There are a lot of gadgets on store shelves different versions Android OS: 4.4 KitKat, 5.0 Lolipop, 6.0 Marshmallow, etc. Therefore, when choosing a new device, the question arises: which version of Android is better. To determine the choice of the optimal and reliable system, let’s consider the used Android versions. We will also find out the main advantages and disadvantages of each assembly.

Classification and features of Android versions

Google releases a new version of the Android OS every year. And since some smartphone manufacturers are in no hurry to update, and some devices are not updated at all, users use more than 10 versions Android platforms. For convenience, assemblies are divided into three categories:

1. Legacy: 4.4 KitKat and below.
2. Current: 5.0 and 5.1 Lolipop, 6.0 Marshmallow.
3. New: 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat.

A reasonable question arises: which Android is better?

Outdated versions

The firmware is installed on discontinued devices. Not officially supported: do not receive system updates and security patches. Some applications with Google Play do not work, or are not optimized, or are loaded on android base not lower than 4.4. Which can be explained by the reluctance of developers to support old builds of the Android system.

Advantages:

1. The system is debugged and works stably on the most popular devices with weak hardware.
2. Stable work in popular Google programs Play.

Flaws:

1. System updates are not supported.
2. There are open vulnerabilities and security holes.
3. Some applications are not available for download from Google Play, or do not work correctly.
4. There may be conflicts with the operation of some wearable devices.

Current versions of Android

Used in current and discontinued devices. Includes some improvements, innovations and improvements. Security system signatures have also been updated and found vulnerabilities have been closed. Devices running Android 5.0, 5.1 and 6.0 work correctly with wearable gadgets. Applications on Google Play are optimized, with a minimum of unsupported programs for downloading.

Advantages:

1. Security signatures have been updated to protect your device.
2. New functions and capabilities have been introduced.
3. Correct operation of wearable devices starting from android 5.0. Further support has also been announced.
4. Most applications are optimized for stable operation on Lolipop and Marshmallow.
5. Merging is available in version 6.0 of Marshmallow microSD cards With internal memory devices.
6. The OS puts less load on the RAM.

Flaws:

1. More hardware resources are required, which is why older devices do not work stably.

New versions

They will appear on future devices, as well as as an update on current and some discontinued ones. The version offers new features, capabilities and security updates. Recently discovered vulnerabilities have also been fixed. Secured correct work with wearable devices. However, at first, applications may not work correctly due to insufficient optimization.

Advantages:

1. Recently discovered security holes have been closed.
2. New features have been added and old features have been improved.
3. Correct work with wearable devices.
4. Memory cards are used to store application caches.

Flaws:

1. Due to lack of optimization, applications may malfunction at first.
2. Unstable operation of devices with weak or outdated hardware.

Conclusion

So which Android is better? Considering all of the above, we believe that devices based on Android 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat are better, since this version of the OS has a number of advantages. At the same time, at first you will have to put up with insufficient optimization of applications, which will pay off in the future. It is also optimal to choose a device with 6.0 Marshmallow, since a transition to the next version is likely. In addition, do not forget that the newer the system, the higher the requirements for hardware resources. Therefore, a smartphone or tablet with outdated or weak hardware does not work as efficiently on the new version of Android.

Was the article useful to you?

Rate it and support the project!

Approximately every year, a new version appears on the Android operating system. new version. For each version there are certain applications, games, programs and much more. To download various toys and applications without any problems, we have prepared categories for you:

Adroid 2.2 has been out for a long time, but only 0.2% of users use it. We must not leave and forget about them. Therefore, on our website there is a section of all applications for this version:

Version Adroid 2.3, like 2.2, came out a long time ago, but it has 17 times more users and accounts for about 3.4%. It is still often found on various smartphones that were released in 2011-2012. If you have this particular weight, then we advise you to look at this section:

Ice Cream Sandwich was introduced at Google I/O in 2011 and released with Galaxy smartphone Nexus. This version has many additions, such as:

To find applications for them, simply click on the version you are interested in.

