Samsung RAM Plus - Why I Turned Mine Off & Why You Should Too!
Samsung’s RAM Plus is a feature introduced with One UI to help extend the available RAM on your Galaxy devices by using a portion of internal storage as virtual memory. On paper, this sounds like a revolutionary feature, especially for users running resource-intensive apps. However, after thorough testing, I decided to turn off RAM Plus on my Samsung device, and here’s why you might want to do the same. Let’s dive into the details to understand the pros, cons, and alternatives.
What is Samsung RAM Plus?
RAM Plus is Samsung’s virtual memory feature that allocates a portion of your device’s internal storage to act as additional RAM. For example, if your phone has 8GB of physical RAM and uses 4GB of RAM Plus, your device technically operates as if it has 12GB of total memory.
This feature is enabled by default on most Samsung devices running One UI 4.1 and above, and while it’s useful in some scenarios, it may not be the optimal solution for everyone.
Why Did I Turn Off RAM Plus?
After experimenting with RAM Plus for a few weeks, I realized that it wasn’t as beneficial as advertised. Here are the primary reasons why I turned it off:
1. Performance Did Not Improve Significantly
- Virtual memory is inherently slower than physical RAM since it relies on the device’s internal storage. Even though Samsung uses fast UFS storage, it still can’t match the speed of dedicated RAM.
- For daily tasks like social media, video playback, and light multitasking, the additional RAM offered by RAM Plus didn’t translate into noticeable performance improvements.
2. Increased Wear and Tear on Storage
- Internal storage has a finite number of write cycles, and using it as RAM increases the frequency of read/write operations. Over time, this can contribute to faster storage degradation.
- Considering this, disabling RAM Plus can help prolong the lifespan of your device.
3. High-End Devices Don’t Need It
- If you’re using a Samsung flagship device like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold5, the built-in RAM (12GB or more) is more than enough to handle heavy apps and games.
- Enabling RAM Plus in such scenarios is redundant and offers no real-world advantage.
4. Slower App Launch Times
- While RAM Plus tries to keep more apps in memory, the speed of accessing apps stored in virtual memory was noticeably slower. This defeated the purpose of having additional RAM.
5. Power Consumption
- Virtual memory usage can slightly increase power consumption due to the higher demands on storage and processing power. Turning off RAM Plus helped me conserve battery life, especially during extended usage sessions.
How to Turn Off RAM Plus on Your Samsung Device
If you’ve decided to disable RAM Plus on your device, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
- Select Battery and Device Care: Tap on "Battery and Device Care" to access related features.
- Choose Memory: Under Memory, look for the RAM Plus option.
- Disable RAM Plus: Toggle the feature off or reduce the amount of virtual memory allocated.
Note: Not all Samsung devices allow you to disable RAM Plus completely. On some models, you can only reduce the allocated virtual memory size.
Who Should Keep RAM Plus Enabled?
While RAM Plus has its downsides, it can be useful in specific scenarios. Here’s who might benefit from keeping it turned on:
1. Mid-Range and Budget Device Users
- Devices like the Galaxy A14 or Galaxy M13, which come with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, can benefit from the extra memory to handle multitasking and background processes.
2. Heavy Multitaskers
- If you regularly switch between resource-intensive apps like video editors, gaming apps, and productivity tools, RAM Plus might prevent these apps from being killed in the background.
3. Gaming Enthusiasts
- Mobile gamers playing games like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact might find the additional RAM helpful to maintain smooth gameplay and reduce stuttering.
Alternatives to RAM Plus for Boosting Performance
If you decide to turn off RAM Plus, here are a few alternatives to enhance your device's performance:
1. Optimize Device Performance
- Regularly clear background apps and cache to free up memory.
- Use the Device Care feature in the Settings app to optimize performance.
2. Uninstall Unused Apps
- Identify and remove apps you no longer use to free up storage and RAM.
3. Update Your Software
- Keep your device updated to the latest One UI version for improved RAM management and performance.
4. Upgrade Your Device
- If your device is struggling with performance even after disabling RAM Plus, it might be time to consider upgrading to a device with more physical RAM.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider Turning Off RAM Plus
Samsung’s RAM Plus is a clever solution for devices with limited RAM, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all feature. After extensive testing, I found it unnecessary for high-end devices and users with moderate multitasking needs. Turning it off not only improved my overall experience but also helped conserve my device’s storage health and battery life.
That said, if you’re using a budget or mid-range device, RAM Plus might still be worth keeping enabled. Ultimately, the decision depends on your usage patterns and the type of device you own. Test it for yourself, and decide what works best for you.
FAQ: Samsung RAM Plus
1. Does RAM Plus Make My Device Faster?
- Not necessarily. On high-end devices, the performance gains are negligible, while mid-range devices might see some improvement in multitasking.
2. Can I Completely Turn Off RAM Plus?
- On most Samsung devices running One UI 5.1 and later, you can reduce or disable RAM Plus. However, some budget models may not offer a complete disable option.
3. Does RAM Plus Use a Lot of Battery?
- RAM Plus can marginally increase battery consumption due to higher storage activity, but the impact is minimal.
4. Will Disabling RAM Plus Delete My Data?
- No, disabling RAM Plus does not affect your data. It simply stops using storage as virtual memory.
By understanding how RAM Plus works and assessing your device’s performance needs, you can make an informed choice about whether to keep this feature enabled or not. For me, the decision to turn it off has been a game-changer—simplifying my experience and ensuring my device remains efficient for years to come!