Android 6.0 Marshmallow vs. Android 7.0 Nougat

Attribute	Android 6.0 Marshmallow	Android 7.0 Nougat
Version Name	Marshmallow	Nougat
API Level	23	24
Release Date	October 5, 2015	August 22, 2016
Multi-Window Support	No	Yes
Notification Enhancements	No	Yes
Doze Mode	Yes	Yes
Direct Reply	No	Yes
Quick Settings	Single Page	Expandable Tiles
File-Based Encryption	No	Yes
App Shortcuts	No	Yes

Introduction

Android, the popular mobile operating system developed by Google, has undergone several major updates over the years. Two significant versions of Android are 6.0 Marshmallow and 7.0 Nougat. While both versions bring improvements and new features, they also have their unique attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat, highlighting their differences and similarities.

User Interface

When it comes to the user interface, both Marshmallow and Nougat offer a clean and intuitive design. However, Nougat introduces a few notable changes. One of the most significant updates is the revamped notification shade. In Marshmallow, notifications were displayed in a single column, while Nougat introduced a two-column layout, allowing users to see more information at a glance. Additionally, Nougat introduced the ability to reply to messages directly from the notification shade, making it more convenient for users to respond without opening the respective app.

Another user interface improvement in Nougat is the introduction of the multi-window mode. This feature allows users to run two apps side by side, enhancing multitasking capabilities. While Marshmallow did not have native support for multi-window mode, some device manufacturers added this functionality through their custom interfaces.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any mobile operating system, and both Marshmallow and Nougat aimed to improve it. Marshmallow introduced the Doze feature, which significantly improved standby battery life. When the device was idle, Doze would restrict background processes, reducing battery consumption. Nougat builds upon this feature with Doze on the Go, which extends the benefits of Doze even when the device is in motion, such as when it's in a pocket or a bag.

In addition to Doze on the Go, Nougat also introduced a new feature called Battery Saver. When enabled, Battery Saver limits background activity, reduces screen brightness, and restricts certain features to extend battery life further. While Marshmallow had a similar battery-saving mode, Nougat refined it to provide even better power management.

Performance and Optimization

Both Marshmallow and Nougat focused on improving performance and optimization. Marshmallow introduced the runtime permission system, which allowed users to grant or deny specific permissions to apps at runtime, giving users more control over their privacy. This feature aimed to enhance security and prevent apps from accessing unnecessary permissions.

Nougat continued to build upon the permission system introduced in Marshmallow by introducing additional permissions, such as the ability to control access to device sensors. Furthermore, Nougat introduced a new JIT compiler, which improved app installation times and reduced the amount of storage space required for apps.

Another significant optimization introduced in Nougat is the seamless updates feature. With this feature, system updates are downloaded and installed in the background, allowing users to continue using their devices without interruption. Once the update is installed, the device can seamlessly switch to the updated version upon the next reboot.

Messaging and Notifications

Both Marshmallow and Nougat brought improvements to messaging and notifications. Marshmallow introduced the Direct Share feature, which allowed users to share content directly with specific contacts or apps. This feature made sharing content more efficient and streamlined.

Nougat expanded on the Direct Share feature by introducing Quick Reply. With Quick Reply, users can respond to messages directly from the notification shade without opening the messaging app. This feature saves time and provides a more seamless messaging experience.

Additionally, Nougat introduced bundled notifications, which group notifications from the same app together. This feature reduces clutter in the notification shade and allows users to expand or collapse notification groups for better organization.

Conclusion

Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat both brought significant improvements and new features to the Android operating system. While Marshmallow focused on enhancing battery life, introducing the runtime permission system, and improving overall performance, Nougat built upon these foundations with features like multi-window mode, Doze on the Go, and seamless updates.

Both versions also introduced improvements to the user interface, messaging, and notifications. Marshmallow introduced the Doze feature and Direct Share, while Nougat revamped the notification shade, introduced Quick Reply, and bundled notifications.

Ultimately, the choice between Marshmallow and Nougat depends on individual preferences and device compatibility. However, it is clear that both versions brought significant enhancements to the Android operating system, making it more efficient, user-friendly, and feature-rich.