Root App2SD Vs Link2SD

[GracePa]

Hi All,

Which one of these is better for saving internal memory? I have both on my phone, and if one does a better job at keep my internal mem low so I can add more apps, that's the way I'd like to go.

Thanks,
The NoobGirl

 

[AndyOpie150]

Link2SD requires a 1-2GB partition formatted to FAT32, est.2, ext.3, or ext.4 (FAT 32 will work on all ROM's but the others might not work on some). After the partition is made you can move apps that are normal designed to be on the phone to the SD card and then link them to the phone(hence the word Link in the name). With Link2SD I have 151 downloaded apps now on the sd card and linked to the phone. I still have 120MB of space left on the Internal memory and 232MB of free RAM.
App2SD only allows you to move those apps that can be moved to the SD card by the Developer. Those not allowed by the Developers won't work right or won't move to the SD card at all.

You Have to be Rooted to use Link2SD.
For more info check out the two Link2SD guides in the All Things Root Guide sticky

 

[sushifor5]

I second Andy's recommendation. I rooted expressly so I could use Link2sd and i love it! Saves oodles of internal space. I bought a bigger micro sd card (16gb) so I could partition for my links and still have lots of space for music/videos. I've been very pleased.

 

[TnIan]

I just repartitioned my SD card with an ext partition for link2sd to use, and everything seems to work as intended, but I don't quite understand the finer points of link2sd.

Here's a link2sd screenshot showing a large-ish app I moved: http://yoki.com/files/link2sd.jpg

Everything except data is linked (apk, dex, lib). I presume this means all that stuff was copied to sd-ext and symbolic links to them were created in the appropriate places in the phone's internal memory.

So why is there a "Move to SD card" button on this screen? Why would you want to do that? What would happen if you did?

Also, is there a way to view the contents of the ext partition? Root Explorer lists an /sd-ext directory (or partition, not sure which), but there doesn't seem to be anything in it.

And what does "ext" mean in this context? Extended? External? Excitable?

 

[AndyOpie150]

Extended.
If you have a Linux Distro it should let you see these files which Windows can't see because the partition is a logic and not a primary. The File explorers for the Android System are just not set up to read this partition.

For the best info on Link2SD go to "Link2SD and You" in the All Things Root Guide sticky.

 

[TnIan]

Thanks; I did read the "Link2SD and You," but I'm still a little confused.

I did set up that partition as a "primary" when I partitioned it via ADB, but I may be misunderstanding the terminology. What's that /sd-ext item I see in Root Explorer?

Also, do you know why there'd be that "Move to SD" button in the screenshot above? I'm still puzzled as to why anyone would do that, having already moved the app to SD with the link method.

 

[Earthnfire78]

Thanks; I did read the "Link2SD and You," but I'm still a little confused.

I did set up that partition as a "primary" when I partitioned it via ADB, but I may be misunderstanding the terminology. What's that /sd-ext item I see in Root Explorer?

Also, do you know why there'd be that "Move to SD" button in the screenshot above? I'm still puzzled as to why anyone would do that, having already moved the app to SD with the link method.

The sd-ext directory is linked that is why you see the folder in Root Explorer, though the files maybe hidden. The move to SD is is build into the framework of the ROM that is why you see, plus some people way still want the option to move apps there.

 

[AndyOpie150]

The partition should be a logic not a primary. The primary is where the phone will put folders made by apps, downloads, music, photo's, etc.
The best way to partition the SD card is in the phone, using a custom recovery (makes the logic partition an ext.3). If you want a different ext. format, then use a utility program on the computer, after.
This will wipe all data off SD card, so backup data on the computer so you can transfer back after done. This is best done with the SD card in the phone and phone plugged into computer. Less chance of system errors.

 

[tli]

The partition should be a logic not a primary. ...

:hmmmm2: This contradicts MacFett's instruction according to his tutorial:

http://androidforums.com/optimus-v-all-things-root/364833-link2sd-you-tutorial.html

I've created, and been using without any issue, a primary partition for Link2SD via the MiniTool Partition Wizard as recommended in that tutorial. However, I chose the more robust EXT3 file structure over FAT32 as he'd instructed. FYI.

 

[AndyOpie150]

I'm using a 2.28GB ext.3 partition made with the recovery. My apps open faster then ever before.
I had used a FAT32 in the past, but apps didn't open near as fast.
Note: Most of the IHO and ICS ROM's use ext.3 very well.

 

[RiffRaffAK]

Also, do you know why there'd be that "Move to SD" button in the screenshot above? I'm still puzzled as to why anyone would do that, having already moved the app to SD with the link method.

I'm still looking for the answer to TnIan's quoted question. Is there ANY benefit to "moving" an app to the SD card as allowed by the developer? Or does Link2SD save me more internal memory by creating a link to the app on the SD. I have read all the above and the guide. When I work with the apps on my phone sometimes Link2SD seems to lose internal memory. I just don't understand the actual mechanism transpiring. But I trust this board so I am just trying to confirm that even tho Link2SD gives me the developers option to "Move to SD" I am better off creating a link.

Thanks in advance,
RiffRaffAK

 

[AndyOpie150]

It will allow you to move more apps that would normally have to be on the system storage. It creates a small link in the system to the app on the SD card. This free's up more space on the system storage.
You can use the recovery to create a 2GB partition that is required for Links2SD.

 

[RiffRaffAK]

Thanks AndyOpie for your quick reply, but it doesn't address the actual question I am trying to ask. I have installed Link2SD and used it to success for over a month. This means I have already partitioned my SD card as per the guide. My question is that as I enhance the power of my rooted OV I am again in a situation where I want more, bigger apps. Many of these new apps have the capacity to be "moved" to the SD. I have tried both methods and it is NOT clear to me. I downloaded a BIG app and "moved" it to the SD card with 80MB internal remaining. Then to try to answer my question, I moved it back to the phone and created a "link" and only had 78MB available.

Simply put: Do I use more internal memory if I "move" the app to the SD or if I "link" it to the SD. If it is the latter then could someone possibly explain in noob terminology what the difference is? It might additionally be beneficial to add to the guide thread.

 

[AndyOpie150]

Duh! Now I gotcha. I'll compare. I have a backup that has everything on the SD card using just App2SD. On this ROM everything is on the partition using Link2SD. I'm pretty sure the Link2SD is the one that saves the most internal storage space. Get back to you tomorrow with results.

 

[AndyOpie150]

Totally forgot. Sorry.
In answer: Link2SD wins hands down.
I did notice a slightly bigger drop in RAM, but that can be brought back up with Fast Reboot .
Link2SD also allows my apps to open up a whole lot quicker.