Version of Android 5, called Lollipop or lollipop in Russian, has a simple and stylish design and has captured about 16.5% of all Android users. It was released on November 3, 2014, and on March 21, 2015, an improved version of Android 5.1 appeared.

We have also created sections for them:

Penultimate version operating system Android. Unfortunately, not many people have received the update yet, but this does not mean that owners of the sixth version are not looking for games! Therefore, we have also created a section where you can find all the games and applications that will be available for the sixth version of Android.

The newest Android OS called Nougat. This version was released in the summer of 2016 and is just beginning to conquer smartphone owners. Naturally, those whose mobile devices have been updated to the latest version have access to any application!

Thanks to the Android OS, it became possible to massively penetrate digital technologies into all verticals and horizontals of the social, cultural and professional structure of society, thus forming global network not only from owners of expensive and desktop computers, but also from owners of inexpensive mobile devices.

Two main advantages of Android OS:

1. Ease of use - object-oriented control - that is, what I see is what I do, I use hints;
2. All types are available for Android OS software- entertainment, professional, utilities, service, etc., the list of which is expanding every day.

Android is an open operating system used in various smart devices - phones, smartphones, phablets, computers and watches, e-books, TVs, bracelets, etc.

The main architectural element on which the Android OS runs is the Linux kernel - the connecting element between the software and the underlying applications of the device. The Linux developer company - Open Handset Alliance - is owned by Google.

The first presentation of the Android OS took place in September 2008. Since then, the Android OS has been updated 40 times (as of October 7, 2015). In each updated version of Android, developers corrected errors - unstable program modules - and added new ones functionality systems.

Android versions

Each individual version of Android has a serial number, an extension and - starting with version 1.5 - a code name borrowed from the confectionery world of sweets.

Update frequency

Android OS - starting from version 3.1 - is updated every 6 months. Latest update Android OS with symbol“M” was presented at the Google I/O 2015 conference. Currently, 12 versions of the Android OS are available for devices in various configurations.

Android OS contains a package of basic installed applications - phone, SMS client, calendar, calculator, clock and others. The contents of the package vary for each individual version of Android.

In addition to basic applications, the user can additionally install applications from Play Market, expanding the functionality of a smart device.

Applications for Android OS are written in the Java programming language and run using the engine - virtual machine- Dalvik. Developers can write their own applications - games, utilities, services - using Android program SDK.

Bottom line

Android OS - this ultra-mobile and open operating system is in the process of constant evolution - the search for perfection - developers regularly correct errors and expand the possibilities of its use - an OS that has actually united the world thanks to simple operation and democratic conditions of distribution and use.

The first version of the Android operating system was released in 2009. At that time it was very simple, which is typical for any software product. Over time, it began to acquire functionality, becoming a full-fledged operating system for mobile devices. Let's see what the latest version of Android is and how it differs from its predecessors.

At the time of writing, the latest version is the operating version Android system 10.0 Q.

Already from the first version, the operating system began to receive names associated with sweets. Moreover, the first letters of the version names are sorted alphabetically, starting with the Latin A. Android 1.0 is a stable release in September 2008, which went to the masses. It’s unlikely that anyone remembers the appearance of this operating system, since the prevalence of the first devices was small. By the way, at the time of its release there was already an application store - then it was called Android Market.

The main advantage of Android 1 “Apple Pie” was that it received all the basic functionality - it was modernized within one year. As a result, Android devices began to look more like pocket computers than just phones. The downside was that the first version was slow and lacked flash support.

Android 1.5 Cupcake

This intermediate version was widely adopted. It was installed on the first Android smartphones. Support for third-party keyboards appeared here, and playback of 3GP and MPEG-4 video files was launched. A definite plus was support for the A2DP profile, which made it possible to connect wireless stereo headsets. Their decoration was the animation of switching between windows. Another cool feature is uploading videos to YouTube.

