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August Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update: First Impressions

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Last week, Google confirmed a brand new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update that comes with a fix for the Stagefright vulnerability. The update is small but even small updates can impact performance. That said, today we want to take a look at how this August Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update is performing thus far.

Earlier this year, Google confirmed a brand new Android 5.1.1 update for Nexus devices including the Nexus 5. Android 5.1., for those that don’t know or can’t remember, is a bug fixer that brings bug fixes for Android 5.1 problems and problems with older versions of Google’s Lollipop.

We, like many others, installed Google’s initial Android 5.1.1 update when it first came out and have been using the stock version of it ever since.

In late July, Google confirmed that it would be rolling out a new security update for Nexus devices to tackle the Stagefright vulnerability lurking inside Android. The company also confirmed that Nexus devices, including the Nexus 5, will now receive monthly updates focused on security. So, the update that Google pushed out last week will likely be the first of many.

Nexus-5-111-720x479

Last week, Google confirmed a new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update. The company posted the factory images on August 5th and today, the Nexus 5’s new Android 5.1.1 update started rolling out to Nexus 5 users across the planet.

With an August Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update now rolling out, I want to take a look at the update and its performance on the aging former flagship. It’s a small update that comes with a lone fix but I’ve mentioned many times, even the smallest Android updates can impact performance.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Installation (August)

Before we get to the update’s initial performance, I want to run down the installation process so you have some idea about how long it will take if you do decide to install this new system update.

Earlier today, the system update appeared in my notifications (I didn’t manually check for it) and like a good guinea pig, I downloaded it the second I noticed it. I’m hearing that it should be available for most people today but Google’s roll outs are extremely unpredictable. If you lack patience, my advice is to sit back and wait for the prompt like I did. You can also flash manually using this file.

Nexus-5

This August Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update comes with a fix for Stagefright vulnerability and thus, it’s a small one. We’re talking 10MB small. I was able to download the update very quickly over a fast Wi-Fi connection. You should be able to download it fairly quickly over a slow connection to.

The installation process, as a whole, took about 10 minutes to complete. Android had to optimize 117 applications on my Nexus 5. If you have more than 117 applications on your Nexus 5, the Android 5.1.1 installation process could take a little bit longer.

Overall, a smooth process and I have no complaints. My hope is that the Android M release mirrors today’s installation process.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Performance (August)

I’ve been using the new August Nexus Android 5.1.1 update for a few hours now and I want to provide some feedback on its performance. Before getting into these impressions, I want to point out a few things.

First, mileage is going to vary. I probably have different applications on board and I probably use my Nexus 5 differently than you. So, what you should do is use this as a general guide as you make plans to install, or skip, this new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update.

Apps

There’s always potential for applications to start behaving badly after an Android update, even a small one like this new Android 5.1.1 update. Fortunately, I haven’t run into any problems with any of maps in the few hours that I’ve spent with the Nexus 5’s August update.

Nexus 5

My core group of applications includes Asana, Slack, YouTube, Chrome, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, Hangouts, Spotify, Google Maps, and SoundCloud. All of these applications, including Chrome and Twitter (I’ve had a ton of problems with both of these), are working fine. That’s a good sign but it doesn’t mean that they’ll hold up over time.

Battery Life

I’ve only been using this new Android 5.1.1 update for a couple of hours now but so far, Nexus 5 battery life seems normal.

I haven’t noticed any abnormal battery drain when the phone is in use and I haven’t noticed any weird drain when the phone is in standby mode. Nexus 5 battery life with Android 5.1.1 on board has been pretty solid and I’m not anticipating any major changes on my Nexus 5.

If you’re nervous about this new Android 5.1.1 update or if you’re already seeing weird battery drain after installing this security update, you’ll want to check out our list of potential fixes for Android 5.1.1 battery life problems. There are a number of proven fixes in there that might help.

Wi-Fi, LTE & Bluetooth

After swapping in a SIM card, I was able to test LTE connectivity on the Nexus 5. AT&T’s network is, for the moment, holding up well. Same goes for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Over the past few hours I’ve connected the Nexus 5 to several different routers to see how the device and update would fare. They’ve passed with flying colors as the device was able to pull down excellent speeds on an assortment of routers including ones from TP-Link (Archer C9) and Belkin (N900).

I’ve also successfully paired the Nexus 5 with various Bluetooth devices including speakers and headphones. LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues can pop up at any time but so far, things are looking good.

Bugs & Issues

I’ve been doing my best to poke around the software in the two or so hours that I’ve had it on board and so far, I haven’t run into any noticeable problems.

Nexus 5 side

Big, widespread problems typically jump right off the page so I’m confident that this small security update is going to be stable for most people. Smaller problems and bugs are a lot more difficult to spot on the first day so I’ll be keeping my eye out for bugs and other issues in the days ahead.

I haven’t heard about any major problems with this security update. Given the size of the update and how stable Android 5.1.1 has been on many Nexus 5 variants, my guess is that problems, if there are any, will be extremely isolated.

Speed

I haven’t noticed anything wrong with my UI, at least not yet. Animations and transitions are still very fluid and the device hasn’t exhibited any significant slowdown. Lollipop, for the most part, has been very fast on the Nexus 5 and I don’t anticipate any major problems on my Nexus 5 going forward.

Should You Install the August Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update?

