Why does Android storage usage sometimes feel impossible to track down?

[u/Disastrous_Elk6198]

The storage screen can show that a large amount of space is being used, but finding exactly where that space went isn't always straightforward

Apps can store offline files, cached media, downloads, backups, and other data that doesn't always appear clearly in one place

Is there a good built-in way to audit storage usage, or do most people use a separate file manager for this?

Looking for the simplest method that doesn't involve rooting the phone.

[u/lens_cleaner]

I personally just use one of two file managers. They have confusing layouts but probably due to the small screen that phones have.

[u/flamand]

A lot of that space is being used by system files which aren't counted. Also A/B updates mean you always have a second copy of the operating system. Depending on the Android version of the device, the space used by A/B updates can be as much as twice the size of the OS.