Is 32 GB Enough for Genshin Impact on Mobile in 2024? Don‘t Count On It

As a mobile gamer and fan of Genshin myself, I‘d love to say that 32GB is enough – but in good conscience, I can‘t recommend it.

Based on my testing and research, the bare minimum most people should feel comfortable with is 64GB. And even then, you need to be diligent about managing your storage.

But why? What happens in the real world when you try to run an expansive open world game meant for consoles and PC on a phone with only 32 gigs? Let me explain…

Genshin‘s Storage Needs Keep Growing

This isn‘t a small indie game – Genshin Impact is a massive production with continually updated content. With each new region and batch of quests, the base install size creeps higher.

Back in mid-2020, the Closed Beta on mobile weighed under 9 GB. Fast forward to 2023, and the mobile version now tops 19 GB on iOS and 21 GB on Android.

I‘ve compiled the install footprint over time in this table:

As you can see – in just 2.5 years the iOS version ballooned 125% in size, while Android swelled 232%. And more regions like Fontaine and Natlan are still yet to come!

So if you think 20 GB is already pushing it now, imagine trying to fit 30-40 GB in another year or two. Something would have to give!

It‘s Not Just Genshin Taking Up Space

The core game is obviously the biggest storage hog. But your phone still needs room leftover for vital system files, updates, photos, music, other apps like social media and messaging, etc.

A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 20% of your total capacity free.

• On a 32 GB phone, that means just 6 GB left for the OS and everything else!
• On a 64 GB phone with Genshin installed, you‘d have 12 GB spare.
• And on a 128 GB device, roughly 25 GB remains.

See how with 32 GB, almost no breathing room exists? One major OS update or a bunch of photos from a vacation could tap you out completely.

Whereas 64+ GB offers enough of a buffer for everyday usage on top of Genshin‘s footprint. You just have to avoid going crazy filling it up with movies and such.

Performance and Stability Suffer Without Enough Space

Now what actually happens when you try running Genshin on a nearly 100% full 32 GB device? Well from friends‘ experiences…nothing pretty!

Frequent performance drops, lag spikes, app crashes, and random shutdowns are common, as the phone struggles with storage bottlenecks.

Assets and textures take longer to load too – wandering around empty landscapes waiting on buildings to pop in absolutely kills the immersion.

The game may also nag you and refuse to update properly. Getting locked out of playing for days because an 18 GB patch has nowhere to go isn‘t fun!

While Genshin technically functions even on minimum spec phones, that 32 GB quickly becomes a prison more than anything. One you can‘t even take photos to escape from!

How Much Storage Should You Really Have?

If this all sounds too restrictive with 32 gigs, then what‘s the ideal Genshin phone capacity?

Based on the storage trends, OS needs, and firsthand experience – here‘s my recommendation if you intend to play:

• Absolute Minimum: 64 GB
• Recommended: 128 GB
• Enthusiast: 256+ GB

Of course higher capacities mean more future-proofing as the install footprint grows over years of updates. Not to mention room for all your personal media!

iPhones have less flexibility due to fixed internal storage, so max out what model you can afford. Many mid-tier Androids offer SD card expansion, which is excellent for large games.

I‘d only consider 32 GB if you have literally no other option and manage it flawlessly. For most though, it‘s simply not a great idea for Genshin in the long run.

Making the Most of Limited Space

If you‘re still stuck with 32 gigs, don‘t lose all hope yet! Here are my pro tips to stretch things as far as possible:

• Delete unused apps – Prune anything not actively played or essential
• Move photos and videos to the cloud automatically
• Clear caches and temporary files weekly
• Set Genshin graphics to Low to disable HD resources
• Ensure your phone has the latest OS updates to optimize storage efficiency

Sure, these measures seem extreme. But desperate times call for desperate measures when operating so close to max capacity!

I‘d still urge looking into a storage upgrade down the road though when feasible. At least 64GB, if not higher. Then you can stop worrying about micromanaging space constantly.

The Bottom Line

So in closing – can Genshin Impact technically operate on a 32 GB mobile device? Yes, but expect major headaches unless you‘re extremely disciplined about limiting other uses. I certainly couldn‘t maintain that myself long-term!

That‘s why for most mobile gamers seeking a smooth, future-proof experience, I suggest a phone with at least 64GB, if not 128GB+ where possible.

Even as limited budgets may force our hands, we can‘t expect top tier performance from bottom barrel storage capacities realistically. But don‘t lose hope – with some diligent management, 32GB folks can soldier through short term until they upgrade down the road!

Let me know if you have any other questions on storage for running Genshin or other big mobile games! This advice comes from painful trial and error, so I‘m happy to help fellow players avoid storage headaches however I can. Game on!