Virtual RAM: is "8+8 GB" real or just marketing?
Virtual RAM (RAM Plus, Memory Extension, RAM expansion) is a feature in which a smartphone uses part of its built-in storage as extra memory for background apps.
In plain words
Back to the desk. It is cluttered and you need more space. You put a cabinet next to it and move the things you are not using into it. You have more room - but to get something from the cabinet you have to bend down. Virtual RAM is that cabinet: it helps, but it does not replace a bigger desk.
How it works
- When RAM fills up, the system moves some inactive data to storage.
- A few gigabytes of storage are reserved for this.
- When you return to an app, the data is loaded back into RAM.
- Storage is many times slower than RAM, so coming back takes longer.
- The feature can usually be turned off or resized in the settings.
Where you'll see it
The specs of budget and mid-range smartphones and tablets often say "8 GB + 8 GB" or "up to 16 GB RAM". In our comparisons we list the real amount of RAM, without the virtual part.
Does it matter when buying
Do not choose a phone because of "virtual" gigabytes. Compare only physical RAM. Expansion helps a little with keeping more apps in the background, but it does not make the phone faster. On models with little RAM I would leave it on; on flagships it makes no difference.
Myths
- Myth: 8+8 GB is the same as 16 GB. Reality: No. The virtual part is dozens of times slower than real RAM.
- Myth: Virtual RAM destroys the phone's storage. Reality: Modern flash memory is built for this kind of load - though the benefit is also questionable.
FAQ
Should I turn on virtual RAM?
On phones with 4-6 GB, you can. On 8 GB or more, there is almost no difference.
How do I find the real RAM?
Look at the first number in the specs, or the info in settings without the expansion.
Does virtual RAM take up space for photos?
Yes, it reserves a few gigabytes of storage.