The recent launch of Chrome 89 brought with it a super useful update for several Android users: an official 64-bit version of the browser, which Google claims it’s “up to 8.5% faster to load pages and 28% smoother when it comes to scrolling and input latency”.
Before you get too excited, however, know that there are some obstacles that you will have to overcome in order to benefit from this more robust browser. First you need to be running Chrome 89, so mMake sure to visit the Google Play Store and update your browser (and other apps, while you’re there).
Second, your device it needs be running Android 10 at a minimum. If you’re not sure if that’s the case, visit your Settings app System update section (System> Advanced> System update on my specific Pixel) to see if you have any pending updates. To check the version of Android your device is running on, visit the “About” section of your phone, probably within the Settings app, and look for something like this:
Finally, your Android device will need to have at least 8 GB of memory in order to use the 64-bit Chrome browser. If you forgot how much yours has, look for your specifications. You can also enable developer options (by tapping frantically on the “Version number” in the About section of your phone’s settings), then go to System> Advanced> Developer options; yYou should see your phone’s memory listed there. (At least that’s where I found it on my Pixel.)
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Or, if you’re lazy like me, you can just start Chrome on your Android and type chrome: // version in the address bar.
Unfortunately, no 64-bit version for me – my Pixel 3a XL is finally showing its age. On my enhanced Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G, however, a different story is told:
Delicious. Bring the speed.