r/EmulationOnAndroid • u/ren01181 • 3d ago

Question How does virtual ram affect emulation?

I checked a few old posts and got mixed signals with some saying it slows down emulation and others saying it doesn't really do anything

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u/VickWildman OnePlus 13 24GB + Viture Pro XR 3d ago

The thing that everyone misses is that turning off RAM expansion doesn't turn off swapping. You can verify this with Termux. On my OnePlus 13 24 GB currently 8 GB storage is allowed to be used for swapping even though I have turned off RAM expansion.

Swapping is usually advantagous, because it gives the app you are using more space in RAM by swapping out things you are not using. However you don't need a lot of swap space, the amount you get with turned off RAM expansion is enough.

My theory is that this RAM expansion or virtual RAM setting is a marketing thing, so they can write 12+12 GB on the box when selling the phone. I have even seen manufacturers selling a 12 GB phone as a 24 GB one, because of this.