Android 1.6 Donut

This version has improved the operation of the application store and increased operating speed. A universal search bar has also appeared here, a new interface for working with the camera has been implemented, and a multilingual search has been launched.

Android 2.0 "Eclair"

The new version of Android with the tasty name “Eclair”, released in October 2009, received hardware acceleration, a search function for text and multimedia messages, live wallpaper support, new maps and calendar. Flash support now available quick access to contacts, tettering (distributing Internet via Wi-Fi), automatic update, voice dialing via Bluetooth, support Adobe Flash 10.2, clipboard, support for sensors and sensors, support for multiple cameras.

At the same time, the developers updated the interface and introduced support for multiple cameras. In intermediate versions, additional functions were introduced to increase screen resolution, support multiple touches, and increase productivity. Work was also carried out to eliminate errors in various modules and applications. A fair number of users have seen smartphones and tablets running Android 2.0 and intermediate versions.

The most widely used intermediate versions are Android 2.2 and Android 2.3 - devices based on these versions were released even in 2014.

The advantage of Android 2.0 and its intermediate versions is a noticeable speedup. It has also become possible to produce devices with higher screen resolutions (up to 720p). The disadvantage of the system was that it was not very convenient user interface. There was also no support for keyboards, mice and other input devices.

Android 2.2 Froyo

The version became faster, it expanded the functionality of Bluetooth - it became possible to transfer contacts and carry out voice dialing (at that time even simple phones). In the same version, Internet distribution viaWi-Fi andUSB cable. It was also implemented Adobe support Flash 10.2.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread

One of the most popular intermediate versions in the past. Its features:

• Updated interface;
• Support for the SIP protocol has appeared;
• NFC support has appeared;
• Launched the clipboard for copy and paste operations;
• Sensor support;
• Multiple camera support.

It also added sound effects and support for ultra-high resolution screens. Minor improvements and corrections were introduced in subsequent subversions.

Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"

This version of Android was released in February 2011, but mobile devices was rarely seen, because the next version was released in the same year. Android 3.0 received improved performance and the ability to resize widgets. There was also support for multi-core processors, which were becoming more and more common. An additional advantage is support for full hardware acceleration, as well as the long-awaited support for external mice, keyboards and other input devices.

The advantages of Android 3.0 are improved support for tablet PCs and increased operating speed. The developers also made many minor fixes that improved system stability. Disadvantages - poor multitasking, lack of protection of user data, uninformative notification panel, slow work on devices with a small amount of RAM, lack of multi-user mode, poor camera functionality.

Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich"

Version Android 4.0 appeared in September 2011. Its intermediate versions were released until June 2014. During all this time, the operating system has received a huge number of changes. Appeared here:

• Improved spell checking;
• Traffic control;
• Data encryption;
• High-performance and functional camera;
• Autonomous voice input;
• Smooth interface animation “without jumps”;
• Google Now service;
• Well-thought-out notification panel;
• Supports multiple user profiles;
• Miracast technology;
• Supports connecting input devices via Bluetooth;
• Voice assistant “OK Google”;
• Large set of emoticons;
• Advanced synchronization with cloud services;
• Pedometer support;
• Android remote control.

There are so many changes and additions in Android 4.0 and in intermediate versions that they can be stretched over several pages. We have identified only the most important points. Thanks to them, Android devices have become full-fledged assistants of a modern person.

The advantages of Android 4.0 and later versions are enhanced work with external devices, rich functionality, improved user experience, high performance, reduced power consumption and much more. Disadvantages - slow operation on devices with a small amount of RAM, not very high stability.

Despite some shortcomings, devices running Android 4.x have become widespread - this operating system has received almost all the functionality necessary for smart smartphones and tablets.

