CPU or RAM: How do You Stop Your Phone from Lagging?

By Carrie Tsai, Last Updated: November 12, 2019

The slow phone or computer has always been a headache for most people, especially for Android users. What is the reason behind that? Many may say the RAM. But is that always the case?

As a matter of fact, the laggy phone’s situation is similar to PC running slow, which has something to do with the processor, RAM and the local storage. But we will not mention local memory here since it depends on personal storage files. So the culprit seems remain in the processor or RAM.

Before we explain it further, there is a need to understand the role of processor and running memory respectively.

Processor

Just as a computer has a central processing unit, CPU, which is mainly responsible for the integration of internal data, mobile phone also has a processor. But the difference is that the processor of phone not only includes CPU but also GPU, which is able to integrate the data inside the phone and process the audio.

For those who is keen on playing games, a better processor is preferable otherwise the game experience will be awful.

RAM

The RAM (ramdom access memory) of the mobile phone is almost the same as that of the computer, both of which is internal storage responsible for exchanging data with the processor. And they are commonly used to load various data and programs to facilitate the operation of processor.

When the CPU is working, if the running memory range is exceeded, your phone will become laggy. So RAM determines the smoothness of the mobile phone to a large extent.

But which one has the greater impact on your phone lag? We should consider it in two cases: new phone and after using for a while.

For the new device, it is processor that plays a greater role on the slow phone. Since the smartphone is just put into use and there is no so much software and booting memory will not take up too much space. In this case, the running speed has a lot to do with the processor, regardless of whether the storage is 4G, 8G or 12G.

In addition, the open software base is small, which will take up no more than 4G, then the advantage of large RAM is not so obvious and the mobile phone is more affected by the processor.

After your mobile phone has been used for a while, the speed of your phone will be affected by both.

Since Android system is an open source system, frequent installation and uninstallation will inevitably accumulate a large amount of residue in the mobile phone and they will not be automatically deleted even the app has been uninstalled.

As the use of the mobile phone becomes longer, there will be an increasing number of apps for Android system and the useless processes and trash generated during the use process will gradually increase.

In that case, a mobile phone with only 4G RAM will be stretched while the 8G and 12G one will enjoy the smoothness. As the usage time increases, the lag should be explained by a combination of processor and RAM.

Deceleration caused by hardware

In addition to the two points mentioned above, the hardware components such as processor, memory and flash memory should not be neglected when it comes to the phone or computer running slow.

In fact, the hardware are interconnected by different types of semiconductors and conductors, therefore physical aging is inevitable in long-term use.

There are still many hardware units that cause oxidation if the package is not so well. Accidental bumping and falling of the mobile phone may also cause damage. Though it does not affect the use, it is easy to cause the corresponding driver and upper service to work abnormally.

Moreover, the aging of contacts is also likely to lead to an increase in the energy consumption and the heating will trigger the CPU to reduce the frequency and cause the system to slow down.

In sum, both processor and RAM have an impact on the fluency of the mobile phone. If you want the phone to run smoothly, make sure that neither side drop the ball at the last minute.

The mobile phone manufactures will also take these two factors into consideration in order to improve user experience, but generally speaking, the higher performance of the processor, the larger the RAM is.

And here are some tips for speeding up the smartphone. caused by hardware

Develop good using habits

It is important to have good habits if you want to prolong you mobile phone lifespan. It is recommended to scan the phone for trash and delete it on a regular basis. It is also necessary to speed up the memory and back up data for factory reset when needed.

Install unbundled software or apps

You had better install the app with pure function and make sure that it does not bundle other software. For instance, when you install an app, your mobile phone may automatically start to install the accessory products, which is terrible.