This August Nexus 5 system update doesn’t appear to have any major problems on board. I haven’t experienced any issues and I haven’t seen any widespread complaints. It appears to be safe.

The whole Stagefright thing is a little overblown but it never hurts to protect your phone, especially if you store sensitive information on there. If you’re nervous about how it might impact your Nexus 5 ahead of Android M, wait a day for the smoke to settle and see if there are widespread complaints. My guess is that there won’t be.

5 Exciting Nexus 5 Android M Features

Better Nexus 5 Battery Life

Better Nexus 5 Battery Life

Battery life has a tendency to take a hit as a device gets older. While we haven't experienced any significant issues on the Nexus 5, we know that plenty of Nexus 5 users dealt with battery life issues on KitKat and Lollipop. Some are still dealing. 

Android M is expected to have a big impact on the Nexus 5's battery life. This is huge, especially for a device that's never really had an excellent charge. This is thanks, in part, to a feature Google's calling Doze. Doze recognizes when a device hasn't been used for awhile and it stops apps or puts them into a low-power state to conserve standby battery life. 

We're excited because thanks to the Android M developer beta, we know that Doze and its various features actually work to conserve Nexus 5 battery life. ComputerBase put the software to the test awhile back and it discovered some tangible improvements.

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Jet

    08/10/2015 at 7:22 pm

    First let me say that the Lollipop release has been an unmitigated DISASTER!!!!. It’s been plagued by a large number of Sev 1 issues that have all but rendered many Nexus phones useless. And unfortunately I have to say that this latest 5.1.1 update does nothing to address my issue. .

    Ever since I upgraded to the original 5.1.1 version (in fact the DAY I upgraded) my phone crashes within 5 minutes of basic use (e.g., using Google’s news application). When it crashes you can’t reboot the phone successfully unless you plug it into a power source. And then when you do you have to wait for 15 minutes while it “Optimizes applications”. This issue pretty much renders the phone useless…Certainly not the “MOBILE” solution I was looking for when I spent $440 on my phone a little more than a year ago.

    Lest you think this is a one off problem with my Nexus 5 phone, you should know that there are more than 1,100 post regarding this one issue on the Google Nexus Product Forums. This is clearly a WIDESPREAD Sev 1 issue. Now this is in addition to all the other threads on numerous other reported issues. .

    This is clearly a software problem but Google Support couldn’t be bothered to diagnose the problem. They simply point you LG for support even though they will unofficially agree that it sounds like a software issue and they acknowledge that LG has no way of providing a fix for this problem. So I call LG support and they tell me that it sounds like a software problem and I should contact Google Support.

    What is clear to me is that Google DOES NOT support Nexus devices. If you should be unfortunate enough to have a problem with your Nexus device you may be left holding the bag and no recourse.

    I’m trying to bring some media attention to this problem. I think Google needs a little public shaming. They need to acknowledge this problem and take corrective action.

    Maybe GottaBe Mobile is interested in hearing more abou the problem?????

    I’m here and available to answer questions GottaBeMobile might have regarding this Sev 1 issue. With more than 1,100 post on this issue it’s clear that this is a widespread problem for Nexus 5 users. And it’s a problem that is also occuring on the Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9 and even the Moto-x platforms.

    Seems newsworthy to me.

  2. Avneet Chawla

    08/10/2015 at 8:45 pm

    Hey security conscious Android users – checkout the MobilAware Personal Privacy & Security app – it tells you what your apps are doing in the background without your knowledge!! It’s available in the GOOGLE PLAY store – https://play.google.com/store/
    The BASIC version is free and allows you to monitor up to 5 apps, to mointor an unlimited number you must upgrade to premium for only $.99.

  3. Nikunj

    08/11/2015 at 5:31 am

    I faced a lot of bluetooth issues, Especially when syncing my fitness band with my Nexus. The battery drain has increased and the screebl app is not functioning as it should in the new update. I am not sure what were the bug fixes, but it has bothered me more with the new update.

  4. Angela

    08/11/2015 at 4:03 pm

    OK so now when I play clash of clans I can’t see the top of my page. I can’t see how much money I have in the game or what level I am. Wtf aren’t u guys suppose to be tech experts and fix things. I’m flipping mad, to the point I am thinking of buying my phone out right and going with Apple. How to I take this version off my f$#@ing phone

    • Huh

      08/15/2015 at 4:08 am

      Your thinking of buying a new phone because you can’t see the top of the page for one app? You might be a little more attached than you should be to Clash of Clans, or any app for that matter. It’s just a game, just a phone, there’s more to life.

  5. melo

    08/12/2015 at 4:29 pm

    After installing this update, my phone does not show any videos!!

  6. Eric

    08/13/2015 at 8:39 am

    After the last update, I have had the same issue as Jet, but it should be noted that when the update finished. My phone went from near 80% battery life, to saying it had below 30%. So I’m wondering if there is a discrepancy in the way that it is assessing the battery life in some models. And too, I have to keep mine plugged in, or it pops up and prompts me to power off. And no matter if I try to avoid powering off, it will ultimately power off.

  7. Arnaud

    08/28/2015 at 12:50 pm

    Since I did the update my Nexus 5 is facing 2 problems : lagging / freezing (although I only have one app opened) and battery drainage… Was happy with previous version and might go back.

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