Google has quietly but decisively ended the era of 16GB Android smartphones. With the rollout of Android 15, any phone that wants to ship with Google apps—including essentials like the Play Store—must now have at least 32GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM. Devices that fall below this threshold are relegated to the lighter, stripped-down Android Go Edition, or lose access to Google Mobile Services (GMS) entirely This change is more than a technical footnote. It signals a major shift in the Android ecosystem, with far-reaching implications for developers, manufacturers, retailers, marketers, and consumers alike. Why Google Raised the Bar Apps Are Heavier, Expectations Are Higher The days when 16GB could comfortably house the Android OS, a handful of apps, and some photos are long gone. Modern apps—especially those with rich media, AI features, and offline capabilities—are significantly larger. Even so-called “lite” apps have grown in size, and the Android system itself continues to ...
By now, you must have heard about the upcoming change in charging systems for basic electronic devices.
According to the EU's ruling, type C chargers are set to become the universal chargers for smartphones, tablets, keyboards, smart watches, computer mice, laptops, and other electronics. Brands like Lenovo have already adopted this charging system with a common example being the Lenovo L490 laptop which uses a type C charger.
What does this mean for both the retailers and consumers?
1. The effect of type C standardization on the retailer.
Many retailers have huge stocks of the different types of chargers that are set to become obsolete in 2024(the deadline given by the EU)
There are two possible scenarios; having dead stock or stock runout in case production does not meet demand. The change which is set to be gradual could bring little to no effect on the retailers' end. They are likely to halt restocking and slowly shift to the conditions given.
That could be the case with the producers of the devices that use these chargers.
2. Consumers
Consumers are the group that is likely to feel the effect of the upcoming change, mostly middle and low-class, electronic users.
Even though there are affordable type C compatible devices, most of them are costly. Mobile brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, Nokia, Vivo, and Oppo among others have smartphones with type C charging systems that retail for around $200. This may seem cheap or at least affordable for some but it is a lot of money for those who earn below the minimum wage.
The one advantage that most smartphone and laptop users can capitalize on is the fact that this change is going to be phased out slowly. This gives them enough time to plan how to embrace the change.
The old devices and charging systems will still be available in the market and used until the given deadline. After the deadline, what will stop is the production of the said chargers and subsequent devices. The existing ones will still be in use until it reaches a point where they are completely phased out.
3. The governments
Since this is a law set for countries that belong to the European Union, the heads of states of the member countries are expected to put in place measures to ensure the given laws are implemented. The effect will also be greatly felt by non-EU countries because most production happens within the EU.
The main reason behind the change was to control the environmental effects of the usage and disposal of chargers. It is not yet clear whether other countries and unions will adopt the same approach to help with the attempt to save the environment.
Further information on the changes shall be shared as it is rolled out.
Other Must read articles:
How to take care of your smartphone
What consumes your phone battery power
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Top phone protection accessories
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Francis Onyach; writer, artist, digital marketer and software engineer.
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