With more details of Android 11 coming out as we march towards the final release of Android 11 this week we got a hint of what Google has planned for low RAM devices. What’s really changed is the definition of low RAM, which is now 2 GB or less.
Any device shipping with Android 11, or shipping with Android 10 later than Q4 2020 that has 2GB or less of system RAM will now be Android Go Edition devices. Found listed in the “Android 11 Go edition Device Configuration Guide” published in April 2020 the following guidance was provided:
- 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
You may have noted the very first point, going forward and device with 512MB of RAM or less will no longer be eligible to run Google Mobile Services, and thus Android. So we can say goodbye to any official Android device with 512 MB of RAM or less.
With the lower end market being equally as important as the more flashy higher end devices it’s good to see Google taking a guiding hand with the ecosystem.
What about AndroidOne devices?
Where do they fit into this decree from Google?
That’s a very good question