Xiaomi Working on a Memory Extension Feature For MIUI

Xiaomi could soon release the Extended RAM feature. The MIUI code includes the mention of “Extended RAM”, which is yet to be implemented.

Most smartphone these days offer enough RAM to ensure seamless multi-tasking and gaming. Even the budget smartphones come with at least 4GB to 6GB of RAM while more performance-heavy phones have 12GB and even 16GB RAM options.

Yet, users face lags and often complain about performance related issues. The smartphone makers are trying to find ways to counter this problem. Vivo had added a virtual RAM feature on its recently launched X60 series and now, Xiaomi is believed to be working on a similar solution.

Xiaomi tipster Kacper Skrzypek discovered references to a memory extension feature in MIUI. He even shared a screenshot of the custom Android skin to confirm the presence of this feature which can arrive on future Xiaomi phones.

The feature works similar to Vivo’s virtual RAM. It basically allocates some storage towards RAM to handle multi-tasking. The concept has existed on PCs for some time now.

However, even this feature has its limitations. The phone can allocate only limited storage towards RAM.

On Vivo X60 series, the system was capable of extending the RAM by 3GB. So, the 8GB RAM variant would automatically become a 11GB RAM variant while the 12GB RAM variant would help deliver 15GB RAM experience. Vivo notes that the feature enables a “smoother system user experience,” such as multitasking between more apps.

It will be interesting to see if Xiaomi reserves this feature for one of its more premium smartphones or adds it to MIUI across devices. The latter would definitely benefit a lot of users running older Xiaomi smartphones. They will be able to extend the phone’s life and get better performance without having to spend on a new device.

Interestingly, the company is planning to introduce the latest version of MIUI in India. The software update was announced earlier this year and is confirmed to run on next Redmi Note phone. Xiaomi hasn’t revealed the name of this phone but it is likely to be the Redmi Note 10S. The smartphone maker shared an image of the retail box of the phone which confirms the presence of MIUI 12.5 on it. The phone can be launched in the country sometime soon.

It is unlikely that the RAM extension feature makes its way to MIUI 12.5 though.

April 30, 2021