Android 11

Basic Information

• Model: Android 11 (internally codenamed Red Velvet Cake)
• Version: 11.0.0_r76 (Final release)
• Release Date: September 8, 2020
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: More than 2GB for standard Android with Google Mobile Services; more than 512MB for devices with Google Play preloaded.
  • Processor: 64-bit ARM64 or x86-64 architecture.
  • Display: Handheld devices require a logical screen of at least 2 inches on the short edge and 2.7 inches on the long edge.
• Supported Operating Systems: Android 11 is an operating system designed for mobile devices.
• Latest Stable Version: 11.0.0_r76, released February 5, 2024, as the final build of Android 11.
• End of Support Date:
  • Google Security Updates: February 2024.
  • Google Play Services: Supported.
  • Specific applications (e.g., Microsoft Teams): Full support until September 3, 2027.
• End of Life Date: February 5, 2024 (general EOL). Considered unsupported as of March 27, 2024.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Coincides with the end of Google security updates in February 2024.
• License Type: Apache License 2.0 for userspace software; GNU GPL v2 for Linux kernel modifications.
• Deployment Model: Primarily a mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets, also available for Android TV.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Devices running standard Android with Google Mobile Services require more than 2GB RAM. Devices preloaded with Google Play require more than 512MB RAM.
• Processor: Supports 64-bit architectures, including ARM64 and x86-64.
• Storage: Sufficient internal storage for the operating system and applications is required. Specific minimum capacity is not publicly detailed.
• Display: Handheld devices must feature a logical screen measuring at least 2 inches on the short edge and 2.7 inches on the long edge.
• Ports: Standard mobile device ports (e.g., USB for charging and data transfer) are implied. Wireless debugging is supported.
• Operating System: Android 11 functions as the core operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Android 11 raised the baseline RAM requirement for devices integrating Google Mobile Services, indicating a shift towards more capable hardware for a full Android experience. The specified display dimensions ensure a minimum usable screen area for handheld devices. While specific processor clock speeds or core counts are not mandated, the support for 64-bit architectures is standard for modern mobile devices. Storage requirements are dynamic, depending on device usage and installed applications.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: The final release version of Android 11 is 11.0.0_r76.
• OS Support: Initially rolled out to Google Pixel devices (Pixel 2 and newer). Subsequently, it became available for select devices from manufacturers including OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Realme, Samsung, and Motorola.
• End of Support Date: Google ceased providing security updates for Android 11 in February 2024. The general end-of-life for the OS was February 5, 2024. While Google Play Services remain supported, individual application support on Android 11 varies, with some enterprise applications like Microsoft Teams supporting it until September 2027.
• Localization: Android supports over 100 languages.
• Available Drivers: Device manufacturers provide specific hardware drivers. Compatibility is maintained through adherence to the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD).

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Android 11 has reached its official end-of-life for security updates from Google. This means devices running Android 11 no longer receive patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, potentially exposing them to security risks. While Google Play Services continue to function, and some third-party applications may extend support, users are generally advised to upgrade to a newer Android version for ongoing security and feature updates. The availability of Android 11 updates for non-Pixel devices was dependent on individual manufacturer rollout schedules, leading to varied and often delayed adoption across the ecosystem.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • One-time permissions for camera, microphone, and location access.
  • Automatic revocation of permissions for applications not used for an extended period.
  • Enhanced protection for background location access.
  • Enforcement of Scoped Storage, limiting app access to device storage.
  • Improved lock screen and authentication mechanisms.
  • Tiered biometric authentication (Strong, Weak, Device Credential) for developers to integrate.
  • Platform support for secure storage and retrieval of government-issued identity documents, such as mobile driving licenses.
  • Secure Passcode Reset functionality for Android Enterprise Work Profiles.
  • Improved call screening capabilities.
  • Automatic access to credential-encrypted storage after system updates without requiring immediate user authentication.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an operating system, Android 11 has had vulnerabilities discovered and patched during its active support period. Since official security updates from Google ended in February 2024, new vulnerabilities will not receive official patches, increasing potential exposure.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable to an operating system version.
• Certifications: Adheres to the Android Compatibility Program and its Compatibility Definition Document (CDD).
• Encryption Support: Supports File-Based Encryption (FBE).
• Authentication Methods: Supports traditional methods like passwords, PINs, and patterns, alongside biometric authentication (fingerprint, face, iris scan). Smart Lock features (Trusted Devices, Trusted Places) are also available. Passkeys are supported as a modern, more secure alternative to passwords.
• General Recommendations: Users should migrate to a newer Android version to receive ongoing security patches and protect against emerging threats.

