Brand new android 12GB memory 512GB storage

[malasacoffee malasacoffee]

So I connect the phone to the PC, and it says
320GB free of 512GB

So I open folders, every folder is EMPTY (as I knew they would be.

The only folder thats got some file is the 'Android' file
Normal stuff, nothing more than
Pre-loaded apps there are no more than 10

But heres why I'm asking a question

I downloaded 'messenger' app
All OK, no probs
Connected back to the PC, and now I get
274GB free of 512GB

So downloading ONE app, has taken 46GB of storage....Yikes!!!!

Any advice (apart from sending the phone back)

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Which phone? You generally can't see all of the system and app files using the PC -- only data files.

I would recommend using a good file manager app on the phone instead, like Total Commander or Files by Google.

This wasn't a phone you got from a site like Wish, right?

 

[joeldf]

Is this internal memory, or an SD card you are looking at?

The phone may tell you the full size of internal memory, but the PC rarely does. On a PC, you usually only see the User Partition size (the only part you can directly access) and none of the 5 to sometimes up to 50 (depending on the phone) partitions that you don't see, nor can you navigate to with a PC. Even Total Commander can't see the Recovery, System or Vendor partitions taking up some of that memory.

On my S20 FE for example, the My Files app shows the total 128GB internal memory that I have. But, connected to my PC, and the Windows File Manager says my internal memory total is 107GB.

Now, a sudden 46GB drop after just one app install is a bit strange.

 

[B. Diddy]

Now, a sudden 46GB drop after just one app install is a bit strange.

I agree. The fact that this is a "12 GB RAM and 512 GB internal storage" phone, but without the OP actually saying which phone it is, makes me strongly suspect this is one of those super-bogus "flagship" phones advertised on Wish where all of the specs are bald-faced lies (like the "Huawai Mate 45 Pro" or the "Galazy S31 Plus").:-\