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The best phones with 16GB of RAM

Get your multi-tasking on with any of these!
By

Published onMarch 6, 2025

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
MSRP: $1,099.00
Check price
Positives
Excellent build quality, refined design
Stunning display
Extensive update policy
Sharp, powerful cameras
Improved wired charging
Clever Gemini features
Negatives
Tensor still runs warm
Confusing charging situation
Only 128GB base storage
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
MSRP: $1,299.99
Check price
Positives
Premium materials
Great battery life
Solid cameras
Top-tier Snapdragon performance
Brilliant display
Excellent software policy
Negatives
Downgraded S Pen
Mostly AI-based upgrades
Still no full Qi2 support
Can be uncomfortable to hold
Very expensive
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
MSRP: $1,145.00
Check price
Positives
Superb battery life
Excellent universal charging
Blazing performance
Offline AI tools
Nice colorways
Negatives
Some AI features in beta, others not very useful
Minimal hardware improvements gen-on-gen
Mediocre cameras
Awful software update policy
ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
MSRP: $1,199.99
Check price
Positives
Overkill performance
Outstanding battery life
Fast, universal charging
Super-stable video
Handy AI tools
Negatives
Expensive Pro model
Poor software commitment
Inconsistent cameras
No 4K recording on all lenses
Nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro
MSRP: $749.99
Check price
Positives
Exceptional performance
Great cooling
Huge battery
Negatives
Mediocre cameras
Poor software support
OnePlus 13
MSRP: $899.99
Check price
Positives
Gorgeous design
Incredible camera zoom and overall photography
Helpful AI integration
Excellent charging options
Simplified Oxygen OS experience
Great performance
Negatives
Magnetic charging requires accessories
Fewer updates than Samsung or Google

Some want the best screen, and others want the best camera system. Many will value battery life or something like processing power. But those who want the ultimate multitasking performance will want to get a phone with the most RAM possible. Right now, the race is mainly led by phones with 16GB of RAM (or more), and we’ve put together a list of the best ones available. Let’s learn more about RAM and explore options to find your next multitasking beast.

How much RAM do you need?

First things first, you have to wonder if you even need a phone with 16GB of RAM or more. In all honesty, we feel like it might be a bit overkill to get that much RAM on a smartphone. Our internal tests found that 8-12GB is the current sweet spot. Anything above that should offer nothing more than bragging rights, at least for most users.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for one of the best phones with 16GB of RAM. It’s always a good idea to future-proof yourself, especially if you plan to keep a phone for years to come. Standards and resource needs evolve, so maybe 16GB of RAM won’t be considered much when apps ask for more memory resources, in the future. Not to mention, it can also help improve gaming performance, if you’re an avid mobile gamer.

We must also consider that a phone with 16GB of RAM is likely an excellent high-end device with great specs and features in other departments. We suppose that might be the best way to go about your decision. While having 16GB of RAM is fantastic, you probably shouldn’t buy a phone for that reason alone. Make sure the rest of the phone is also excellent. That’s why we’re here to help you find the best ones.

The best phones with 16GB of RAM

Editor’s note: We will regularly update this list of the best phones with 16GB of RAM, as new devices launch and older ones are phased out.


Google Pixel 9 Pro series

google pixel 9 pro xl pink purple light 2
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

Google has finally entered the world of the best phones with 16GB of RAM, thanks to the Pixel 9 Pro series. The Google Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold all come with 16GB of RAM, making these our favorite on this list, at least for most users.

All of these devices are great. Performance will be no issue, as every model features the latest Tensor G4 processor and the aforementioned 16GB of RAM. They all also come with a gorgeous LTPO OLED display and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Of course, the resolution and size of the screen change with each model, but they all look amazing.

We loved the Gemini features, which the Pixel 9 series is all about. Not to mention, the design and build quality are all worthy of a high-end 2024 smartphone. Not to mention, there is also the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which has a unique foldable smartphone design that we know many of you will enjoy.

