Storage is partitioned, like a hard drive is. Depending on the model, it could be a total of 8GB, 4GB of which is used to hold the system, 3 of which is used to hold databases and 1GB is free for user space (like apps, music, etc.)
It's like net weight, tare weight and gross weight. If you don't specify, you may be including the weight of the truck as part of the product it's delivering. Evidently your phone has 1GB of internal user storage, and a few apps can fill that pretty quickly these days. (As more and more utilities come out that allow people who have no idea what Java code even looks like, apps will get larger and larger. Shoehorns are no longer a part of the programmer's toolkit. The attitude seems to be "if it fits and runs on the simulation of my phone, that's good enough" - not realizing how many users won't buy that app because it won't fit on their phones with a few other apps in it.)
@Madd54:
Notice that, out of 32GB of internal storage, you have only 4.95GB free. That's a little more than 1/8 of total storage.
I know.
. I had an sd card develop a fault some moths ago and finally decided I could be better without one (I had to do a 1st reset)
I should ditch all my videos and most of my pics as I have them copied on pc anyway. Like Android, I will ditch stuff when I need space, lol.
For the OP though, shouldn't he/she transfer some app data to sd card if possible. 1 gb for apps is cruel though, I didn't think some phones go so low. I have yet to check my Moto G at home.
Actually my previous S2 was 16gb of course, but I have a similar ton of apps I think on my Moto G 8gb. I shifted many to a 2gb card (don't laugh).
In other news:
You have been doing amazing work here Rukbat since I took a 2 month break from posting.
I think the tonnes of your excellent, detailed posts don't get the readership they deserve and that's a real shame.
I try to save a few to S-Notes for reference. I like your witty analogies also.
I gather you recently retired or semi retired from the industry, so we are lucky to have you as a recent ambassador.
An extra special round of applause from me here:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=433960
But enough of this love-in...
back to the query... so the HTC Desire may only allow 1gb - ish for apps.