Google is planning to enhance Android device performance by introducing support for 16KB memory pages. This innovation is currently undergoing active testing and promises significant improvements in various aspects of device operation.
Technical Background and Benefits
The memory management unit (MMU) in processors translates addresses used by applications to physical memory locations based on page size. By increasing the page size from the current 4K to 16K, Google aims to reduce system overhead and improve overall performance.
Google estimates that this change could lead to:
- An overall performance boost of 5-10%
- Reduced app startup time (average 3.16%, up to 30% in some cases)
- Lower power consumption during app launch (average 4.56%)
- Faster camera launch (4.48% for “hot” launch, 6.60% for “cold” launch)
- Reduced system boot time (average 1.5% or 0.8 seconds)
However, it’s worth noting that overall memory consumption is expected to increase by about 9%.
Implementation and Rollout
Android 15 has been rebuilt to support different page sizes, making it indifferent to the specific size used. Developers will need to recompile their applications to support devices with a 16 KB page size, but the same binary will be able to run on devices with both 4 and 16 KB memory pages.
The rollout may begin with Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1 on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Currently, the “16K page size boot” option is available to developers but requires unlocking the bootloader and wiping the device.
Google is working with SoC and OEM partners to enable this option on new devices soon. For regular users, the company has promised to roll out the innovation in the “near future,” although there are currently no Android devices available or expected to support the 16K page size for Android 15, notes NIX Solutions.
The transition is expected to happen gradually as the amount of RAM on end devices increases. We’ll keep you updated on any developments regarding this significant upgrade to Android’s memory management system.