[Due for payment 2026-02-04] Prevent garbage collection on Android app start

[Julesssss]

Problem

Android startup speed is slow, especially on older devices. We are open to any improvements here.

@chrispader shared a P/S which may improve Android start up speed.

Solution

Investigate a potential improvement to Android app start, by increasing initial heap size in Hermes to delay Young-Gen Garbage Collection on app start.

Issue Owner

Current Issue Owner: @kadiealexander

[Julesssss]

Hey @chrispader, I see the draft PR, no rush but please let me know when I can help with testing or anything else!

[chrispader]

hey @Julesssss, yes the patch is basically finished, but i wanted to get some more reliable numbers of app startup time and check what initial heap size gives the best results for the Expensify app.

This might vary from project to project and also device to device, so i'll try to adjust it just right, to get fastest statup while not increasing RAM during startup too much.

I haven't continued due to the Bulk Card Assignment sprint last week. Expect this to be done by the end of the week!

[Julesssss]

Work in progess