Pixel cameras have been recognized as some of the best for years, and the Pixel 9 Pro series isn’t the exception. The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have the best ones, though. And if you care about updates, Google promises seven years of support here. Our only main complaint is that the Tensor G4 still runs hot. Otherwise, these are definitely among the best phones with 16GB of RAM.

To learn more, check out our Google Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold reviews.

See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Improved design
8-inch folding display
Seven years of software updates
See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The best specs in the Pixel 9 series
Gorgeous display
Seven years of software updates
See price at Amazon
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Impressive AI-powered features
Excellent build quality
Flexible, capable cameras
Reliable update commitment

Pixel 9 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.3-inch, 2,856 x 1,280
  • SoC: Google Tensor G4
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 48, and 48MP
  • Front camera: 42MP
  • Battery: 4,700mAh
  • Software: Android 14

Pixel 9 Pro XL specs:

  • Display: 6.8-inch, 2,992 x 1,344
  • SoC: Google Tensor G4
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 128/256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 48, and 48MP
  • Front camera: 42MP
  • Battery: 5,060mAh
  • Software: Android 14

Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs:

  • Display: 8-inch internal, 6.3-inch external
  • SoC: Google Tensor G4
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 48, 10.8, and 10.5MP
  • Front camera: 10 and 1oMP
  • Battery: 4,650mAh
  • Software: Android 14

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hero
Ryan Haines / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly one of the most exciting smartphones of 2025, featuring a top-tier experience across the board. While most of us can only get it with 12GB of RAM, it is available in a 16GB configuration in some markets. This includes Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong. To get the 16GB model, you have to pair it with 1TB of internal storage.

That said, if you can get it, this is definitely one of the best phones with 16GB of RAM you can get. It also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, making it a powerful smartphone that can handle pretty much any app you throw at it.

Of course, you will get a high-end experience in other departments, as well. It has a premium titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 protective glass, and an IP68 rating.

The Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display is large at 6.9 inches, and it looks gorgeous. It features a sharp QHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s also the only device in its series that comes with an S Pen. The extra screen real estate will help for taking notes and drawing.

It also has one of the best camera systems in the industry, and during our testing, we found battery life is usually about two days. Additionally, it is the only other manufacturer that matches Google’s seven-year update promise.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
AA Recommended
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
100x zoom • Big battery • 7 years software support
MSRP: $1,299.99
Samsung's best for 2025
Simply put, this is Samsung's very best phone for 2025. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a 6.9-inch QHD+ device with 12GB of RAM, 256GB+ of storage, embedded S Pen, and the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. The key upgrade over the lower S25 models is a 200MP main camera and 100x Space Zoom.

Galaxy S25 Ultra specs:

  • Display: 6.9-inch, 3,120 x 1,440
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
  • RAM: 12/16GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 200, 50, 50, and 10MP
  • Front camera: 12MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 15

ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra

Zenfone 12 Ultra Sage Green
Paul Jones / Android Authority

The ASUS Zenfone series isn’t what it used to be. Previously known for their affordability and smaller sizes, the series now consists of large and expensive phones. All things considered, though, the ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra is definitely one of the best phones with 16GB of RAM.

This device has a really nice and unique design, as you can see in the image above. It’s also very capable, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The base model has 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, but you can upgrade to the 16GB model, which also has 512GB of storage.

In our ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra review, we praised it for its performance, which was to be expected given the specs. We also found it has great battery life, and it can charge from zero to 100% in under an hour!

We do wish the camera system was better, and believe ASUS took things a bit too far with AI, but the phone is still a great option. It offers amazing performance, a great design, and an overall very pleasant experience.

Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra
Superb battery life • Excellent universal charging • Blazing performance
MSRP: $1,145.00
The AI-powered Zenfone.
The ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra packs Snapdragon 8 Elite power, a 5,500mAh battery, a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, IP68 dust/water resistance, up to 512GB storage and 16GB RAM, and a 50MP + 32MP + 13MP rear triple camera.

