22/12/2025

LYFE MONDAY | DEC 22, 2025

22

Getting enough storage space o Hi-res pics, videos, demanding games: Choose wisely based on needs, habits

F AR past the era of microscopic storage spaces, modern smartphones offer storage from around 64GB up to 1TB. But how much does each smartphone user really need? Ultimately, it depends on what they use their devices for. Storage black hole Before tackling storage spaces and how much is enough, we should look at and understand how much storage, on average, is used for particular elements or tasks in a smartphone. 0 A single high-quality photo typically uses up to 10MB. 0 Video recordings consume far more space, where one minute of HD video can use 100–200MB, while 4K video eats 350–700MB per minute. 0 Apps, games and their updates also take space. Some games or resource-intensive apps may occupy 1GB–4GB each. 0 The phone’s operating system and preinstalled apps often use 15GB–30GB before you add your own files. Due to these, a phone that is advertised as having 64GB or 128GB will rarely offer that much usable space, especially as system Ű BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR

messaging, basic apps and a small number of photos usually manage with 64GB–128GB. Typical users who rely on social media, take regular photos and run a moderate number of apps are better off with 128GB–256GB. Heavy users who frequently shoot 4K video, have a large library of huge games, save music or movies offline, or keep extensive photo libraries often need 256GB–512GB or more. This spread reflects how differently people use their phones and why choosing storage based on habits matters more than just picking devices based on cheaper price points. As apps grow, their storage demands rise and over time, what fits today might not fit tomorrow. Similarly, video and photo file sizes grow as cameras improve, especially when using high resolution or RAW format. Consumers should also be aware that the advertised storage space is precisely that – “advertised” – as the OS and system overhead will take a chunk. There is no one-size-fits-all number. A modest user may get away with 64GB–128GB. For those who shoot video, install many apps or want their phones to last several years without storage stress, go for 256GB or more.

files and formatting will reduce available storage. Individual preferences and habits will play a role, but typically, 512GB is the storage sweet spot. preferences Most people fall into three groups when it comes to storage needs. Light users who stick to calls, Different users, different

Users that pick smaller-sized storage for their phones will be forced to turn to cloud or external storage devices. – FREEPIKPIC

M’sians show openness to digital gifts such as streaming subscriptions

VIRTUAL presents and personalised greetings are highly popular for the 2025/2026 holiday season with streaming service subscriptions and gaming credits topping users’ lists, including among Malaysian respondents. As our everyday activities increasingly migrate into the digital environment, virtual gifts are rapidly transforming from a novelty into a mainstream phenomenon. Just before the holiday shopping season, Kaspersky conducted a survey to uncover the true popularity of digital presents and reveal which virtual gifts are capturing consumers’ hearts. Only a quarter of respondents remain fully committed to the traditional approach, preferring physical gifts over their digital counterparts and having no plans to change their minds in the near future. 32% of respondents had already embraced digital gifting, while an additional 16% had not done it yet – but were willing to try. 28% of people admitted they would likely purchase digital presents in the future, but were not quite ready to make the leap this year. In Malaysia, the findings point to a similar shift, with more than half of respondents indicating openness to digital gifting and 33% reporting that they had bought digital gifts before. The younger generation (ages 18-34) proves to be the true pioneers of virtual gifting, with 63% planning to purchase digital presents this holiday season. Of these digital natives, nearly half (46%) have already presented virtual gifts. The older generation (above 55) demonstrates the opposite trend, remaining firmly rooted in tradition, with almost half (46%) expressing their preference for physical presents. While digital gifts are on the rise, Kaspersky experts warn that despite the multiple benefits of virtual gifting, several security risks, such as

sophisticated phishing schemes. With the help of AI, scammers can create convincing fake websites, fraudulent emails and misleading pop-ups that mimic legitimate subscription services, taking advantage of holiday shopping urgency and excitement. To make your gift shopping safer, use a security solution with an AI-powered anti-phishing component, which will prevent clicking on malicious links and secure your payments. Santa goes virtual Personalised video or audio greetings – from Santa Claus or celebrities – and digital postcards emerged as equally popular choices, each garnering 21% of votes. These innovative presents offer the opportunity to create truly unique and deeply personal messages that stand out from generic gifts. However, Kaspersky experts are keen to remind users that some of these services request too much personal data, casting doubts on their credibility. One in three of consumers would like to give or receive security software Interestingly, nearly one-third of respondents view digital life protection software not just as essential security tools, but as thoughtful gifts. Security solutions, password managers and even VPN subscriptions have evolved beyond simple utilities into coveted gifts that provide practical protection and peace of mind. These digital safeguards can seamlessly integrate with any existing device or digital present, creating a comprehensive package that addresses the growing need for online safety. The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research centre in November. 3,000 respondents from 15 countries, including Malaysia, took part in the survey.

demonstrating how entertainment has become the ultimate digital gift. In second place were gaming credits and subscriptions, which captured 40% of the vote. Unsurprisingly, among the younger audience this number is the highest (47%). The leaderboard continued with online courses, which were chosen by 34% of respondents. E-book subscriptions secured 31% of the spotlight, while creative software such as Photoshop and Illustrator accounted for 28% of votes. Along with entertainment subscriptions, the digital wellness category is gaining popularity, with popular gifts including fitness subscriptions and psychology or meditation services. While fitness subscriptions have attracted some attention from digital gift buyers (25%), mental wellness services remain less popular, with only 17% of respondents expressing interest in them. Most Malaysian respondents are considering subscription-based digital gifts with streaming services (68%), gaming (42%), e-book (38%) and creative software (35%) among the most popular choices. At the same time, cybersecurity awareness is also evident, with 33% indicating they would purchase cybersecurity protection software as a digital gift for their loved ones. Think before you click – privacy concerns around digital gifts While subscriptions have emerged as the most popular and convenient digital gift options, the holiday shopping season brings heightened risks that consumers must navigate carefully. As more people rush to purchase streaming services, gaming credits and online courses as last-minute presents, cybercriminals are exploiting this surge in activity with increasingly

fake online shops or phishing links, exist beneath the surface and recommend users to stay attentive and apply security protection. Young adults 3× more likely to gift Netflix than sweaters this Christmas According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of respondents, who had ever considered buying digital gifts, voted for streaming services and platforms such as Netflix and Spotify, Digital gifting is on the rise, but it is not without security risks.