Is 4GB of RAM large enough for pixel 3 and XL

[WarBeagle]

First post!

I haven't read all the posts, but I'm with those who have mentioned optimization. The reason why, IMO, that Samsung and other OEMs are using 6GB is in part based on their customization of the OS. We all know Samsung loves to customize the UI and have their usual bloat.

So yes, as the UI gets more customized, it's likely more RAM will be needed to support said customization and also unnecessary apps. I'm no expert in resource allocation within an OS, but I understand try basics.

Google, with the Pixel line, are giving consumers as efficient and optimized OS as possible. What we do with it is on us. If we layer 3rd party widgets and skins and have 100 apps, well that's on us.

In short (too late), I believe 4GB is plenty to run the Pixel 3. It's similar with the iPhone. The XS Max is supposed to have 4GB as well. They don't need 6GB bc they have their OS pretty much locked down.

 

[anon(10092459)]

@WarBeagle Mighty fine first post! Welcome aboard.

 

[ndonnine]

First post!

I haven't read all the posts, but I'm with those who have mentioned optimization. The reason why, IMO, that Samsung and other OEMs are using 6GB is in part based on their customization of the OS. We all know Samsung loves to customize the UI and have their usual bloat.

So yes, as the UI gets more customized, it's likely more RAM will be needed to support said customization and also unnecessary apps. I'm no expert in resource allocation within an OS, but I understand try basics.

Google, with the Pixel line, are giving consumers as efficient and optimized OS as possible. What we do with it is on us. If we layer 3rd party widgets and skins and have 100 apps, well that's on us.

In short (too late), I believe 4GB is plenty to run the Pixel 3. It's similar with the iPhone. The XS Max is supposed to have 4GB as well. They don't need 6GB bc they have their OS pretty much locked down.

Solid answer. Also think Samsung treats their phones like gaming PCs where the "best stats" win!

 

[anon(10274434)]

@WarBeagle Mighty fine first post! Welcome aboard.

^^^THIS^^^

 

[Umbrokhan]

for the time being it's ok
if you want to keep your phone longer for future proofing then answer is No. need at least 6Gb or 8Gb

 

[fjd726]

Several here have mentioned a slow down with their 2XL's over the past year. Google has done anything this year that will change that as far as I can tell.

 

[djisia87]

My Pixel 2 XL still runs buttery smooth, I didn't have the problem that MKBHD had.

That's the reference I wanted to make too. I would think more tech reviewers make the same statement if it was a common thing.

 

[WarBeagle]

for the time being it's ok
if you want to keep your phone longer for future proofing then answer is No. need at least 6Gb or 8Gb

That is subjective. I'm running OG Pixel and it's faster than most of my co-workers who have Samsungs and other non-iOS devices. They have newer tech. Why is that ? Because Sammy is all about the "ooohs and ahhhs". Again, it's all dependent on the consumer. But a blanket statement that 6GB will future proof a device is not true. 8GB, that's a bit different, potentially.

I have a friend with 17" MacBook Pro from like 2012 or something. My laptop (PC 2015) has double his RAM, but his still out performs mine.

 

[chanchan05]

If a PC with 4GB RAM can run modded Skyrim, yes 4GB is enough. All this 6GB RAM thing is just allowing you to keep more stuff running in the background, and thus open apps faster since they're preloaded. But will it actually affect usage apart from that? I don't think so really. At least, it's not something I'd worry about.

 

[chezm]

I’m not worried, 4gb will be more than enough if optimized to the software which I’m sure it will be

 

[Mike Dee]

for the time being it's ok
if you want to keep your phone longer for future proofing then answer is No. need at least 6Gb or 8Gb

That's pure opinion and speculation.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

That's the reference I wanted to make too. I would think more tech reviewers make the same statement if it was a common thing.

Problem is most tech reviewers aren't using the phone for a year. But a lot of posts otherwise on Pixel 2 slowing down.

 

[Mike Dee]

Problem is most tech reviewers aren't using the phone for a year. But a lot of posts otherwise on Pixel 2 slowing down.

Right...... And lots of posts to the contrary

 

[Mike Dee]

Something I wonder about, if having more RAM let's us keep more apps open, wouldn't that also drain more battety keeping those apps open? I mean I'm sure it's in a lower powered state, but still, it should cause some draw.

As for 4GB of RAM not being enough, there are days when I've got a ton of apps sitting open in memory. As far as I know, when Android senses it doesn't have enough RAM to operate properly, it will kill the least used apps sitting open in memory to free up RAM. So more RAM just means it'll hold more apps open in memory. Isn't that howAndroid is supposed to work?

Technically no...ram uses power even if it's not being utilized so 6GB of RAM uses more than 4GB even standing still. It's a marginally small difference. An argument could be made that 6GB of RAM uses less power because less swapping occurs. In any event it's a minimal difference in either direction.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Right...... And lots of posts to the contrary

Also true, I never had an issue on mine.

 

[TraderGary]

I don't recall ever seeing an out-of-memory error on my 2 XL.

 

[milehigherik]

Does anyone honestly think that Google trying to solidify themselves as an up-and-coming smartphone manufacturer that can be reputable as heck would put something subpar out there after putting so much effort into it?

 

[anon(10092459)]

Does anyone honestly think that Google trying to solidify themselves as an up-and-coming smartphone manufacturer that can be reputable as heck would put something subpar out there after putting so much effort into it?

Say it again for the people in the back!

 

[Mike Dee]

Does anyone honestly think that Google trying to solidify themselves as an up-and-coming smartphone manufacturer that can be reputable as heck would put something subpar out there after putting so much effort into it?

There is just so much controversy and conjecture when it comes to Pixel phones. The way I see it they have just begun to scratch the surface. I can't wait to see what's ahead.

 

[benjamminh]

Does anyone honestly think that Google trying to solidify themselves as an up-and-coming smartphone manufacturer that can be reputable as heck would put something subpar out there after putting so much effort into it?

Notch aside,, the first two years the form factor of their phones was weak and some had screen issues. I'm sure with a clean UI and optimization 4gb of RAM is fine but I certainly don't but into the notion that Google doesn't make mistakes.