Android 6 Marshmallow

Basic Information

Google Android 6 Marshmallow is the sixth major version of the Android operating system, succeeding Android Lollipop. It was initially announced at Google I/O on May 28, 2015, with a beta release on the same day. The official release occurred on September 29, 2015, with updates for Nexus devices following on October 5, 2015. The latest stable version is 6.0.1, released on December 7, 2015, which included security fixes and support for Unicode 8.0 emoji.

• Model: Android 6 Marshmallow
• Version: 6.0 - 6.0.1
• Release Date: September 29, 2015 (Official 6.0)
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 1GB (practical minimum), 2GB or more recommended for smooth performance.
  • Processor: ARMv7 or higher; Intel x86 1GHz or higher for Android x86 projects.
  • Storage: 1GB internal storage (minimum).
  • Display: Minimum 2.5 inches physical diagonal, 100 dpi, aspect ratio between 1.333 (4:3) and 1.779 (16:9).
• Supported Operating Systems: Android 6 Marshmallow is an operating system designed for mobile devices.
• Latest Stable Version: 6.0.1
• End of Support Date: August 2018 (for security updates).
• End of Life Date: August 1, 2018 (unsupported).
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly defined, but tied to the end of security support in August 2018.
• License Type: Apache License 2.0 (standard for Android Open Source Project).
• Deployment Model: Mobile operating system embedded in smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices.

Technical Requirements

Android 6 Marshmallow operates efficiently across a range of mobile hardware. While the absolute minimums are low, optimal performance benefits from more robust specifications.

• RAM: A minimum of 1GB RAM is generally required for the OS to run, with 2GB or more recommended for a smoother user experience and application multitasking.
• Processor: Devices typically feature ARMv7 or higher architecture. For Android x86 implementations, an Intel x86 processor at 1GHz or higher is a baseline. Many Marshmallow-era devices utilize quad-core or octa-core Snapdragon and MediaTek Helio chipsets, often clocking up to 1.8 GHz.
• Storage: A minimum of 1GB of internal storage is necessary for the operating system. Android TV devices require at least 5GB of non-volatile storage for application private data. Marshmallow also introduced Adoptable Storage, allowing compatible microSD cards to be formatted as internal storage.
• Display: Minimum physical diagonal screen size is 2.5 inches with a density of at least 100 dpi. The aspect ratio must fall between 1.333 (4:3) and 1.779 (16:9). The platform supports 4K rendering on compatible hardware.
• Ports: Native support for USB-C, enabling faster data transfer and charging.
• Operating System: Android 6 Marshmallow is the operating system itself.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Android Marshmallow's technical requirements reflect a balance between broad device compatibility and enhanced features. The practical RAM recommendation of 2GB highlights the increasing demands of modern applications and the OS itself, moving beyond the bare minimums to ensure a fluid user experience. The support for various processor architectures (ARMv7+, x86) underscores Android's versatility across different hardware ecosystems. The introduction of Adoptable Storage was a significant step, addressing storage limitations on devices with expandable memory by allowing SD cards to function as an extension of internal storage, though this had implications for card portability. USB-C support marked a forward-looking move towards a more universal and efficient connectivity standard. These requirements collectively allowed Marshmallow to run on a wide array of devices, from budget-friendly options to high-end smartphones, while enabling new functionalities like advanced encryption and improved power management.

Support & Compatibility

Android 6 Marshmallow received its final stable update as version 6.0.1. It was designed to run on a broad spectrum of mobile devices, primarily those with ARM and x86 architectures.

• Latest Version: 6.0.1
• OS Support: Compatible with a wide range of smartphones and tablets. Initial rollout included Nexus devices such as Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013), 9, and Player. Older Nexus devices like the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 (2012), and Nexus 10 did not receive official updates.
• End of Support Date: Security updates for Android Marshmallow concluded in August 2018.
• Localization: Supports a vast array of languages, consistent with Google's global reach for the Android platform.
• Available Drivers: Device drivers are typically provided and managed by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for their specific hardware implementations.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Android 6 Marshmallow offered significant improvements, but its overall support and compatibility status were heavily influenced by the Android ecosystem's fragmentation. While Google provided updates for its Nexus line, the rollout to devices from other manufacturers was often delayed or non-existent, leading to a varied user experience regarding update availability. The end of security support in August 2018 means devices running Marshmallow no longer receive official security patches, potentially exposing them to new vulnerabilities. Despite this, Google Play Services continues to support Marshmallow as of August 2025, allowing access to many modern applications. The reliance on OEMs for drivers and updates meant that the longevity of a Marshmallow device's support was largely out of Google's direct control, a common challenge for the Android platform.

