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Android KitKat VS Android Nougat

Compare Android KitKat VS Android Nougat 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 Nougat logo Android Nougat

Android Nougat is the seventh iteration released by Google for the Android Operating System.
  • Android KitKat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-13
  • Android Nougat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-14

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 Nougat features and specs

  • Multi-Window Support
    Android Nougat introduced native support for multi-window mode, allowing users to run two apps side-by-side on the same screen, enhancing multitasking capabilities.
  • Improved Notifications
    The notification system was revamped to include bundled notifications and direct replies, making it easier for users to manage and interact with notifications without leaving the current screen.
  • Enhanced Doze Mode
    The Doze mode in Nougat became more effective by saving battery life when the device is idle for a longer period, extending battery performance.
  • Data Saver
    Nougat introduced a Data Saver mode that restricts background data usage, helping users manage and reduce their cellular data consumption.
  • Quick Settings Customization
    This version allowed more customization of the quick settings panel, providing users with quicker access to frequently used settings and controls.

Possible disadvantages of Android Nougat

  • Fragmented Rollout
    As with previous Android updates, Nougat faced slow and fragmented rollout across different devices and manufacturers, causing inconsistency in user experience.
  • Hardware Limitations
    Some older devices could not fully support Nougat's new features due to hardware limitations, preventing users from taking full advantage of the update.
  • Learning Curve for Users
    The new features and changes in user interface required some users to adapt and learn, which could be a challenge for non-technical users.
  • App Compatibility Issues
    Certain applications were not immediately compatible with Nougat, leading to potential crashes or performance issues until updates were provided by developers.

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Android Nougat videos

Android Nougat: Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Android KitKat and Android Nougat)
Mobile OS
38 38%
62% 62
OS & Utilities
39 39%
61% 61
Mobile SDK
38 38%
62% 62
Tool
29 29%
71% 71

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Android KitKat and Android Nougat, 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.

KaiOS - KaiOS is a light operating system for smart feature phones like the JioPhone and Nokia 8110.