Android 5 Lollipop

Basic information

• Model: Android 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.1, 5.1.1 (Lollipop)
• Release Date: November 3, 2014 (initial 5.0 source code availability), November 12, 2014 (official OTA update)
• Minimum Requirements: Devices with at least 416 MB of RAM for qHD display resolutions.
• Supported Operative Systems: Android 5 Lollipop is an operating system itself, designed for mobile devices.
• Latest Stable Version: 5.1.1
• End of Support Date:
  • Android 5.0: November 4, 2017
  • Android 5.1: March 1, 2018 (last security update)
• End of Life Date: Google Play Services support ended in July 2024.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not directly applicable to the OS itself, but devices running it no longer receive updates. Google Play Services support ended in July 2024.
• License Type: Apache License 2.0
• Deployment Model: Mobile operating system for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and TVs.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 416 MB for qHD displays; 1 GB for basic operation; 1.5 GB for efficient use; 2 GB recommended for better performance, especially for 64-bit versions.
• Processor: Supports ARM, x86, and MIPS architectures, including 64-bit processors.
• Storage: System memory typically occupies around 5.5 GB.
• Display: Supports various resolutions, with qHD (e.g., FWVGA) being a baseline for minimum RAM requirements.
• Ports: Standard mobile device ports such as USB and audio jacks are supported. USB audio peripherals are supported.
• Operating System: Android 5 Lollipop is the operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Android 5 Lollipop introduced significant architectural changes, notably the exclusive use of the ART runtime and 64-bit support, which aimed to improve performance and efficiency. While it could run on devices with as little as 416 MB of RAM, a minimum of 1 GB was generally required for the OS to function smoothly, with 2 GB recommended for a satisfactory user experience, particularly on devices with non-stock Android implementations. The shift to ART meant apps were compiled upon installation, potentially increasing app installation size but improving runtime performance. These requirements were generally accessible for mid-range and high-end devices at its release, but lower-end devices with less than 1 GB of RAM often struggled with performance.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Android 5.1.1
• OS Support: Android 5 Lollipop is the operating system.
• End of Support Date:
  • Android 5.0: November 4, 2017 (official Google updates)
  • Android 5.1: March 1, 2018 (last security update)
• Localization: Multilingual support is available.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are typically provided by device manufacturers and are integrated into the device's Android build.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Android 5 Lollipop is an unsupported operating system. Google officially ended security updates for Android 5.0 in November 2017 and for Android 5.1 in March 2018. Furthermore, Google Play Services support for Lollipop devices ceased in July 2024, meaning devices running this version no longer receive new features, security updates, or guaranteed compatibility with modern apps. This lack of ongoing support makes it highly vulnerable to new security threats and limits its compatibility with contemporary applications and services. While devices may still function, the user experience is significantly degraded due to potential app incompatibility and security risks.

Security Status

• Security Features: SELinux enforcing for all applications, default full disk encryption (for new devices), Smart Lock (unlocking via trusted devices like Bluetooth or NFC, or face unlock), Guest Mode, Screen Pinning, robust app permissions, and app sandboxing.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an unsupported OS, it is susceptible to numerous unpatched vulnerabilities discovered after its end-of-life, including issues like Stagefright (though this was addressed in later Lollipop updates, subsequent vulnerabilities remain).
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for an operating system version.
• Certifications: Not directly applicable to the OS version itself.
• Encryption Support: Full Disk Encryption (FDE) is available and was intended to be enabled by default on new devices shipping with Lollipop. FDE uses 128-bit AES with CBC and SHA256 hash function.
• Authentication Methods: PIN, pattern, password, Smart Lock (trusted devices, NFC, Bluetooth, face unlock), and fingerprint (device-dependent).
• General Recommendations: Due to the cessation of security updates and Google Play Services support, it is strongly recommended to upgrade to a newer, supported Android version. Devices running Lollipop should not be used for sensitive data or critical applications.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