Zenfone 12 Ultra specs:

  • Display: 6.78-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • RAM: 12/16GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 32, and 13MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,500mAh
  • Software: Android 15

ASUS ROG Phone 9 series

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro on desk
Robert Triggs / Android Authority

ASUS has established itself in the world of gaming smartphones, and these devices are known for offering impressive specs. Unsurprisingly, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 series offers some of the best phones with 16GB of RAM. In fact, all versions of the ASUS ROG Phone 9 series come available in 16GB of RAM configurations. These include the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro, ROG Phone 9, and ROG Phone 9 FE.

Other specs are just as impressive. Both the ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro models feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, while the FE version gets a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is still very powerful. All versions come with the same 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, featuring a Full HD+ resolution and a, get this, 185Hz refresh rate.

The ROG Phone 9 and 9 FE get the same camera system, featuring 50MP, 13MP, and 5MP shooters. The Pro replaced the 5MP macro camera with a 32MP telephoto one. Another difference is specs is the battery. The FE model gets a 5,500mAh battery, which is by no means bad. That said, the other variants get a bit more at 5,800mAh. All can charge at up to 65W wired, and 15W wirelessly.

Of course, you’ll also enjoy the gaming features, which include capacitive shoulder trigger buttons, LED lighting on the back, side mounted ports for better landscape handling, improved cooling, and optional accessories.

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 FE is tough to find, so we won’t link it here just yet. Look into it, though. If you’re lucky, and live in the right market, it might be easier for you to get it.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
AA Editor's Choice
ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro
Overkill performance • Outstanding battery life • Fast, universal charging
MSRP: $1,199.99
Peak gaming power.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is ASUS' flagship gaming smartphone for 2024 and early-to-mid 2025. It boasts unrivaled performance, thanks to its powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and advanced gaming features to propel your gaming experience up another level.
ASUS ROG Phone 9
ASUS ROG Phone 9
AA Editor's Choice
ASUS ROG Phone 9
Overkill performance • Outstanding battery life • Fast, universal charging
MSRP: $999.99
Gaming machine.
The ROG Phone 9 brings all the incredible Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered performance, stellar battery life, and gaming features as the Pro version, but for a little bit less.

ROG Phone 9 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.78-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • RAM: 16/24GB
  • Storage: 512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 32, and 13MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,800mAh
  • Software: Android 15

ROG Phone 9 specs:

  • Display: 6.78-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • RAM: 12/16GB
  • Storage: 256/512GB
  • Cameras: 50, 13, and 5MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,800mAh
  • Software: Android 15

ROG Phone 9 FE specs:

  • Display: 6.78-inch, Full HD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Cameras: 50, 13, and 5MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 5,500mAh
  • Software: Android 15

REDMAGIC 10 Pro

Nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro back
Nick Fernandez / Android Authority

Here’s another one of the best gaming smartphones. The REDMAGIC 10 Pro checks all the boxes to get into this list of the best phones with 16GB of RAM. You will have to get the higher-end version of this phone to get 16GB of RAM, which also comes with 512GB of storage. By the way, there is one other step up, with 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, just in case you really want to go all out.

This is one powerful smartphone, by the way. It features a potent Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The large 6.85-inch AMOLED screen will make games look great thanks to the 1,216 x 2,688 resolution and the smooth 144Hz refresh rate. It has gaming-dedicated features, such as integrated cooling fans and pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers. Not to mention software upgrades, and optional accessories for further cooling the device during those intense gaming sessions.

By the way, if you want fantastic battery life, this phone also comes with a sizeable 7,050mAh battery (6,500mAh in China). Also great is the addition of 100W charging (80W in China). The best part? It’s actually very affordable for such a high-end phone. Pricing starts at only $649 for the 12GB RAM version. The version with 16GB of RAM starts at $799, which is still very cheap for what you get.

Nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro
Nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro
Nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro
Exceptional performance • Great cooling • Huge battery
MSRP: $749.99
A gaming smartphone on a budget.
The Nubia REDMAGIC 10 Pro matches incredible performance with excellent cooling, great battery life, and a build that's made for gaming.

