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Device Memory vs Total Internal Memory

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ParishL31

Android Enthusiast
So after researching a bit, I can't really figure out what "Device Memory" is. The one it shows when you go to Settings -> Application Manager.

I have a 16GB S2, and I have about 2GB overall in "Device Memory". Is it just out of that 16GB only 2GB are available for apps? Also, I recently deleted three apps about 40-50MB in size and the "Device Memory" actually used up even more. I thought with deleting the actual app, and all the save data that came with those apps it would decrease it?

I think I've ran out of Device Memory before and it wouldn't let me install anymore apps and made me delete some and free up space before. It was a long time ago, however I'm just confused since I just uninstalled three pretty big apps and the Device Memory was untouched, and actually got worst.

I'm just kind of confused to what Device Memory actually is. Is it for save data, actual apps, or what? And is it correct that out of your overall internal memory, only a small set amount is set aside for apps, in my case ~2GB out of 16GB total?

If someone could explain to me, what is affected by Device Memory, what it stores and how getting a 32GB vs a 16GB would benefit Device Memory. I have plenty of SD storage for pictures, movies, and such but I'm just wondering about Device Memory specifically.

Thanks in advanced.
 
This should explain.
Frisco said:
Device memory stores system stuff and your apps etc. USB memory is the mass storage for all your pictures and music, and for whatever else your apps might need space for proper operation.

Actually, they behave more like partitions (being Linux based).

There are apps in Play Store which are capable of moving some things from internal storage to the external removable sd card.

Helps to be rooted.. then your options open up a bit more.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks. Just noticed I posted this in the wrong forum too, feel free to move it mods and thanks/sorry. Also does getting a 32GB increase the "partition" over a 16GB version?

*edit* Also is the device memory just for save data? Or does it also store the actual App too?
 
It's for the actual application itself. However, some games require you to download an additional file (like Gameloft's version of GTA. I can't remember the name..) that is downlaoded to your actual usb memory.

I don't believe getting a 32GB version increases the amount of device memory. You can, however, move apps to your USB storage/external sd card.
 
So is the only purpose of getting a phone with larger internal memory only for media storage? The storage allowed for apps is just fixed based on phone models and is the same regardless of internal storage size?

Sorry to keep asking so many questions, just want to be sure I don't need to get a larger phone and pay more when I don't need it when I upgrade next.
 
What Android version are you on? When I upgraded my Tab from 3.1 to 4.0.4, the partition vanished and I became able to use the entire 16GB of storage for apps.
 
chanchan05 said:
What Android version are you on? When I upgraded my Tab from 3.1 to 4.0.4, the partition vanished and I became able to use the entire 16GB of storage for apps.
Click to expand...

I'm on an S2 with 4.1.2 (official update and completely stock). That's weird though. I still have like 700mb out of 2GB on my partition free, I was just curious for when I pick up the S4. Hopefully the S4 has the "no partition" thing like your Tab does.
 
ParishL31 said:
I'm on an S2 with 4.1.2 (official update and completely stock). That's weird though. I still have like 700mb out of 2GB on my partition free, I was just curious for when I pick up the S4. Hopefully the S4 has the "no partition" thing like your Tab does.
Click to expand...

I don't think it has a partition. The S3 and S3 mini has no partitions.
 
The S2 partitions are a legacy of it originally being a Gingerbread device.

Remember though that you get less space than it says on the label. "16GB" is really 14.9 binary GB, and then there's space used for system software. I'd expect a 16GB S4 to have less than 10GB available to the user (plus SD, but you can't move apps there). A lot more than you have, but only you know whether it's enough for you. With these newer devices you do get more app storage if you buy a higher capacity one (when available).
 
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