Android 7 Nougat

Basic Information

• Model: Android 7 Nougat (codenamed Android N during development)
• Version: 7.0, 7.1, 7.1.1, 7.1.2
• Release Date: Officially released on August 22, 2016. An alpha test version was first released on March 9, 2016.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 1GB (stock Android), though custom ROMs can run on 512MB. Recommended minimum for smooth operation is 1.5GB.
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster.
  • Storage: Not explicitly defined for the OS alone, but devices typically require at least 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) for the system and applications.
• Supported Operating Systems: Android 7 Nougat is a standalone operating system for mobile devices.
• Latest Stable Version: Android 7.1.2 (released April 2017)
• End of Support Date:
  • Android 7.0: August 5, 2019
  • Android 7.1: October 4, 2019
  • Official security updates from Google ended in September 2021.
• End of Life Date: Official support from Google has ended. Some device manufacturers may offer extended support.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable as official updates have ceased.
• License Type: Open-source (Apache License 2.0 for AOSP components).
• Deployment Model: Primarily deployed as a mobile operating system on smartphones and tablets, pre-installed by manufacturers or delivered via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 1GB, with custom ROMs capable of running on 512MB. A recommended minimum for smooth performance is 1.5GB. For optimal performance with multiple apps and gaming, 2.5-3GB or more is suggested.
• Processor: A 1GHz or faster processor is a minimum requirement. Supported processors include various Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g., 415, 615, 820), Exynos ARMv8 (e.g., 5433, 8890), Kirin (e.g., 950), MediaTek, Atom, Rockchip, and Tegra chipsets.
• Storage: While the OS itself has a relatively small footprint, a minimum of 16GB (for 32-bit systems) or 20GB (for 64-bit systems) of available hard disk space is typically associated with devices running Nougat to accommodate applications and user data.
• Display: No specific resolution is mandated, but higher resolutions require more memory.
• Ports: Device-dependent; common mobile device ports include USB (Type-C or Micro-USB), 3.5mm audio jack.
• Operating System: Android 7 Nougat is the operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Android 7 Nougat is designed to be relatively efficient, capable of running on devices with 1GB of RAM, though performance significantly improves with more RAM. The broad range of supported processors indicates its adaptability across various hardware configurations. The OS prioritizes optimizing background processes and app performance, making it suitable for a wide array of mobile devices from entry-level to flagship models of its era.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Android 7.1.2
• OS Support: Official support from Google for Android 7.0 ended on August 5, 2019, and for Android 7.1 on October 4, 2019. Security updates from Google ceased in September 2021.
• End of Support Date: August 5, 2019 (7.0) and October 4, 2019 (7.1).
• Localization: Supports multiple locales and languages.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are hardware-specific and provided by device manufacturers (OEMs). Older chipsets may not have updated drivers for Nougat due to manufacturer decisions.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Android 7 Nougat is no longer officially supported by Google, meaning it does not receive security updates or new features. While some device manufacturers may have provided extended support for their specific devices, this is not universal. Compatibility with newer applications may be limited, and users are encouraged to upgrade to newer Android versions for continued support and security.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • File-based encryption: Encrypts system and user data separately, enabling "Direct Boot" for essential apps before full device unlock.
  • Direct Boot: Allows essential device functions (like phone and alarm) to operate in a limited state before the user enters credentials.
  • Verified Boot with error correction: Strictly enforces system file integrity; if corrupted, the OS operates in limited mode or refuses to boot.
  • Hardened media stack: Re-architected mediaserver to reduce vulnerabilities.
  • Seamless updates (for new devices): Allows software updates to install in the background.
  • Always-on VPN: Enforces secure connections for enterprise users.
  • Restricted app permissions: Limits permission sharing between apps and restricts device admin app maneuvering space.
  • APK Signature Scheme v2: Offers increased protection against unauthorized changes to APK files and speeds up app installs.
  • Kernel hardening: Perf disabled by default, ioctl commands restricted by SELinux, seccomp-bpf enabled.
  • Hardware-backed key storage: Requires support for ARM's TrustZone hardware for secure storage of encryption keys on new capable devices.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As an unsupported OS, Android 7 Nougat is susceptible to unpatched vulnerabilities discovered after its end-of-life date.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for an operating system.
• Certifications: Android Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) ensures device compatibility.
• Encryption Support: Features file-based encryption and requires hardware-backed key storage on new devices.
• Authentication Methods: PIN, pattern, password, and fingerprint authentication.
• General Recommendations: Users are strongly advised to upgrade to a newer, supported Android version to mitigate security risks due to the lack of ongoing security updates.

