Questions about device and app storage

[rfduck]

Just upgraded from the Optimus V to the EVO V 4g. Main reason I switched was because of the Optimus' pathetic amount of storage space for apps (was down to 15%).

First thing I did on the new one was check the amount of internal space. It gave me 1.02 GB available out of a total of 1.1 GB. Of course the Virgin Mobile site (nor the user guide) gives any indication as to the size of the internal memory, but this review from Engadget: HTC EVO V 4G (Virgin Mobile USA) hands-on -- Engadget reports an internal storage size of 4 GB. Was that wrong?

So, I have set up my phone and reinstalled the apps I had on the previous one. I have also updated all the apps, which leads me to my next question: Why is it that, whenever I update apps, I lose storage space? Is this the way Android phones work, or is there a way to make sure updates simply replace the old app. To the best of my knowlege, app updates on my Acer Iconia tablet do NOT take up additional storage space.

Is there any way to get around this? I really don't want to run into another low storage issue simply because apps are updated. This is really frustrating. Any tips?

 

[koopakid08]

Just upgraded from the Optimus V to the EVO V 4g. Main reason I switched was because of the Optimus' pathetic amount of storage space for apps (was down to 15%).

First thing I did on the new one was check the amount of internal space. It gave me 1.02 GB available out of a total of 1.1 GB. Of course the Virgin Mobile site (nor the user guide) gives any indication as to the size of the internal memory, but this review from Engadget: HTC EVO V 4G (Virgin Mobile USA) hands-on -- Engadget reports an internal storage size of 4 GB. Was that wrong?

So, I have set up my phone and reinstalled the apps I had on the previous one. I have also updated all the apps, which leads me to my next question: Why is it that, whenever I update apps, I lose storage space? Is this the way Android phones work, or is there a way to make sure updates simply replace the old app. To the best of my knowlege, app updates on my Acer Iconia tablet do NOT take up additional storage space.

Is there any way to get around this? I really don't want to run into another low storage issue simply because apps are updated. This is really frustrating. Any tips?

There are 4 gigs of internal storage but 3 of them are taken for the OS.

Updates are bigger it's just a fact of life. Update usually = more code. More code = bigger app.

Sent from my HTC Evo V 4G

 

[twelfth]

Total flash on the phone (4GB) is split up into several partitions. That includes /system (which is read only by default) and /data (which is user writable and where your apps are stored)... When you update a stock app, Android cannot replace the file that is under /system because that partition is read only. Replacing the original stock version of the app would also break the ability to do a factory reset and restore the phone to stock condition.

So when you update a stock app, it goes under /data/app and eats up the space that you are allowed for on the phone's internal storage.

 

[rfduck]

Thanks for the explanation, twelfth. So how do Android users typically deal with that? Refrain from updating system apps? I generally think it's best to have the most up-to-date version of any software, whether on a phone or PC, but maybe that's different for Android. I still think it's odd that my Acer tablet doesn't seem to have the same behavior, and I've updated every app on that when updates come.

My phone is currently at 80% free, so I think I should be OK for a while, especially if I'm selective about what gets updated.

 

[jibby]

I think you should continue to update your apps, because they are usually updated to fix bugs. Bugs which could be draining battery, taking up additional space, or slowing your device.

When you get down to 15% available storage on the evo, you can worry then.. then probably fix it by uninstalling everything you don't use anymore.

Just like applications update, so do our needs.

Enjoy your phone, and stop worrying about possibly running out of storage space in a year.

 

[rfduck]

Haha thanks, I will do that. I'm probably still traumatized by my experiences with my Optimus.

 

[twelfth]

Haha thanks, I will do that. I'm probably still traumatized by my experiences with my Optimus.

I have over 230 apps installed on my phone and still have 811MB free. I wouldn't worry.

/sdcard is still used for apps that will install to that as well, and with ICS, some apps will DEFAULT to installing to the sdcard.

Also, if you have a stock app you don't ever want to update, much less, use, what you CAN do is disable them so that market/play never updates the app and causes it to eat up user storage.

Settings > Apps > All, find in the list, press on it, "Disable" button.

I have a list in this thread: http://forums.androidcentral.com/htc-v-4g-rooting-roms-hacks/181164-safe-remove-apps.html

Which ones are safe to disable. You can clear data and disabling it prevents it from being updated (and usable.)