As April draws to a close, Google’s Android 5.1 Lollipop update is still on the minds of many Nexus 5 users. As Android 5.1 issues continue to plague many Nexus 5 users and it looks like the Android 5.1.1 update is on its way, we want to take a look at what Nexus 5 users should know as we head into May.
In March, Google announced an all-new Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Nexus devices. The Android 5.1 Lollipop update was (and still is) a major incremental update for Nexus smartphones and tablets. Instead of a short list of bug fixes, Android 5.1 Lollipop has provided tons of bug fixes and feature enhancements to Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 owners.
Over the course of April, we saw Google roll out the Android 5.1 Lollipop update to Nexus devices, including the old flagship smartphone LG-made Nexus 5.
The Nexus 5 Android 5.1 Lollipop update started rolling out in early April and should be available to Nexus 5 users in the United States and around the world by now. Just because the presentation is complete doesn’t mean the Nexus 5 Android 5.1 update story is over. Not even close. We’re still seeing details, issues, and more emerging from Nexus 5 users and Google itself.
With May approaching and another Android 5.1 release for Nexus smartphone and tablet owners, we want to take a look at some of the key things we think Nexus 5 users should know as we head into the year.
Nexus 5 Android 5.1 Review: One Month Later
We have been using the Nexus 5 Android 5.1 update for about a month. Until the release of Android 5.1, we didn’t have any major issues with the Nexus 5. However, after the Android 5.1 update, we encountered a few different issues that forced us to abandon the device until Google releases its next version. Android 5.1 update.
The Nexus 5 is fast with built-in Android 5.1.1. Wi-Fi, LTE and Bluetooth work. And we haven’t seen a drop in battery life. What we encounter though is random reboots and app crashes. Crashes and reboots are frequent enough that the device really takes a backseat in our daily routine.
If you haven’t upgraded to Android 5.1 at this point, don’t. While it comes with some useful bug fixes and feature tweaks, it involves too much risk. If the Nexus 5 is your only phone, you don’t want to suffer potential problems. Minor mistakes are one thing, but they are not minor problems. Some days they make the phone unusable.
Our advice is to wait for Google to release another Android 5.1 update. As we will point out shortly, one will come soon.
Nexus 5 Android 5.1 Trouble Mountain
We are not the only ones experiencing problems with the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Complaints about the Nexus 5 Android 5.1 update continue to grow on various Android forums, including: Google’s own Nexus Help forums.
In addition to random reboots and app crashes, Nexus 5 users are complaining about: problems with connections, Problems with the Gallery app, problems with hotspotbattery drain issues, Bluetooth related issues, and more.
Keep these issues in mind if you haven’t yet updated to Android 5.1. If you’ve already upgraded to Android 5.1 and are having issues, check out our list of fixes for common Android 5.1 issues. They should help.
All Except Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update Confirmed
Fortunately, it looks like official help from Google is on its way. Google is rolling out an Android 5.1.1 update for the Nexus Player, and the company is expected to expand this Android 5.1.1 version to many other devices, including the Nexus 5.
There’s no word on when this expansion will take place, and it’s clear that the company is taking its time. A Google employee had this to say about the Android 5.1.1 update and rollout process:
I totally understand the frustration of N9 owners who are having issues, but that’s why it’s even more important that the 5.1.1 update for the Nexus 9 fixes these issues. So I think it’s the right step to come up with an update that really improves quality and fixes reported issues rather than rushing something that doesn’t help most customers. And I don’t think it’s in anyone’s interest for us to artificially keep updates on other Nexus devices out-of-the-box in the meantime.
Android 5.1.1 is a bug fix update, not a feature update, so it’s important that Google gets it right. It’s impossible to say how long the behind-the-scenes testing process will take, but we’d be shocked if Android 5.1.1 wasn’t available before the end of May.
Two Big Fixes For Nexus 5 Issues
Thanks to Android PoliceWe know what’s coming with the Android 5.1.1 update. While the update won’t bring any new features to devices like the Nexus 5, it will bring major bug fixes that we hope will restore stability to a phone that desperately needs it.
First, the Android 5.1.1 update should fix memory issues that cause random reboots and crashes that we and many other Nexus 5 users see. Second, it should also fix a camera crash on the Nexus 5 that seems unrelated to memory leak issues. Both of these fixes are huge.
Get Ready Now
Android 5.1 came with a ton of fixes and some nice feature tweaks. It also brought with it tons of Nexus 5 issues. The point is, even the best and brightest updates can cause problems, and Android 5.1.1 is very likely to bring its own collection of problems. That’s why we always tell people to start preparing.
For Nexus 5 users, we’ve prepared a game plan with steps to take before Android 5.1.1 Lollipop release. It also includes some release day tips that we think Nexus 5 users will find helpful as the company tries to roll out the Android 5.1.1 update.
The more prepared you are, the better off you will be. There’s no way to guarantee a smooth, bug-free Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update, but if you’re smart about it, you’ll likely be limiting potential issues.
