Samsung Android 5.1 Lollipop Release: Everything We Know

As we approach the end of May we approach the start of the Samsung Android 5.1 Lollipop release. With that in mind, we take a look at everything we know so far about Samsung’s upcoming Android 5.1 Lollipop update for Galaxy smartphones.

In March, Google debuted its Android 5.1 Lollipop update. Android 5.1 Lollipop is an incremental update that delivers some feature tweaks and critical bug fixes to Android smartphones and tablets. It has been rolling out to Nexus devices since mid-March.

In April, Google pulled the trigger on another Android 5.1 update dubbed Android 5.1.1. Android 5.1.1 is an incremental update that brings several bug fixes for Android Lollipop problems. Android 5.1.1 has been rolling out to Nexus users since April but it has only recently started to pick up steam.

While the Android 5.1 update’s focus has primarily been on Google’s Nexus smartphones and tablets, we’ve also seen details emerge for other Android manufacturers including Samsung. Samsung Android 5.1 Lollipop release details have been leaking for several weeks now and with May coming to a close, we should be close to the start of the company’s push.

Today, with new details swirling, we want to take a look at everything we know right now about the Samsung Android 5.1 Lollipop release.

Updates for Lollipop Problems

Android 5.1 and Android 5.1.1 serve as big fix updates for Lollipop problems and that’s why Galaxy smartphone users have put a great importance on them. Many Galaxy users are dealing with Lollipop problems and they’re hopeful that Android 5.1 or Android 5.1.1 will come to their aid.

While that’s entirely possible, Galaxy users should know that Samsung and its carrier partners are pushing out bug fix updates ahead of Android 5.1 Lollipop. We’ve seen several including updates for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 4 and there’s a good chance that we’ll see more as we push on into summer.

Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1 Release Date

The Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1 release date isn’t confirmed but all signs point to an arrival in June. Canadian carrier Rogers claims that it will be updating its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge in June and reports peg next month as the update’s arrival month.

Samsung has yet to announce an Android 5.1 update though its plans have been confirmed through its developer website. Release dates are dependent on testing so there’s a good chance that the company will simply opt to push this update out without much warning.

Those looking for new features and bug fixes would be wise to keep an eye out during the month of June. Smart money is on a release next month.

Android 5.1 & Android 5.1.1

There are two Android 5.1 updates (that we know of) in existence. One is Android 5.1, a massive bug fix update for Lollipop problems. The other is Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, a bug fix update for Lollipop problems and Android 5.1 problems.

Rogers says that it will be rolling out Android 5.1 while a recent Galaxy S6 Edge leak hints at an Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update. It’s not clear which will be rolling out.

Either way, the updates should present a lengthy list of bug fixes including a fix for the memory leak/random reboot issues that have been plaguing some Galaxy users.

Android 5.1.1 problems do exist but from what we’ve seen and heard, the Android 5.1.1 update is far more stable than Android 5.1. That’s a good sign for Galaxy S6 users and owners of other Galaxy-branded smartphones and tablets.

Guest Mode

The Samsung Android 5.1 update for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge is rumored to be coming with several new features including Guest Mode.

Guest Mode is a feature that allows Android users to setup multiple profiles on a phone. The feature is not available in Samsung’s current version of Lollipop though it looks like it will make a comeback in Android 5.1.1. The Android 5.1.1 build that we saw leak out a few days ago included it on board.

New Camera Features

It also looks like Samsung will be bringing some new camera features to Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge users with Android 5.1 Lollipop.

A report from SamMobile outlines the company’s plans to bring iPhone-like exposure control to the Galaxy S6’s camera application. The update will reportedly allow users to adjust the exposure in the viewfinder by sliding a finger up or down. It’s a feature that Samsung is borrowing from Apple but at least it’s a useful one.

The site also believes that Samsung will pack in a few other features including “support for RAW image capture and shutter speed control.”

Galaxy Note 5 Android 5.1

We’ve heard that these new camera features might be coming to the Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

This means that we might get to preview Galaxy Note 5 software features before the device’s release later this year. The Galaxy Note 5 release date is rumored for the fall. It also means that the Galaxy Note 5 should be coming with powerful camera features and perhaps, Android 5.1 Lollipop as its base software.