What to know
- Android is introducing support for 16 KB page size to boost performance.
- The feature is currently available in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 1 under Developer options.
- Wider rollout expected in the near future for compatible devices.
Google has announced that Android is gearing up to support 16 KB page size, a change that promises to deliver a noticeable performance boost to compatible devices.
This cutting-edge feature is currently making waves in the Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 1 release. For the curious and tech-savvy, the option to enable this performance enhancer can be found nestled within the Developer options menu on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
This early access gives developers and beta testers a chance to experience the improvements firsthand and provide valuable feedback.
Going from 4 KB page to 16 KB page sizes is more than about numbers. As Google explains:
“Most CPUs today support a 4 KB page size and so the Android OS and applications have historically been built and optimized to run with a 4 KB page size. ARM CPUs support the larger 16 KB page size. When Android uses this larger page size, we observe an overall performance boost of 5-10% while using ~9% additional memory”.
The developers blog also went on to mention that it will give manufacturers the ability to choose between 4 KB or 16 KB page sizes on Android 15.
It represents a fundamental shift in how Android manages memory, potentially leading to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and an overall more responsive user experience. By optimizing memory allocation, Android devices could see improved efficiency in how they handle various tasks and applications.
While the feature is still in its testing phase, the Android team is working diligently to ensure its stability and effectiveness. The goal is to roll out this performance boost to a wider audience in the near future, bringing the benefits of 16 KB page sizes to compatible Android devices across the board.
As Android continues to evolve, this latest development showcases Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile performance. Users can look forward to a future where their devices work smarter, not harder, thanks to innovations like the 16 KB page size support.
Stay tuned for more updates as this feature progresses from beta to a full release, potentially revolutionizing the Android experience for millions of users worldwide.