Android 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 Jelly Bean

Key changes:

• New features in the Camera app;
• Supports multiple user accounts;
• Widgets on the lock screen;
• 360 degree panoramas for publication on Google;
• Increased productivity;
• Voice input without Internet;
• Support for Braille input devices (for the blind);
• New gallery.

The number of changes is huge.

Android 4.4 Kitkat

Devices based on this operating system were produced for several years - it turned out to be popular and productive. appeared here voice assistant, support cloud storage, remote control, Chromecast, infrared support, sandbox, pedometer support, updated mail application, cloud printer support.

Android 5.0 "Lollipop"

Previous versions of Android were not particularly energy efficient. The problem was resolved in Android 5.0 "Lollipop". This operating system works well on devices with little memory and saves battery power. The developers also managed to increase the stability of the system and make it more convenient. In version 5.1, basic support for two SIM cards appears - in devices with previous versions The OS was implemented by manufacturers.

The advantages of the system are a significant increase in stability, built-in VPN service, HD Voice support. Disadvantages: lack of control over applications and the data they use.

Android 6.0 "Marshmallow"

The Android 6.0 “Marshmallow” operating system appeared in May 2015. It is equipped with increased performance, advanced power saving, application control, built-in support for fingerprint scanners and many new small features that make the “axis” more convenient and functional. There is also support payment system Android Pay.

Android 7.0 and 7.1 "Nougat"

The operating system was released in 2016. It can work in multi-window mode, there is a call filtering function on board, grouping of notifications from one application has been implemented, full support for virtual reality has been made, new emoji icons have been added, data encryption has been improved, and the operation of applications has been improved in background. Based on this OS, versions 7.1, 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 were released - round application icons appeared here, picture-in-picture support for some applications.

Android 8.0 "Oreo"

This operating system appeared in August 2017. It incorporates many innovations - separate notifications in applications, windowed mode, limiting background processes, dynamically changing image icons, auto-filling fields in applications. In version 8.1, dark and light themes appeared, and some corrections were made to the interface.

Android 9.0 Pie

New in this version:

• New volume control;
• Adaptive Battery function to reduce power consumption;
• Automatic brightness change according to user preferences;
• New page “About phone”;
• Automatic turning on bluetooth when driving a car;
• Advanced gestures;
• Control of time spent on a smartphone;
• A new type of notifications from instant messengers and chats with support for displaying all correspondence;
• Shifts the clock to the left of the notification panel.

Android 10.0Q

This is a beta version only available on select devices. In the future it will appear on flagships and expensive smartphones, running on Android 9.0 Pie. The release took place on March 13, 2019. Another one appeared here dark theme, support for additional resolutions, additional modes for application developers and desktop mode.

The next version has already announced the main innovation - support long screenshots, which can be useful in browsers. Estimated version name of Android 11 R.

The main versions of Android began to receive “sweet” names starting with v.1.5, which was released in mid-2009. In this case, the initial letter of each new version of Android must be the next one in the alphabet (currently Oreo). For each version, the developer reworked the design and user interface, and also introduced some technical innovations.

Android Version 1.0: Base

On September 23, 2008, the first Android operating system, called Base, was born.
At that time, applications had already been released for Google Maps, Gmail and Youtube.

Android version 1.1: Base_1.1

On February 10, 2009, the first Base update was released. It was called Base_1.1, and it made it possible to save MMS attachments.

Android Version 1.5: Cupcake

From now on, all future versions of Android will be named after sweets. In this case, the initial letter must be the next one in the alphabet.

On April 30, 2009, a new version of Android was released - 1.5, Cupcake. The most famous innovations of this version, among other things, were automatic switching between portrait and landscape orientation display and own onscreen keyboard.

Android Version 1.6: Donut

Starting from September 15, 2009, Android version 1.6, also known as Donut, became available.
A significant change was, in particular, that from now on it became possible to configure virtual networks VPN.