Security Status

Android 6 Marshmallow introduced several pivotal security enhancements, significantly improving user control and device protection.

• Security Features:
  • Granular App Permissions: Apps now request permissions at runtime, when needed, rather than all at once during installation. Users can grant or revoke individual permissions at any time.
  • Doze Mode: While primarily a power-saving feature, Doze mode enhances security by limiting background activity of apps when the device is idle, reducing potential attack surfaces.
  • Fingerprint API (Nexus Imprint): Native support for fingerprint recognition, allowing secure device unlocking and authentication for Play Store and Google Pay purchases.
  • Full Disk Encryption (FDE): Mandatory by default for new devices shipping with Marshmallow that meet specific performance criteria (AES crypto performance above 50MiB/sec).
  • Verified Boot: Ensures the integrity of the device's software during startup, alerting users to potential corruption.
  • Monthly Security Patches: Google committed to more frequent security updates to address vulnerabilities.
  • Smart Lock Passwords: Allows users to store third-party passwords securely on their Google account.
  • Adoptable Storage Encryption: External SD cards adopted as internal storage are encrypted by default.
• Known Vulnerabilities: While 6.0.1 addressed "vulnerabilities discovered in earlier iterations" and monthly patches fixed various issues, no single widespread, critical vulnerability specific to Marshmallow's core features was highlighted as a long-term, unmitigated threat in the provided data.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; Android Marshmallow is an operating system, not a blacklisted entity.
• Certifications: Not specified for the OS itself, but devices running Marshmallow must meet Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) requirements to license Google Mobile Services.
• Encryption Support: Full Disk Encryption (FDE) using AES with a key of 128-bits or greater is mandated for new devices meeting performance thresholds.
• Authentication Methods: Supports PIN, Pattern, Password, and native Fingerprint authentication.
• General Recommendations: Users are advised to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches, utilize strong authentication methods, and carefully manage app permissions.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Android 6 Marshmallow marked a significant leap forward in Android's security posture. The shift to granular runtime permissions gave users unprecedented control over their data and privacy, moving away from the all-or-nothing approach of previous versions. The mandatory Full Disk Encryption for new, capable devices, along with Verified Boot, substantially strengthened data protection against unauthorized access. Doze mode, while primarily for battery saving, indirectly contributed to security by reducing background activity. The commitment to monthly security patches also demonstrated a more proactive approach to addressing vulnerabilities. Overall, Marshmallow provided a much more secure and privacy-conscious mobile experience compared to its predecessors, offering a robust foundation for future Android security developments.

Performance & Benchmarks

Android 6 Marshmallow focused on refining the user experience and optimizing system performance, particularly in battery management.

• Benchmark Scores: Benchmarks on a Nexus 5 showed a small uplift in scores for Geekbench 3 and GFX Bench GL 3.0 compared to Android 5.1 Lollipop. Early comparisons with Android 7.0 Nougat sometimes indicated Marshmallow performing faster in certain benchmark tests, such as AnTuTu and Geekbench 4.
• Real-World Performance Metrics:
  • Battery Life: Doze mode significantly improves standby battery life, reducing overnight drain from 15-25% to 3-5%. Active battery drain also saw improvements, with some users reporting a 15% reduction in power usage when the screen is on.
  • Responsiveness: The OS generally felt smoother and more fluid, with refinements to the ART runtime and animations contributing to a snappier user interface.
  • App Performance: Improvements in memory management and the refined ART runtime aimed to enhance overall application performance.
• Power Consumption: The standout feature for power efficiency is Doze mode, which intelligently puts the device into a deep sleep state when stationary and unplugged, conserving significant battery life.
• Carbon Footprint: As a software operating system, Android Marshmallow does not have a direct carbon footprint. Its impact on energy consumption is primarily through the efficiency of the devices it runs on, with features like Doze mode contributing to reduced power usage.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Marshmallow was largely seen as a refinement of Android 5.0 Lollipop, focusing on polish and addressing pain points rather than a complete overhaul. It brought substantial battery life improvements over Lollipop and, in some early tests, even outperformed its successor, Nougat, in raw benchmark scores, though real-world performance can vary.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Android 6 Marshmallow delivered a strong performance status, primarily characterized by significant advancements in battery efficiency and overall system polish. The Doze mode was a game-changer for standby battery life, making devices last considerably longer on a single charge when idle. While not a revolutionary visual redesign, the underlying optimizations to the ART runtime and UI animations contributed to a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience. The performance gains were often perceived as more impactful in daily use than raw benchmark numbers, which sometimes showed mixed results against newer versions. Marshmallow successfully addressed key user frustrations regarding battery drain and system fluidity, establishing itself as a highly optimized version of Android for its time.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Android 6 Marshmallow generally highlighted its focus on refinement and practical improvements over its predecessor.