Analysis of Overall Security Rating: Android 11 introduced significant advancements in user privacy and security, providing more granular control over app permissions and data access. The tiered biometric authentication system and support for digital IDs were notable improvements. However, with the cessation of official security updates from Google in February 2024, devices remaining on Android 11 are at an elevated risk from new security vulnerabilities. While some app-level support may persist, the underlying OS is no longer actively secured by Google.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, generalized benchmark scores for Android 11 across diverse hardware are not publicly detailed in the provided information. Performance varies significantly based on device hardware.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Android 11 Go Edition demonstrated a 20% improvement in app launch speeds compared to Android 10 Go Edition. The OS also includes features like improved 5G detection, allowing apps to leverage faster network speeds more effectively.
• Power Consumption: Specific power consumption metrics are not publicly detailed.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint metrics are not publicly detailed.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Android 11 offered performance enhancements over its predecessor, Android 10, particularly in its Go Edition. It also introduced new features such as enhanced smart home and media controls, and built-in screen recording, which contribute to a more fluid user experience.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: While comprehensive benchmark data is not readily available, Android 11 brought incremental performance improvements, especially for its Go Edition, designed for entry-level devices. The focus was also on optimizing user experience through features like better 5G integration and improved system controls, rather than solely raw processing power. Actual performance largely depends on the underlying hardware of the device.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for Android 11 generally highlights its focus on privacy and enhanced user controls.

• Strengths: Users appreciate the granular control over permissions, especially the one-time access option for sensitive data like location, camera, and microphone. The auto-reset of permissions for unused apps is also a favored privacy feature. Improvements in notification management, such as conversation bubbles and the ability to prioritize conversations, streamline communication. The integrated smart home and media controls, accessible from the power menu, offer convenience. The built-in screen recording feature is a welcome addition, eliminating the need for third-party apps. Support for foldable phones and better 5G detection also received positive remarks.
• Weaknesses: Early adopters, particularly on some Pixel 2/2XL devices, reported issues like random restarts. A significant point of frustration for many users was the inconsistent and often delayed rollout of Android 11 to non-Pixel devices, as update availability is heavily dependent on individual device manufacturers.
• Recommended Use Cases: Android 11 is well-suited for general smartphone and tablet usage, particularly for users who prioritize enhanced privacy settings and improved organization of notifications and device controls. It is recommended for devices meeting its minimum RAM requirements (2GB+ for GMS devices) to ensure a smooth experience.

Summary

Google Android 11, released on September 8, 2020, was a significant iteration of the Android operating system, internally codenamed "Red Velvet Cake." It focused heavily on enhancing user privacy, communication management, and device controls. Key strengths include the introduction of one-time permissions for sensitive data access, automatic permission revocation for unused apps, and a more robust tiered biometric authentication system. Users benefited from streamlined communication features like conversation bubbles and priority notifications, as well as integrated smart home and media controls. The OS also brought native screen recording and improved support for emerging hardware like foldable displays and 5G connectivity.

However, Android 11's official support lifecycle from Google concluded in February 2024 for security updates, and its general end-of-life was February 5, 2024. This means devices running Android 11 no longer receive official security patches, making them potentially vulnerable to new exploits. While Google Play Services continue to be supported, and some specific applications may extend their compatibility, the overall security posture of devices on Android 11 is diminished. Another weakness was the fragmented rollout, with non-Pixel devices often experiencing significant delays in receiving the update, depending on their manufacturer.

Recommendations: Users currently on Android 11 are strongly advised to upgrade to a newer, actively supported version of Android to ensure continued security, access to the latest features, and broader application compatibility. For enterprise environments, planning for device upgrades or implementing robust mobile device management (MDM) solutions to mitigate risks on unsupported OS versions is crucial. While Android 11 delivered substantial improvements during its active phase, its current unsupported status necessitates migration for optimal security and functionality.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.