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Pixel's improved RAM management set to appear on other Android phones

But we might have to wait until the next version of Android to see it on third-party devices.
By
December 11, 2019
Google Pixel 4 XL home screen standing up 5

The Google Pixel series received a so-called “feature drop” this week, bringing quite a few additions to these devices. One of these additions is an improved way to manage RAM, compressing cached apps to reduce their footprint.

Now, The Verge has interviewed a Google representative and reported that this method of RAM management “should” make its way to other Android phones.

As for a timeline? The website says it’s possible the functionality will only come to other Android phones in the next Android version (Android R/11). In other words, the Pixel series may have received an Android feature almost a year before other phones.

The Pixel series certainly needed better RAM management though, as Pixel 3 owners in particular frequently complained about the phone hastily killing background apps. Fortunately, the Pixel 4 series offered more RAM, going from the Pixel 3’s 4GB to 6GB.

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Google Pixel 4 vs Pixel 4 XL in orange and white

But the improved memory management should be a plus for the Pixel 4 and OEM devices with more RAM nonetheless, especially when new Android versions are released down the line. Hopefully manufacturers make an effort to bring this feature to their budget phones (i.e. 3GB of RAM and under), as it could make a massive difference on these devices.

This wouldn’t be the only feature coming to the next version of Android though, as Google previously confirmed that scrolling screenshot functionality is in the works too.

What would you like to see in Android R/Android 11? Give us your desired features in the comments!