8GB to 16GB soldered is usually worth it.

Yes, especially if you keep more than five browser tabs open or run apps that aren’t single-purpose terminals.

8GB of RAM is fine for basic office work or light browsing — one app at a time, close things when you’re done. But modern operating systems and browsers eat RAM for breakfast. Slack, Chrome, Teams, or a few apps running together will push you into swap territory, and that’s where things get sluggish.

If you’re buying a laptop with soldered RAM (can’t upgrade later), paying up front for 16GB is cheap insurance. You won’t notice the extra money in two years, but you’ll definitely notice hitting that memory wall with 8GB.

The only time I’d skip it: if you’re on a tight budget and this machine is purely for email and YouTube, or you know you’ll replace it in under two years. Otherwise, future-you will thank you.

Invest in RAM now, not therapy later.