Android Versions 2.0-2.1: Éclair

Since Android 2.0, not every system update automatically resulted in the release of a new major version. Instead, starting in October 2009, for each major version, several subversions began to appear, modified, but at the same time bearing the name of the main system.

On October 26, 2009, Android 2.0 version called Éclair was released as an update. Digital zoom was presented here, and support for LED flash was also introduced.

On December 3, 2009, Android version 2.0.1 was released, which fixed some bugs.

On 01/07/2010 an update to version 2.1 appeared. Among other novelties, it made possible use animated (“live”) wallpaper.

Android Version 2.2: Froyo

This version of Android 2.2 was released on 05/20/2010. She made some important improvements. For example, starting with it, the volume RAM was able to exceed 256 MB. In addition, it is now possible to transfer applications to an SD card.

The latest version of Froyo was released in January 2011 under the designation Android 2.2.2 and contained a fix for the SMS bug.

Android Version 2.3: Gingerbread

On December 6, 2010, version Android 2.3, also known as Gingerbread, appeared. Starting in the OS, support for Near Field Communication (NFC) appeared, and its own operational download manager was added.

Then in December 2010, Android version 2.3.1 appeared, which fixed some bugs and contained an update to Google Maps 5.0.

In January 2011, Android version 2.3.2 appeared. It fixed a bug with the SMS service.

Android 2.3.3 was released on February 23, 2011, introducing the ability to equip Android devices with a dual-core processor.

04/29/2011 with update to 2.3.4 appeared Google app Talk, which made video and voice chat.

Finally, Android 2.3.5 was released on 07/08/2011 and some bugs were fixed. Also, two subsequent additional versions 2.3.6 (09/02/2011) and 2.3.7 (09/20/2011) contained corrections of system defects.

Android version 3.x: Honeycomb

As of 02/23/2011, Gingerbread was replaced by Android 3.0, also known as Honeycomb. In the new version of the system, the interface has become more convenient, and the developers have also optimized it for working from a tablet. In addition, in Google browser Chrome has new features (for example, incognito mode).

On May 10, 2011, the first Honeycomb update to Android 3.1 was released. It added USB Host mode, and improved the interface and widgets.
Version Android 3.2 was released on July 16, 2011, where images were optimized for various screen diagonals.
Latest version of Honeycomb 3.2.1, some bugs were fixed, released 09/20/2011.

Android Version 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich

On 10/19/2011, a version of Android 4.0 called Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) became available. Here, among other things, unlocking using facial recognition has been added, and many improvements have been made in small things.

On November 17, 2011, version 4.0.1 appeared, where the volume control error was fixed.
In version 4.0.2, which became available starting from December 15, 2011, new improvements were introduced (for example, new way unlock), and support for DivX has been discontinued.

The two latest updates to ICS version 4.0.3 (12/16/2011) and 4.0.4 (02/04/2012) brought further improvements. For example, in version 4.0.4 the overall volume level was increased.

Android Version 4.1: Jelly Bean

On June 27, 2012, Android 4.1 version called Jelly Bean was released. This update brings significant improvements to the user interface. In addition, the system was integrated Google service Now.

Starting with version 4.1.1 dated July 11, 2012, Google's payment service, Google Wallet, was integrated into the system.

4.1.2 (released October 10, 2012) introduced the ability to manage notifications using gestures.

11/13/2012 - with version 4.2 - system streaming (Miracast) became available. In addition, other security updates have been introduced. In 4.2.1, released on November 27, 2012, some bugs were fixed.

4.2.2 (released on February 12, 2013) made it possible to install widgets directly on the lock screen.

Version 4.3 (released July 24, 2013) introduced many other innovations. So, it appeared limited accounts for children, and the Camera app has been improved.

The latest Jelly Bean update was released on 10/04/2013 under number 4.3.1. Some minor bugs have just been fixed here.