REDMAGIC 10 Pro specs:

  • Display: 6.85-inch, 1,216 x 2,688
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • RAM: 12/16/24GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 50, and 2MP
  • Front camera: 16MP
  • Battery: 7,050mAh
  • Software: Android 15

OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13 camera rear hero
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
OnePlus 13

OnePlus flagships have become excellent alternative to premium devices from main brands. The OnePlus 13 kind of has it all, including an option with 16GB of RAM. This version also gets 512GB of storage, and costs $999.99.

We had very little to complain about in our OnePlus 13 review. All we complained about was that wireless charging requires extra accessories, and that the software update wasn’t up to par with Google or Samsung. Aside from that, it’s a fantastic smartphone.

The design is very unique, and we believe it looks gorgeous. It has an IP68/IP69 rating, which is the best smartphones can get. Performance is impressive, too, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and the RAM can be upgraded to 24GB, if you are willing to pay for it.

The camera system is actually quite impressive. Even the battery life was impressive, at about two full days on a single charge. Recharging it will be super fast, too, thanks to the max 100W wired charging, and up to 50W of wireless charging.

OnePlus 13
OnePlus 13
AA Editor's Choice
OnePlus 13
Gorgeous design • Clever AI features • Flexible cameras
MSRP: $899.99
The OG flagship killer's killer flagship.
The OnePlus 13 is the company's most killer flagship to date, offering a massive battery, speedy charging, and powerful cameras that give Google and Samsung something to worry about.

OnePlus 13 specs:

  • Display: 6.82-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: Snapdragon 8 Elite
  • RAM: 12/16/24GB
  • Storage: 256/512/1,024GB
  • Cameras: 50, 50, and 50MP
  • Front camera: 32MP
  • Battery: 6,000mAh
  • Software: Android 15

Honorable mentions

We tend to focus on devices readily available in the US for these lists, but there are other great phones with 16GB of RAM in different markets. Let’s discuss some of them.

  • HONOR Magic 7 Pro ($1099.99 at Honor): The HONOR Magic 7 Pro is a great-looking phone with high-end specs, including versions with 16GB of RAM. Other highlights include a great camera system with a 200MP periscope shooter, 100W wired charging, and a 5,850mAh battery.
  • OPPO Find X8 Pro ($799 at Giztop): This phone is powerful, gorgeously designed, and offers a premium experience. One of its most unique features is that it has two periscope lenses.
  • OPPO Find N5 ($1870 at Oppo): If you’re really digging the foldable phones and want 16GB of RAM, a great option is the OPPO Find N5. This flagship handset has impressive specs, a gorgeous design, and a great overall experience. It also impressively thin at just 4.2mm when unfolded.
  • Xiaomi 15 series (€1499.99 at Amazon): All versions of the Xiaomi 15 series come in 16GB of RAM configurations. These also have a gorgeous design, amazing specs, and an overall great experience. Sadly, they are not widely available in the US.

FAQs

RAM stands for random access memory. It is the memory a processor is using actively. It’s faster than a regular hard drive or SSD, which makes it ideal for quick read/write tasks for open apps.

As mentioned earlier in the article, RAM mainly affects multitasking performance. It can also be important when performing resource-intensive tasks, like gaming. That said, having too much RAM likely won’t make a noticeable difference for most common users. You’ll only notice a difference when giving your smartphone heavy use, or using too many apps simultaneously.

So far, the phone with the most RAM we’ve seen is the DOOGEE V Max Plus, with a stunning amount of 36GB of RAM. 20GB is extended RAM, though, which means the phone borrows 20GB from the internal storage when needed. The dedicated RAM is 16GB. This was an issue before, as internal storage was slower than RAM. Modern SSD storage is super fast, though.

How much RAM you need on a smartphone depends on your needs, but most experts agree that 12GB is the sweet spot. You won’t notice much of a difference above that.

It’s actually pretty simple to check how much RAM you have. You can also check its RAM usage, and learn how to free up some RAM. We have a full guide for checking RAM, if you’re interested.


Have you realized that 16GB of RAM is too much? You should probably stop worrying so much about RAM and look at our list of the very best Android phones. All of them will have enough for most users.

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