Even in 2020, we still have a number of phones that make do with 2GB or lesser RAM. Google reworked its app and software as part of its Android Go project, just to better support these low-end devices – which it believes will help Android bring the next billion people on board in countries like India. However, Android go didn’t really take off. A new leak states that Google will soon make it compulsory for phones that ship with 2GB RAM or lesser.
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Folks at XDA Developers got their hands on a leaked Android document that reveals that Google is gearing to bring a few changes in low-RAM devices. To be implemented from the beginning of Q4 2020, all Android phones launching with Android 10 or Android 11 must have more than 2GB RAM. Nevertheless, mobile phones with 2GB RAM or less will have to ship with Android Go.
The new requirement that Google intends to implement are as follows:
- Beginning with Android 11, devices with 512MB RAM (including upgrades) are not qualified for preloading GMS.
- All new PRODUCTS launching with Android 11, if they have 2GB RAM or less, MUST return true for ActivityManager.isLowRamDevice() API, and launch as an Android Go device.
- Starting in Q4 2020, all new PRODUCTS launching with Android 10, if they have 2GB RAM or less, MUST return true for ActivityManager.isLowRamDevice() API, and launch as an Android Go device.
- Previously launched 2GB RAM devices in standard GMS configuration SHOULD NOT convert to Android Go configuration via MRs or letter upgrades. They will remain standard Android
What can an Android user infer from this? For consumers who are budget-focused can surely expect more Android Go smartphones in Q4 2020. FYI, when Android Go was launched back in 2017, it was recommended for phones with 1GB RAM or lower. Back then, it was just an intention while now Google plans to make to compulsory.
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The handset Reliance and Google are working together could also fall under this umbrella as well. Anyways, making Android Go mandatory on phones with limited resources seems like a move in the right direction. Heavy custom interfaces with preloaded apps bog down user experience on such entry-grade devices, which is why many affordable phone buyers in India still find feature phones more reliable.
