Last Updated on June 8, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks and Saad
Let’s be honest here. We all love our iPads. But are we choosing the right storage size? Now that can be a tricky decision. The more storage you want, the more you have to shell out. So, naturally, the question arises – is 32GB enough for an iPad?
The 32GB iPad model falls under the Basic category, so it’s designed for users who only need a few apps and don’t plan on storing many media files. It’s perfect if you want to browse the internet, check your emails, watch some YouTube videos or stream your favorite shows on Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime, and the like.
Before I move on, here’s an important thing: Apple no longer offers a 32GB storage option for their new iPads. The base model now starts at 64GB. However, if you’re considering a second-hand iPad or a previous-generation model that comes with 32GB, this article will still be useful for you.
Will You Download or Stream Movies?
This is a vital question to consider. If you’re the type who prefers to stream movies on Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, or YouTube, you’re in luck! Streaming apps don’t take up much space. However, if you plan on downloading movies for offline viewing, you might find your storage filling up quicker than you’d like.
| App | Size |
| Netflix | ~150MB |
| Amazon Video | ~62MB |
| Disney+ | ~161MB |
| YouTube | ~295MB |
Note: Keep in mind that these sizes can change with updates.
Related: Best Tablets For Netflix & Movies
Size of Popular Apps
On average, most popular apps will take up around 100-600MB of storage each. So, if you’re a casual user who only needs a handful of apps, you’re still safe with 32GB. Here are some popular apps and their sizes:
| App | Size |
| ~312MB | |
| TikTok | ~372MB |
| Procreate | ~600MB |
| Google Chrome | ~282MB |
Most Popular Games on iPad and Their Sizes
Games are a different story. They can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. If you’re an avid gamer, you might find 32GB limiting. Some popular games and their sizes are:
| Game | Size |
| Among Us | ~540MB |
| Minecraft | ~900MB |
| Stardew Valley | ~367MB |
A 32GB iPad could handle a reasonable amount of apps and a few games. However, if your iPad is your primary gaming device, you might want to consider a model with more storage.
Professional Use?
If you plan to use your iPad for work, 32GB might be enough if you’re extremely organized and rely on cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud for most of your storage needs. However, if you plan on using space-hungry apps like Photoshop or Lightroom, or if you intend to store a lot of high-resolution photos, you might find 32GB restrictive.
32GB iPad for College?
If you’re a student who mainly uses the iPad for note-taking, web browsing, emails, and light app usage, a 32GB iPad could work for you. However, if you’re an art student who deals with high-resolution images or large files regularly, you might want to consider an iPad with more storage.
Related: Best Tablets For College Students
Can You Expand iPad’s Storage?
Unfortunately, you can’t physically expand an iPad’s storage. Your alternative is cloud storage. Apple provides 5GB free on iCloud, and Google Drive offers 15GB free. Remember, though, that you can’t store games on cloud storage.
What Are The Storage Options For iPads?
Here are the storage options for the latest iPads:
| iPad Model | Storage Options |
| iPad | 32 GB (old models), 128 GB |
| iPad Mini | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| iPad Air | 64 GB, 256 GB |
| iPad Pro | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB |
However, the 64GB and 256GB iPad are the most popular models right now, while the 32GB model is one of the least popular ones.
Why Do Apps & Games Take More Space on Apple than Android?
Are you wondering why Apple apps and games sometimes hog more storage space than their Android cousins? It’s not just because they’re trying to cramp your style or fill up your storage just for kicks. It’s a bit more complicated than that, but let me give you the quick and dirty version.
When you download an Apple app, you’re getting this thing called a “Universal Binary.” It’s a one-size-fits-all bundle designed to work beautifully on any Apple device, whether it’s your iPhone, your iPad, or whatever else you’ve got in your Apple arsenal. On the other hand, Android likes to keep things light and flexible, adapting on the fly to whatever device it’s running on.
Apple is all about that high-res life. Think of those crisp, gorgeous Retina displays – iOS apps come with high-resolution images and graphics to make the most of those screens. Android, dealing with a much wider range of devices and screen resolutions, often uses lower-resolution assets that are smaller.
iCloud Comes to the Rescue
Using Apple’s iCloud; you are able to expand your iPad’s storage for a few dollars per month. This allows you to store your photos and movies directly in the Cloud. However, you will need to be connected to the Internet to be able to access them in the first place.
So, if you are someone who is okay with uploading your photos and movies directly to the Cloud and not having them on local storage, then a 32 GB iPad will work just fine for you even if you tend to take a lot of photos and movies.
How to Check if 32 GB is Enough For Me?
There are two ways you can check whether 32 GB is enough for you. The first method would be to go through your existing phone or tablet’s storage. If you are consuming around 28 GBs, then 32 GB is not enough for you. And, you’ll need to shell out for a pricier option.
However, if you are consuming about 15-20 GBs, then the 32 GB option might work out just fine for you.
The other way you can check is by taking a look at our handy table!
| Use Case | Is 32 GB Enough? |
| I Play A Lot of Games | ❌ |
| I Download Movies | ❌ |
| I Download More Than 500 Songs | ❌ |
| I Only Stream Movies and Music | ✓ |
| I Download Less Than 500 Songs | ✓ |
| I Do A Lot of Digital Art | ❌ |
| I Like Having All My Entertainment on Local Storage | ❌ |
| I Download Less Than 500 Photos | ✓ |
| I Don’t Mind Having Everything on the Cloud | ✓ |
Final Verdict: Is 32GB Enough for an iPad?
The answer depends on your usage. If you’re a casual user who only needs a few apps and doesn’t plan on storing a lot of media files, 32GB might be sufficient. However, if you’re a power user, a gamer, or a professional who needs to store high-quality images or use advanced apps, you might find 32GB limiting.
In the end, it’s all about understanding your needs and making sure the device you choose aligns with your lifestyle. Remember, it’s not just about the storage size, but also about how you intend to use your iPad. So, think about your needs, consider your options, and make an informed decision. If you are still indecisive, I would recommend you to go for the 64GB iPad.
Can you Upgrade iPad from 32 GB to 64 GB
No, you cannot upgrade the iPad from 32 GB to 64 GB. This is because the memory is soldered to the tablet and it cannot be replaced.
Can I Buy a New 32 GB iPad?
No, 32 GB iPads have now been discontinued. You cannot purchase a brand-new iPad from Apple with a storage space of 32 GB.
Is 128GB Enough for iPad?
Is 256GB Enough for iPad?
How Much Storage Do You Need for iPad? (Guide)
I love tech and all about it. I'm interested in finding ways how they can make my life more productive, and I share my knowledge with my blog readers. I'm an iPad Pro, iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch user, so I know a thing or two about these devices and try to write helpful content around these topics.
Saad is excellent at what he does. He's a tech fanatic. He strives to improve himself wherever he can. He tries to make each article he writes a little better than before. He explains difficult things in a very simple way.
