As iPhone users, we are all familiar with the frustration of running out of storage space on our devices.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, but one common culprit is the sheer number of photos and videos that we take and store on our phones.
In this article, we will explore two different approaches to managing the storage on your iPhone: optimizing storage space by reducing the size of your photos and videos, or downloading them to a separate storage device and keeping the original versions.
Optimize iPhone Storage
One way to manage the storage on your iPhone is to optimize the size of the photos and videos that you take.
This can be done in a few different ways. For example, you can adjust the settings on your camera to take photos and videos at a lower resolution, which will reduce the size of the files without significantly impacting their quality.
You can also use a third-party app to compress your photos and videos, or use the built-in tools on your iPhone to do so.

Optimizing your iPhone’s storage in this way has a few advantages.
First, it can free up significant amounts of space on your device, allowing you to store more photos, videos, and other files. Second, it can help you avoid the need to constantly delete old photos and videos to make room for new ones.
And third, it can make it easier to share your photos and videos with others, since the smaller file sizes will be faster to download and upload.
Download and Keep Originals
Another approach to managing the storage on your iPhone is to download your photos and videos to a separate storage device, such as a computer or external hard drive, and keep the original versions.
This allows you to keep all of your photos and videos in their original quality, without needing to compromise on resolution or file size.
There are a few different ways to download and keep the original versions of your photos and videos. For example, you can use the built-in tools on your iPhone to transfer them to your computer, or use a third-party app to do so.
You can also use a cloud storage service, such as iCloud or Google Photos, to automatically upload your photos and videos and keep them safe and accessible.
The advantage of this approach is that it allows you to keep all of your photos and videos in their original quality, without losing any resolution or detail.
It also provides a backup of your photos and videos, which can be useful in case your iPhone is lost, stolen, or damaged.
And it frees up space on your iPhone, allowing you to store more files and use your device more efficiently.

Is there a downside to optimizing photos on iPhone?
Yes, there can be downsides to optimizing photos on your iPhone.
The main downside is that optimizing photos can reduce their quality, which can be noticeable if you view the photos at full size on a large screen or print them out.
This is because optimizing photos typically involves reducing their resolution or file size, which can result in some loss of detail or sharpness.
Another potential downside is that optimizing your photos can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of photos to process.
And if you use a third-party app to optimize your photos, you may need to pay for the app or for additional features.
Overall, the downsides of optimizing photos on your iPhone depend on the specific methods that you use and the amount of optimization that you apply.
In general, it’s best to use moderation and to carefully balance the need for storage space with the desire to maintain the quality of your photos.
What does it mean to download and keep originals on iPhone?
To download and keep originals on your iPhone means to transfer your photos and videos to a separate storage device, such as a computer or external hard drive, and keep the original versions of the files.
This means that the photos and videos will be saved in their original quality, without any loss of resolution or detail.
The advantage of this approach is that it allows you to keep all of your photos and videos in their original quality, without losing any resolution or detail. It also provides a backup of your photos and videos, which can be useful in case your iPhone is lost, stolen, or damaged.
And it frees up space on your iPhone, allowing you to store more files and use your device more efficiently.
To download and keep originals on your iPhone, you can use the built-in tools on your device to transfer the files to your computer, or use a third-party app to do so.
You can also use a cloud storage service, such as iCloud or Google Photos, to automatically upload your photos and videos and keep them safe and accessible.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are two different approaches to managing the storage on your iPhone: optimizing the size of your photos and videos, or downloading them to a separate storage device and keeping the original versions.
Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a solution that works for you, and that allows you to enjoy all of the photos and videos that you take on your iPhone without running out of storage space.