How much memory on the Xiaomi phone: how to check and how much you need

When you pick a Xiaomi smartphone, one of the key questions is how much memory it has, and that depends on how many apps you can install, how many photos and videos you can save, and how comfortable it will be with the device in a year or two, but even if you've already bought it, you don't always know how to check the actual storage capacity, especially since MIUI is part of it.

In this article, we will learn how to find out the amount of memory on any Xiaomi smartphone (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark), what volumes are available and what to choose for your tasks, and you will find a table with the current models of 2020-2026 and their configurations, and at the end – answers to frequent questions about expanding memory and optimizing space.

How to check the memory capacity of Xiaomi

There are three reliable ways to know how much memory your phone has: through system settings, through a file manager, or through third-party apps, and let's look at each of them.

The easiest way is to go to Settings → Phone → Storage. This will show the total amount of internal memory, as well as how much of it is occupied and free. Note: the MIUI system may show slightly less memory than the one on the box (for example, 128 GB instead of 128 GB). This is normal – part of the space is occupied by system files and firmware.

• 📱 Through Settings: Settings → The phone. → Storage (or Settings) → Memory in some versions MIUI).
• 📁 Through File Manager: Open Files Application, Go to Device Section – Total Volume will be listed at the top.
• 🛠️ Through third-party utilities: applications like AIDA64 or CPU-Z show the exact amount of memory, including information about the type of drive (eMMC/UFS).

If you buy a phone with your hands, be sure to check the real memory capacity in all three ways. There are times when sellers fake information in the settings (especially on older models with eMMC), the side of the utility will help to detect fraud.

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If the settings display less memory than it should (for example, 112 GB instead 128 GB, don't panic, that's okay. Manufacturers say "raw" volume, and the system takes up the volume. ~10-15% fittingly.

How much memory is in Xiaomi smartphones: options and differences

Xiaomi smartphones come with different options for internal memory, from a modest 32 GB to a monster 1 TB (in the flagships of the Black Shark or Mix Fold series). However, not all volumes are equally useful. Let's figure out which configurations are most common and for whom they are suitable.

Main options:

• 📦 32–64 GB: budget models (Redmi) A1, POCO C50). It's only for calls, instant messengers and rare photos.
• 📦 128GB: the most popular option. enough for most users (100)+ 5,000–10,000 photos, several movies).
• 📦 256GB: optimal for gamers, photographers or those who store a lot of music/video offline. found in flagships (Xiaomi 14, Redmi) K70 Pro).
• 📦 512GB-1TB: Rare configurations for enthusiasts (like Black Shark 5 Pro or Mix Fold 3) only make sense if you’re shooting videos in the video. 8K Or store dozens of heavy games.

It’s important to understand that memory type is just as important as memory size: Budget models often use eMMC (slower), and mid-range and flagship models use UFS 2.2/3.1/4.0 (much faster). For example, the POCO X5 Pro with UFS 3.1 will run faster than the Redmi 12 with eMMC 5.1, even if the memory capacity is the same.

Table: memory capacity in popular Xiaomi models (2020–2026)

To make it easier for you to navigate, we have collected data on current models Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. Please note: the same model can be released in different configurations (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with 128 GB and 256 GB).

If you want to expand your memory, pay attention to the presence of a microSD slot. However, note that in most modern models, the slot is hybrid (or second-hand slot). SIM, Also, microSD cards are much slower than the internal memory, so for games or for games. 4K-Videos don't fit.

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Flagship models (Xiaomi 13/14, Black Shark) usually do not have a slot for memory cards, but offer large amounts of internal memory (up to 1 TB) with high-speed UFS 4.0.

How much memory is needed for different tasks

The amount of memory you choose depends on how you plan to use your phone. Here are some guidelines:

• 📞 Calls, instant messengers, social networks: 64 GB is enough with a margin. Even with system files, there will be room for 10-15 applications and several thousand photos.
• 🎮 Games (Genshin Impact, PUBG, Call of Duty: minimum 128GB AAA-The game can weigh 10 to 20 GB, plus cache and updates. For 5 to 10 heavy games, take 256 GB.
• 📸 Photo and video (amateur shooting): 128 GB is enough for ~10,000 photos in high resolution or ~50 hours of video in Full HD. For 4K Professional photography requires a stock of 256 GB.
• 🎵 Music and films offline: 1 album in high quality (~320 kbps takes up ~100-150 MB and the film in Full HD — 1–2 GB. If you keep a large media library, take 256 GB+.

If you're not sure which volume to choose, go for 128GB, which is the gold standard for most users, but keep in mind that over time, the needs grow: apps get heavier, photos and videos get better, and games get bigger. If you plan to use your phone for longer than 2-3 years, you'd better take a 256GB model.

How to Free Up Your Seat at Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Work

Even if you have 256GB of memory, it runs out sooner or later, here are proven ways to make room without deleting important data:

1. Clean the app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → App management, select a heavy app (like Facebook or TikTok) and click Clear Cache. This can free up a few gigabytes.
2. Remove duplicate photos and videos. Use the built-in Gallery app (Management → Duplicates) or third-party utilities like Files by Google.
3. Moving files to the cloud. Mi Cloud gives 5 GB for free, and Google Photos (in High Quality mode) - unlimited storage for photos and videos.
4. Turn off automatic download. In messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), turn off auto-download media in Settings → Storage and Data.
5. Use a memory card (if you have a slot) and transfer music, movies and documents to it, but not games, they will slow down.

If nothing works, try factory resetting (but back up!) This is a radical method, but it deletes any unnecessary files left over from updates and deleted apps.

Can I increase memory on Xiaomi: myths and reality?

Many users are asking, can you add memory to your smartphone if you're running out of memory? Unfortunately, you can't increase the memory you're using because it's soldered to the motherboard. There are a few workarounds:

• 🔄 MicroSD card: suitable for photo, music and video storage, but not for applications (they will lag) Maximum supported volume is usually 1-2 TB (depending on the model).
• ☁️ Cloud storage: Mi Cloud, Google Drive, Yandex Drive. Free 5-15 GB is enough for backups, but not for full use.
• 🔌 External drive (OTG): You can connect a flash drive or hard drive through the adapter, but this is inconvenient for everyday use.

Importantly, some Xiaomi models (like the POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 10 Pro) support memory extension technology, but this is not an increase in physical memory, but an optimization of RAM by using a part of the built-in drive.

⚠️ Warning: Don't believe the suggestions to "swipe your phone to increase memory" is a scam. At best, you'll get a brick, at worst, you'll lose your data and warranty.

Frequent questions about memory on Xiaomi