Rom unusable?

[Android Question]

I thought i knew what a ROM is but apparently I dont because i am quite confused.
I got my phone like many others it was 16/32GB ROM and 1-2GB RAM

I got the 32GB ROM since i would need it.
However i cant use it. At all.

Can i install apps on it? no
do movies and videos get stored there? no

Then what on earth is the point of such a big ROM is the phones main storage is giong to be the RAM and when the RAM is full the phone goes "no more storage to install this app" etc. While the ROM still has like 90% of its storage empty..

I thought i was getting the 32GB ROM so i could use the space.

Is my phone just broken or is the ROM generally useless and peopel everywhere are paying more for more GB that they cant use anyway except for a tiny bit of appdata here and there?

 

[girolez]

Hi and welcome to the forums

Yes, you are slightly confused..

The phone will probably have 1 or 2 Gb of RAM (Random Access Memory) which is used for running apps - not for storing them (unless actually in use)

The 16/32Gb will probably be internal storage (memory used to store data and applications) This is not ROM - ROM is Read Only Memory which stores unchangeable data. The terminology with phones is confusing because the set of applications and the operating system which is installed by the phone manufacturer (or carrier) is know as a "rom" - a "stock rom" for the original or a "custom rom" for a different version installed on a rooted (jailbroken/hacked) phone. These roms are software, not hardware.

Back to your issue. Of the 32Gb of internal memory (assuming thats what you have rather than a 32Gb removeable SD card) some will be used by the operating system and the rest should be left to store apps and data. This does however depend upon which phone you have! Older phones use memory differently.

Its all very confusing, so given what I have said above, I suggest that you post another question and include the exact model of the phone you are using and the version of android installed on it. If you register and post the question to the forum for your device, you will get quicker help.

Once again welcome

Roger