Help Memory usage on Samsung Galaxy Nexus

[MikeMyers]

I have three questions about memory usage in the Samsung Galaxy Nexus:

I'm wondering how my memory is used on my Galaxy Nexus. I know that on my computer, lots of things including pictures and websites are stored in "cache" memory, so that when I want to see them again, the page loads more quickly.
Is the same true for Android?

Let's say yesterday I viewed 1,000 pictures that might have been in applications, in news stories, on web pages, etc. Are all of them stored in memory? If so,
how much memory is allocated for that purpose, and
how long does this information remain on the phone, and
how do I delete all of it if I wish to?


I see in the specifications that after deleting a lot of things to try to free up space, under STORAGE my total space is 13.3 gigs, and I now have 8.9 gigs available, and (app data & media content) is using 1.9 gigs, and "Cached data" is using 1.3 gigs. Under "Apps - show cached processes" I see that I am using 578 megs of RAM, and have 111 megs free. My GNEX is running "sluggishly", maybe because 100 or so megs of free RAM is not enough. I have downloaded and installed "App Cache Cleaner Pro". If I understand this correctly, I can click on this, and all the information stored in cache will be deleted, freeing up all my RAM memory as if this was a new phone. Are there any disadvantages to doing this?​

 

[Tim K]

You CAN clear cache if you feel your phone is sluggish but android OS manages memory as it needs it. Most people "in the know" don't recommend it and say to let android do its job. I've read opinions saying that too much free memory can have a negative effect on performance as everything needs to reload.

Personally, if things are really bogged down I'll clear a program in the background... But I don't make a habit of it

 

[tube517]

I clear cache all the time and it helps a lot.


Task killers are not recommended because it just makes the phone work harder and are not necessary as Android manages the apps on its own.

 

[Petrah]

Short explanation of Android Memory usage for new people

If the phone feels a bit sluggish, clear the cache. Depending on how much I use different apps on my phone will depend on how often I clear the cache. Most times just once a week or less.

I've been using the option to clear the cache ever since Google added it to the settings menu, and have never once had any negative effects from it.

I know you didn't mention anything about task killers, but thought this post explaining how Android does things would be of use to you, and it should shed some light on other questions you may have.

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/335110-why-you-dont-need-task-killer.html#post2681361

 

[sangu4android]

A

 

[rizzer]

i posted something similar at xda forums, no response, my question is your question just worded a little different, based on responses, i think it is what it is with our aging gnex

Hi guys, so my 3 year old Gnex VZW verison has served me well but I find it just chokes itself so quickly (ram free under 100mb) so I need your help! I have gone back to 4.2.2 stock (rooted and xposed framework) and this is what I find happening,,

In no time flat, 25 apps/services are loaded in memory, I have tried Advanced task Killer, Greenify, smartbooster and none really do the trick. My pain in the butt combination of apps getting stuck in recents menu that I have to clear manually, then advance task kill then greenify just to prevent the Nexus from chocking itself is a chore.

My gnex cannot be the only one that chokes so hard so fast, at no time does it ever have more than 300mb ram free (even after fresh boot) and after just a few minutes of use i'm choking at just under 100mb (to the point things take for ever to load until I clear, clear, clear), so help me obi-wan kenobi, you're my only hope!

Thanks guys!
riz

p.s. i have also used LagFix (fstrim) too