Why do phones slow down DESPITE hard resets??

[jdoggg12]

I had a Droid Incredible and now have a Galaxy Nexus. With both phones, the phone gradually became slower and slower over time, even after a reset. (Don't get me wrong, it's always faster after a reset, but not as fast as it was new, or even after the previous reset) Now I know the counter to this, in most cases is/are any of the following:

-Did you update the software? (ie go from 4.3 to 4.4)
-Did you have a ton of apps installed? (widgets, background processes, etc)
-Physical damage to the device?

And I tried to counter these by keeping a consistent number/selection of apps installed on the phone and almost always factory reset then tested the responsiveness before updating to a new/different Android version.

At one point in time, I cracked the screen on my GNex and got it replaced. Before getting it replaced, I reset to factory and noted the responsiveness (keeping an eye on the apps that were installed/re-installed). I then sent the phone back (headset insurance) and noted the speed (it was the same android version). It was noticeably faster after configuring and installing apps to parity with the old phone.

Is it a hardware degradation issue? If so, which parts would be breaking down?? I've reset this GNex 3 times now... and at this point, there are pauses of up to 5 seconds between screen transitions, ie while waiting for apps to transition or just going from texts to the home screen. On my PC, a fresh windows install gets it back to like-new. I don't get it...

I'm looking to get a new phone soon and am looking at only the fastest devices because I know this'll probably happen again when that device is 1-2+ years old too. It's just frustrating and I want to understand.

 

[vi edit]

It's not parts, it's how solid state memory is handled.

There's a function called "TRIM" that can help tidy that up.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/android-4-3-supports-trim/#!28BvA

 

[cronos]

Factory reset doesn't (usually?) roll back updates, so if you already took an update, factory resetting won't get you the exact same condition as it was brand new.

Also, have you tried the speed and responsiveness before installing a lot of apps? When your phone was new it likely didn't have 25 apps immediately installed right after you turned it on for the first time, so make sure after your first boot and you added your account, *don't* let all the apps reinstalled again automatically. Install them one by one, and every two apps or so test the speed/responsiveness. Maybe it's just one or a few apps that's the culprit. Also, automatic backup (G+ or others) will scour your phone looking for stuff if you have it on. Don't turn these type of things on yet if you wanted to compare the performance with the phone when it was 'brand new'.

I was going to talk about TRIM as well, but see above.

 

[jdoggg12]

I know updates don't roll back. I'm on Verizon so it's not like I get any anyway. TRIM wasn't helpful on my GNEX because the 4.2 -> 4.3 update slowed down the phone's overall speed.

As for testing the speed and responsiveness before installing apps... I've had the same 10-12 apps for years now. I started using them on the DInc and I've used them on the GNex ever since. The phone works just fine very early, then declines...

Here's a link I found, relating to both of the devices I own currently GNexus and Nexus 7 https://plus.google.com/+JasonHowell/posts/TZDKYhgfL9U

The reddit article that the above article links to http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/com...er_the_nexus_7_has_gone_from_the_best/cal74i1

 

[teejee]

Another thing, apps are getting larger and more complex. You are not running the same apps you did two years ago.

 

[pmark]

I've noticed this too with my S3 but haven't been able to pinpoint what is causing it. I keep on closing apps, but the phone is still so slow now. Clicking on an icon and then waiting several seconds for it to open is now a normal occurrence.

 

[jdoggg12]

I guess the answer is "Software makes the hardware suck" and anything installed on the device will eventually make so slow it's unbearable. Good to know. /s

 

[Bateluer]

I guess the answer is "Software makes the hardware suck" and anything installed on the device will eventually make so slow it's unbearable. Good to know. /s

Shrug. Apps grow to utilize the available hardware. And 2014 apps are easily going to bog down the 2009 era Incredible. Even the Galaxy Nexus will feel the pinch now.

 

[Harabec]

My Galaxy Nexus has slowed down after a year and a half of use...enough for me to notice. Not just 2014 apps but other stuff like loading SMS messages and the phone app itself.

I guess smartphones these days are just toys to be thrown away after 2-3 years.

 

[s44]

My Galaxy Nexus has slowed down after a year and a half of use...enough for me to notice. Not just 2014 apps but other stuff like loading SMS messages and the phone app itself.

Run the TRIM app (root required):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grilledmonkey.lagfix

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I think the bottom line is that your GNex is just too slow for this day and age.

I know people keep mentioning TRIM, but even TRIM won't save you in many cases. If the Nand is just slow to begin with, then the device will feel slow.

I have an OPO here, and while a Snapdragon 801 is barely faster than an 800 on my Nexus 5, the OPO feels significantly smoother. Both phones are running CyanogenMod (though the OPO is running CM11S). I'm speculating the Nexus 5 is poorly optimized.

 

[sweenish]

TRIM makes an appreciable difference on the GNex.

It's still old hardware, but you will notice the difference. It sounds like they already have 4.3 installed to it, so a third party app isn't necessary.

I'm surprised to hear them say 4.3 slowed the phone down over 4.2.2. 4.2 was a bit of a mess. I liked the stuff it added, but it was a bit of a sloppy release. 4.3 was much improved and was the first release where Google specifically focused on getting Android slimmed down.

If it wasn't the Shiny Rom, it's not 4.3's fault.

Also, having a bajillion texts without ever cleaning up the database will kill any phone. Toggle the option so that old messages get deleted.

 

[gmaster456]

The Gnex Nand is pretty flaky, much like the 1st gen Nexus 7. Trim will help, but it doesn't fix slow flash storage. Couple that with the fast that the Galaxy Nexus is pretty old in smartphone years and isn't exactly a speed demon, and the product is a phone that is pretty slow all around.

 

[AstroManLuca]

I switched from a Galaxy Nexus to a Windows phone for this very reason.

I actually went from the GNex to a Lumia 521 (similar dual core CPU, but half the RAM) and it felt significantly faster. I've since upgraded to a Lumia 810, which has 1 GB of RAM, and it's so fast and fluid.

I don't ask for much out of my phone, so I'd much rather have it to five or six things really smoothly than do everything slowly.