• Strengths:
  • Battery Life (Doze Mode): Widely praised for dramatically improving standby battery life.
  • Granular App Permissions: Users appreciated the increased control over app access to personal data and device features.
  • Google Now on Tap: Seen as a powerful feature for contextual information access, though its utility varied by app and user.
  • Native Fingerprint Support: Enhanced security and convenience for unlocking devices and authenticating purchases.
  • USB-C Support: Welcomed for faster charging and data transfer.
  • Automatic App Backup: Simplified data migration and restoration for apps.
  • Overall Polish and Smoothness: Many users reported a more fluid and stable experience compared to Lollipop.
• Weaknesses:
  • Fragmentation/Slow Rollout: A major criticism was the slow pace of updates to non-Nexus devices, leading to many users not experiencing Marshmallow for a long time, if at all.
  • Subtle Visual Changes: Some users found the design too similar to Lollipop, lacking a significant visual overhaul.
  • Initial Bugs: As with any major OS update, some users reported initial bugs or compatibility issues with certain apps.
  • File Explorer: The built-in file explorer was considered basic and often led users to prefer third-party alternatives.
  • Hidden/Experimental Features: Features like multi-window mode and a system-wide dark theme were either hidden or removed from the final release, disappointing some users who saw them in developer previews.
• Recommended Use Cases: Android Marshmallow was recommended for general smartphone and tablet users who prioritize battery longevity, privacy control, and a polished, stable operating system. It was particularly beneficial for users with newer devices that could fully leverage its hardware-dependent features like fingerprint scanners and full disk encryption.

Summary

Google Android 6 Marshmallow represented a significant evolutionary step for the Android operating system, focusing on refinement, efficiency, and user control rather than a radical redesign. Released in late 2015, it introduced several impactful features that shaped the future of mobile computing.

Its key strengths include the groundbreaking Doze mode, which dramatically extended standby battery life by intelligently managing background processes when a device was idle. The shift to granular runtime app permissions empowered users with unprecedented control over their privacy, allowing them to grant or revoke access to sensitive data and hardware on an as-needed basis. Native fingerprint sensor support streamlined authentication and enhanced security for device access and mobile payments. Furthermore, Marshmallow mandated Full Disk Encryption by default for new, capable devices, significantly bolstering data protection.

Performance-wise, Marshmallow delivered a smoother and more responsive user experience, with optimizations to the ART runtime and UI animations. Support for USB-C and Adoptable Storage also brought modern connectivity and flexible storage options to the platform.

However, Marshmallow was not without its weaknesses. The most prominent issue was the persistent problem of Android fragmentation, leading to slow and inconsistent rollout of the update across various manufacturers' devices. Some users also found the visual changes too subtle compared to the previous Lollipop release, and the built-in file explorer was often deemed inadequate.

In assessment, Android 6 Marshmallow was a highly successful release that solidified Android's foundation for privacy, security, and power management. It addressed many long-standing user frustrations and laid crucial groundwork for subsequent Android versions. While the fragmentation issue remained a challenge, the features introduced in Marshmallow were widely praised and became standard expectations for future mobile operating systems. It is recommended for users who value enhanced battery life, robust security features, and fine-grained control over app permissions.

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.