Analysis on Overall Security Rating: Android 7 Nougat introduced significant security enhancements at its release, including file-based encryption, Direct Boot, and a hardened media stack, making it a more secure OS than its predecessors. However, its current status as an unsupported operating system means it no longer receives critical security patches. This leaves devices running Nougat vulnerable to newly discovered exploits, significantly lowering its overall security rating in the present day.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores for the OS itself are not typically published, as performance is heavily device-dependent.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Faster app installs: Achieved through Profile Guided JIT/AOT Compilation, speeding up installation by 75% and reducing compiled code size by 50%.
  • Improved runtime performance: JIT compiler continuously optimizes app performance.
  • Smoother UI: Subtle tweaks and refinements contribute to a more polished user experience.
  • Multi-window functionality: Allows running two apps side-by-side with resizable windows.
  • Quick Switch: Double-tapping the overview button switches between the two most recently used apps.
  • Vulkan API support: Provides superior GPU performance for graphics-intensive applications and games.
  • Project Svelte: Optimizes background processes to save system resources, including RAM and battery.
• Power Consumption: Enhanced Doze mode (Doze 2.0) extends battery life by limiting background activity when the device is stationary or moving with the screen off, resulting in 15-20% longer battery life in some tests.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly quantifiable for an operating system; depends on the device's manufacturing and usage.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Nougat offers significant performance and efficiency improvements over its predecessor, Android Marshmallow, with faster app installs, better multitasking, and extended battery life.

Analysis of Overall Performance Status: Android 7 Nougat represents a substantial step forward in performance and efficiency for the Android ecosystem. Its introduction of the JIT compiler, Vulkan API, and Project Svelte significantly improved app installation times, runtime performance, and graphics capabilities. The enhanced Doze mode also delivered notable battery life improvements. These under-the-hood optimizations aimed to provide a smoother and more responsive user experience across a range of devices.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for Android 7 Nougat were generally positive, highlighting several key strengths and weaknesses.

• Strengths:
  • Improved Notifications: Users praised the new notification format, including bundled notifications and direct reply functionality, which streamlined interactions.
  • Multitasking: The multi-window mode and quick switch feature were well-received for enhancing productivity, especially on larger screens.
  • Performance: Faster app installs, smoother operation, and better battery life due to Doze 2.0 were frequently cited as significant improvements.
  • Customization: Increased customization options for the Quick Settings panel were appreciated.
  • Security: New security features like file-based encryption and verified boot were seen as positive advancements.
• Weaknesses:
  • Fragmentation: A common criticism was the staggered rollout and the fact that many devices, especially older ones, would not receive the update, leading to continued fragmentation.
  • App Compatibility with Multitasking: While multi-window was a positive change, some reviewers noted initial incompatibility with certain apps.
  • Subtle Visual Changes: Some users felt the visual overhaul was not as dramatic as previous Android versions, with most improvements being under-the-hood.
  • Awkward Split-screen Keyboard: The keyboard experience in split-screen mode was sometimes found to be awkward.
• Recommended Use Cases: Android 7 Nougat is recommended for users seeking enhanced multitasking capabilities, improved notification management, and better battery efficiency on compatible devices. It was particularly beneficial for users who valued productivity and a refined Android experience.

Summary

Google Android 7 Nougat, officially released on August 22, 2016, marked a significant evolutionary step for the Android operating system, focusing on refinement, performance, and security rather than a radical visual overhaul. Key features include an enhanced multitasking experience with multi-window support and a quick switch function, allowing users to efficiently manage multiple applications. The introduction of the JIT compiler and Vulkan API notably improved app installation speeds, overall runtime performance, and graphics capabilities, making the OS feel snappier and more responsive. Power efficiency saw a boost with an improved Doze mode, extending battery life by intelligently managing background processes.

From a security standpoint, Nougat brought crucial advancements such as file-based encryption, Direct Boot, and stricter Verified Boot enforcement, alongside a hardened media stack and hardware-backed key storage, significantly bolstering device security at the time of its release. However, its official end-of-support dates (August 2019 for 7.0 and October 2019 for 7.1) and the cessation of security updates from Google in September 2021 mean that devices running Nougat are now vulnerable to modern threats.

The technical requirements for Nougat were relatively modest, with a minimum of 1GB RAM and a 1GHz processor, making it accessible to a wide range of devices. User feedback was largely positive, praising the productivity enhancements, performance gains, and improved notification system. Criticisms primarily revolved around the fragmentation of Android, with many devices not receiving the update, and the subtle nature of its visual changes.

Overall, Android 7 Nougat was a robust and highly capable operating system that delivered meaningful improvements to the user experience and underlying security. Its strengths lie in its refined performance, multitasking prowess, and advanced security features for its era. Its primary weakness today is the lack of ongoing official support, which poses significant security risks. Therefore, while it was a strong performer in its prime, current recommendations lean heavily towards upgrading to a more recent, supported Android version for optimal security and compatibility.

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.