Android Version 4.4: KitKat

On October 31, 2013, Android 4.4, called KitKat, was released as a successor to Jelly Bean. A significant innovation was the removal of the limit to five home screens. Additionally, the Google+ Hangouts app can now be selected as an alternative for SMS.

On December 6, 2013, the first update to version 4.4.1 followed. The Camera app has been slightly redesigned here, along with some minor bug fixes.

Android version 4.4.2 appeared on 12/09/2013. The changes also concerned mainly bug fixes.

06/02/2014 4.4.3 was released: a known bug that caused a loss of network connection was fixed.

The latest update for KitKat is version 4.4.4. - followed on 06/19/2014.

Android Versions 4.4.W: Wear

Version Android 4.4.W was developed specifically for Smartwatches and other so-called “wearable computers”. Android 4.4.W was released in June 2014 and is based on Android 4.4.

Android Version 5: Lollipop

On November 3, 2014, a new version of Android 5.0 appeared called Lollipop. It has changed the notification panel, the so-called “curtain”. Additionally, this version is now used for most smart watch.

5.0.1 (released 12/02/2014) was mainly optimized for using Android Wear.

12/19/2014 appeared Android update 5.0.2, in which bugs were fixed.
Android 5.1 has been available since 03/09/2014. Changes have been made here to make the system more stable.

The latest version of Android 5.1.1 to date was released on April 22, 2015 and is again aimed at correcting errors.

Android 6.0: Marshmallow

At a Google event held on September 29, 2015, the latest operating system was presented to the public. In August, Google already released a Developer Preview version of Marshmallow, which already gave a good idea of ​​the new Android capabilities 6.0. The system was first presented on Nexus phones, and then on top-end devices from other manufacturers.

The system has implemented better control rights: only after you have used specific functions of the application, you will be asked to allow access for it. This way, you won't have to grant access to a program that you may not need at all.

Extended autonomous operation battery life: background processes are automatically terminated and thus the battery lasts longer.

Thanks implemented fast charging. Also in new system You can separately adjust the volume for notifications, media and alarms. It also brings a fingerprint sensor similar to Apple's Touch ID.

Android 7.0: Nougat

Starting on August 22, 2016, Android 7 became officially available. In addition to the usual performance and security improvements, it had other major innovations.

Update in the background. The user knows almost nothing about it.

Splitscreen (split screen). If you want to use two apps at the same time, with Android 7 this is no longer a problem. In Splitscreen mode, two applications run in parallel on halves of the screen, if the application itself supports this mode.

Notifications. Google developers did a pretty good job on them. Among other things, you can now respond to whatsapp messages directly through the curtain without opening the application itself.

The traffic saving mode has also been seriously updated. In settings, you can deny access to data transfer for selected applications.

Android 8.0: Oreo

Since August 2017, Android 8 has become available for download. Generally speaking, in addition to a more user-friendly shell, it is worth noting a significant improvement in the Settings interface.

Speed-Boot. Some changes affected not only faster application launch, but also the boot process when the phone is turned on.

Smart Text Selection. Phone numbers, postal addresses or entire URLs are sometimes difficult to repeat, but thanks to Smart Text Selection, just double-click to copy the desired text.

Picture-in-Picture mode. What Apple already introduced for iPad is now available on Android. If an app like YouTube or Chrome supports this feature, you can continue playing videos on the small screen while using other apps.

Application icons, except for two - “Clock” and “Calendar” - were always static. Now developers of all other applications can animate them and create “live” icons.

New feature Rescue Party is designed to help with system boot problems. If the phone goes into constant reboot due to a serious software error, this function should detect the problem and automatically put the smartphone into recovery mode.

Android 9.0: P...

The most current version Google's operating system is expected at the end of August 2018. What Android 9 will be called is still unknown. The most frequently discussed names on at the moment- These are Poptart, Pancake and Popsicle (ice cream on a stick).

Every new major version of Android has had a fun Easter egg hidden in it. Where and how you can find this surprise in your version of Android, we already.

Start