Android 5.1 Lollipop vs. Marshmallow

Attribute	Android 5.1 Lollipop	Marshmallow
Version	5.1	6.0
Release Date	March 9, 2015	October 5, 2015
Permissions	Uses traditional permission model	Introduces runtime permissions
App Standby	Does not have App Standby feature	Introduces App Standby feature
Doze Mode	Does not have Doze Mode	Introduces Doze Mode for improved battery life
App Links	Does not have App Links feature	Introduces App Links for better handling of web links
Google Now on Tap	Does not have Google Now on Tap	Introduces Google Now on Tap for contextual information
App Permissions	Permissions are granted at installation time	Permissions can be granted or revoked at runtime
USB Type-C Support	Does not have native USB Type-C support	Introduces native USB Type-C support

Introduction

Android, the popular mobile operating system developed by Google, has undergone several major updates over the years. Two notable versions are Android 5.1 Lollipop and Android Marshmallow. While both versions bring significant improvements and new features, they also have their unique attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Android 5.1 Lollipop and Marshmallow, highlighting their differences and similarities.

User Interface and Design

Android 5.1 Lollipop introduced a fresh and vibrant design language called Material Design. It brought a more colorful and visually appealing user interface with a focus on flat design elements, bold colors, and smooth animations. The notification shade was revamped, providing quick access to settings and notifications. On the other hand, Android Marshmallow built upon the Material Design principles, refining the overall user experience. It introduced a more polished and mature design, with subtle animations and improved transitions. The app drawer received a vertical scrolling layout, making it easier to navigate through installed applications.

Permissions and App Control

One of the significant changes in Android Marshmallow was the introduction of a new permission system. Instead of granting all permissions during app installation, Marshmallow allowed users to grant or deny specific permissions on a per-app basis. This gave users more control over their privacy and security. In contrast, Android 5.1 Lollipop had a less granular permission system, where users had to accept all permissions at once during installation. This change in Marshmallow was a significant step forward in empowering users to have more control over their device and personal data.

Battery Life and Optimization

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any mobile operating system. Android 5.1 Lollipop introduced a new battery-saving feature called "Battery Saver" mode. When enabled, it limited background processes, reduced screen brightness, and restricted certain app functionalities to extend battery life. However, Android Marshmallow took battery optimization to the next level with the introduction of "Doze" mode. Doze mode automatically put the device into a deep sleep state when it was idle for a certain period. This significantly improved standby battery life without sacrificing essential notifications. Marshmallow also introduced "App Standby," which limited the resources and network access of infrequently used apps, further enhancing battery performance.

App Permissions and Security

Android Marshmallow introduced a new security feature called "Runtime Permissions." This feature required apps to request specific permissions at runtime when they were needed, rather than during installation. This change provided users with more transparency and control over the permissions granted to apps. In contrast, Android 5.1 Lollipop had a less refined permission model, where all permissions were granted upfront during installation. By implementing Runtime Permissions, Marshmallow addressed security concerns and ensured that users had more control over their personal data.

Google Now and Voice Interaction

Both Android 5.1 Lollipop and Marshmallow featured Google Now, a powerful virtual assistant that provided personalized information and proactive suggestions. However, Marshmallow took voice interaction to the next level with the introduction of "Now on Tap." This feature allowed users to access contextual information and perform actions based on the content displayed on the screen. By long-pressing the home button, Marshmallow would analyze the content and provide relevant information or suggestions. This enhancement made voice interaction more intuitive and seamless, enabling users to access information without leaving their current app.

Conclusion

Android 5.1 Lollipop and Marshmallow brought significant improvements and new features to the Android ecosystem. While Lollipop introduced the vibrant Material Design and battery-saving features, Marshmallow refined the user experience, introduced granular permissions, and enhanced battery optimization. Both versions contributed to the overall evolution of Android, with Marshmallow taking a step further in terms of user control, security, and voice interaction. Whether you prefer the colorful and bold design of Lollipop or the refined and polished experience of Marshmallow, both versions have their unique attributes that cater to different user preferences and needs.