At its release, Android 5 Lollipop introduced significant security enhancements, including SELinux enforcing mode, default full disk encryption for new devices, and Smart Lock features. These features aimed to improve data protection and device integrity. However, as of its end-of-life, Android 5 Lollipop receives no further security updates from Google. This means it is highly vulnerable to modern exploits and malware. The discontinuation of Google Play Services support further exacerbates this, as critical security patches and compatibility layers are no longer provided. Consequently, the overall security rating for Android 5 Lollipop is critically low, making it unsafe for general use, especially for handling personal or sensitive information.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Benchmarks on devices like the Nexus 5 showed a small but noticeable performance boost compared to Android 4.4 KitKat, particularly in Dalvik-related scores due to the ART runtime.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • ART Runtime: Replaced Dalvik, offering ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation for improved application performance and responsiveness, faster app startup times, and more efficient garbage collection.
  • Project Volta: A suite of battery optimizations, including a battery saver mode, job-scheduling APIs, and the "Battery Historian" tool, aimed at improving battery life.
  • Material Design: Introduced a new visual language with fluid animations and responsive UI, contributing to a smoother user experience.
• Power Consumption: Project Volta aimed to reduce power consumption, with some reports indicating up to a 30-36% increase in battery life on certain devices.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to the software itself, but device longevity is impacted by software support.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Compared to Android 4.4 KitKat, Lollipop offered significant improvements in UI design, performance (due to ART), and battery management (Project Volta). It laid the groundwork for future Android versions.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Android 5 Lollipop represented a major leap in performance and user experience at its release. The transition to the ART runtime as the default significantly boosted app performance and system responsiveness by compiling apps upon installation. Project Volta addressed battery life concerns, offering new tools and features to optimize power consumption, leading to noticeable improvements in real-world usage. The Material Design overhaul provided a visually appealing and fluid interface with smoother animations. While initial releases had some bugs, subsequent updates (5.0.1, 5.1, 5.1.1) addressed these, solidifying Lollipop's position as a performant and visually modern Android version for its time. However, compared to contemporary Android versions, its performance is limited by older optimizations and lack of support for newer hardware capabilities.

User Reviews & Feedback

Summary of User Reviews and Feedback

User reviews for Android 5 Lollipop were initially mixed but generally positive after bug fixes in subsequent updates.

• Strengths:
  • Material Design: Widely praised for its fresh, modern, colorful, and intuitive visual style, with responsive animations and consistent UI across devices.
  • Performance Improvements: The ART runtime delivered a faster, smoother experience with quicker app launches and improved multitasking.
  • Battery Life: Project Volta and the new battery saver mode were appreciated for extending device usage.
  • Enhanced Notifications: Lock screen notifications, heads-up notifications, and granular control over alerts were highly valued.
  • Multi-user Support & Guest Mode: Brought to phones, allowing for shared devices with privacy.
  • Security Features: Default encryption and Smart Lock were seen as significant advancements.
• Weaknesses:
  • Initial Bugs: The 5.0 release suffered from issues like memory leaks, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and general lag or crashes on some devices.
  • Performance Hit from Encryption: Full disk encryption, while a security boon, could lead to a noticeable performance decrease on some hardware.
  • Silent Mode Removal: The removal of a dedicated silent mode was a common complaint.
  • Aesthetics Over Usability (initial perception): Some found the new Material Design, while visually appealing, occasionally prioritized aesthetics over practical usability, or found the colors jarring.
  • Fragmentation: The slow rollout of updates by manufacturers and carriers remained a persistent issue.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Legacy Devices: Primarily used on older devices that cannot upgrade to newer Android versions.
  • Specific Embedded Systems: May be found in certain embedded or specialized devices where a newer OS is not feasible or necessary.

Summary

Google Android 5 Lollipop, spanning versions 5.0 to 5.1.1, marked a pivotal release in Android's history, introducing a comprehensive visual overhaul with Material Design and significant under-the-hood performance enhancements. Released in late 2014, it brought a fresh, animated, and consistent user interface, alongside the new ART runtime which replaced Dalvik, leading to faster app execution and improved system responsiveness. Project Volta aimed to optimize battery life, offering features like a battery saver mode and better power management. Security was also a key focus, with the introduction of SELinux enforcing mode and default full disk encryption for new devices, coupled with Smart Lock for convenient authentication.

Strengths of Lollipop included its groundbreaking Material Design, noticeable performance gains, improved battery management, and enhanced notification system. The multi-user and guest modes also added valuable functionality for device sharing. However, initial releases were plagued by bugs, including memory leaks and Wi-Fi issues, which were largely addressed in subsequent 5.x updates. The performance impact of full disk encryption on some devices was also noted.

Today, Android 5 Lollipop is an obsolete operating system. Google officially ended security updates for Android 5.0 in November 2017 and for Android 5.1 in March 2018. Critically, Google Play Services support for Lollipop ceased in July 2024. This means devices running Lollipop are highly vulnerable to modern security threats and face significant compatibility issues with current applications and services. The lack of ongoing support renders it unsafe for general use, particularly for sensitive data.

In summary, while Android 5 Lollipop was a revolutionary and highly impactful release at its prime, its current status is one of severe deprecation. Its strengths lie in its historical significance for introducing Material Design, ART, and Project Volta, which shaped the future of Android. Its primary weakness now is its complete lack of security and compatibility support. Recommendations are unequivocally to upgrade to a modern, supported Android version for security, performance, and application compatibility. Continued use of Android 5 Lollipop is only advisable for specific legacy or isolated embedded systems where security and app compatibility are not concerns.

Please note: 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.