RAM devices will be restricted to Android Go
- The full Android version will require at least 6GB RAM moving forward
This shift signals Google’s commitment to improving baseline performance by pushing low-end devices into the Android Go ecosystem, which is optimized for efficiency and lightweight operations.
Emergency Location Sharing Feature Added
Beyond hardware changes, Android 15 introduces a new emergency feature:
- Users can now share emergency contact information during calls via Android Emergency Location Service (ELS)
- This is an opt-in feature that ensures privacy and transparency
- It is designed to aid first responders by providing additional context during emergencies
Why This Matters
As mobile apps become more advanced and resource-heavy, Google’s new guidelines aim to:
- Eliminate poor experiences on underpowered devices
- Standardize app behavior across Android platforms
- Encourage OEMs to ship better-equipped phones
While this may limit Android 15 support for ultra-budget devices, it sets a new baseline for usability and stability in the Android ecosystem.
Stay tuned as more manufacturers respond to the Android 15 hardware requirements—and expect a wave of affordable yet better-performing smartphones in the near future.
