The latest version of Chrome 89 brought an extremely useful upgrade for a number of Android users: an official 64-bit version of the browser used by Google Expectations is “up to 8.5% faster when loading pages and 28% more fluid when scrolling and input latency”.
Before you get too excited, however, you should know that there are a few frames you need to jump through in order to benefit from this more powerful browser. First of all, you need to be running Chrome 89. So make sure you’ve visited the Google Play Store and have updated your browser (and other apps while you’re there).
Second, your device must be running at least Android 10. If you’re not sure if this is the case, visit the System Update section of your Settings app (System> Advanced> System Update on my particular pixel) to see if there are any pending updates. To check the version of Android your device is running on, visit the About section of your phone, probably in the Settings app, and look for the following information:
Finally, your Android device must have at least 8 GB of memory to use the 64-bit Chrome browser. If you’ve forgotten how much yours has, take a look at the specs. You can also enable Developer Options (by desperately tapping the “Build Number” in the “About” section of your phone’s settings) and then going System> Advanced> Developer Options;; Your phone’s memory should be listed there. (At least that’s where I found it on my Pixel.)
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If you’re as lazy as I am, you can just start Chrome on your Android device and type chrome: // in the address bar.
Unfortunately not a 64-bit version for me – my Pixel 3a XL is finally showing its age. However, a different story is told on my souped-up Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G:
Splendid. Bring up the speed.
