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Android KitKat VS Android Lollipop

Compare Android KitKat VS Android Lollipop and see what are their differences

Android KitKat logo Android KitKat

Android KitKat is an operating system for mobile devices released to the public on September 3, 2013.

Android Lollipop logo Android Lollipop

Android Lollipop is the successor to Android KitKat and adds major changes to the Android mobile operating system.
  • Android KitKat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-13
  • Android Lollipop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-13

Android KitKat features and specs

  • Improved Performance
    Android KitKat is optimized for devices with as little as 512MB of RAM, providing faster multitasking and smoother operation on lower-end hardware.
  • Enhanced User Interface
    KitKat introduced a more polished UI with a new 'immersive mode' that lets content use the full screen, hiding the system UI for a more engaging experience with apps and games.
  • Google Now Integration
    Google Now became more accessible directly from the lock screen and included the new 'OK Google' voice command feature from the home screen.
  • Improved Connectivity
    KitKat added support for new connectivity options like IR Blasters, improved NFC capabilities, and Bluetooth MAP, enhancing interaction with various devices and accessories.
  • New Hangouts App
    Hangouts consolidated SMS, MMS, and Hangouts messages into one app, simplifying communication with friends and family.

Possible disadvantages of Android KitKat

  • Limited Hardware Support
    While it improved performance for low-memory devices, KitKat required manufacturers to update their hardware drivers, leading to limited availability on older devices.
  • Security Concerns
    As a version released prior to more modern security developments, KitKat lacks many security enhancements found in later Android updates, making it more susceptible to vulnerabilities.
  • Fragmentation Issues
    Despite its optimizations, KitKat contributed to the ongoing fragmentation in the Android ecosystem, with some devices not receiving an update and others delayed.
  • Google-centric Features
    Some users and regions where Google's services are restricted might not fully benefit from features like Google Now and the revamped Hangouts app, limiting their utility.
  • Lack of Some Modern Features
    Being an older Android version, KitKat does not support newer features introduced in later releases such as biometric security options and enhanced privacy controls.

Android Lollipop features and specs

  • Material Design
    Lollipop introduced Material Design, which brought a more intuitive and visually appealing user interface with smooth animations and a cleaner design.
  • Improved Notifications
    Lollipop enhanced the notification system, allowing users to view and manage notifications directly from the lock screen, providing more convenient access to important information.
  • Battery Saver Mode
    Lollipop included a Battery Saver mode, helping users extend their device's battery life by reducing performance and limiting background activity.
  • Enhanced Security
    Lollipop introduced features like multiple user accounts and improved security with Smart Lock, which allows users to unlock their device using trusted locations and devices.
  • Performance Improvements
    Lollipop switched to the ART runtime, which improved app performance and system responsiveness, resulting in a smoother user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Android Lollipop

  • Initial Bugs and Stability Issues
    Like any major update, Lollipop had its share of bugs and stability issues when it was first released, leading to inconsistent performance on some devices.
  • Increased Resource Usage
    Some users reported that Lollipop required more system resources, causing performance slowdowns on older or less powerful devices.
  • Limited Support for Older Devices
    Not all devices were eligible for the Lollipop update, leaving some users unable to benefit from the new features and improvements.
  • Manual Installation for Some Devices
    Certain devices did not receive automatic over-the-air updates, requiring technical knowledge for manual installation of Lollipop, which was inconvenient for some users.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Android KitKat and Android Lollipop)
Mobile OS
44 44%
56% 56
OS & Utilities
47 47%
53% 53
Mobile SDK
42 42%
58% 58
Tool
45 45%
55% 55

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Android KitKat and Android Lollipop, you can also consider the following products

LineageOS - Operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android

CopperheadOS - Secure Android built for encrypted and secure phones by a privacy focused company. Available as security-centric and privacy focused Google-free Android for the latest devices. Fully integrated with the latest IDS and MDM enterprise technologies.

Android - Android is an open source mobile operating system initially released by Google in 2008 and has since become of the most widely used operating systems on any platform.

GrapheneOS - GrapheneOS is an open source privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility.

Ubuntu Touch - Read more about Ubuntu Touch. Our free and open source mobile OS is made and maintained by UBports! We care about your freedom and privacy.

Android Nougat - Android Nougat is the seventh iteration released by Google for the Android Operating System.