September Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update Review

Earlier this month, Google released a new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 build with security updates and bug fixes. We’ve spent some quality time with this new update and today we want to share some more feedback. This is our September Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update review.

The Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update isn’t new. The first Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 build was released several months ago and its change log focused on improving the performance of Google’s mobile operating system.

I installed the Android 5.1.1 update right when it came out and found it to be a rock solid update for the aging former flagship. Other Nexus 5 owners ran into Android 5.1.1 problems and Google’s taken some steps to address these issues ahead of the device’s highly anticipated Android Marshmallow release.

Last month, Google rolled out an August Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 build that was focused on fixing the Stagefright vulnerability. A few days ago, Google rolled out a new September Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update that’s focused on security and fixing lingering Lollipop problems.

The update is rolling out to Nexus 5 users Over-the-Air and by now, most Nexus 5 users should’ve received the prompt to install this new build. If you’ve seen a prompt showing a 16MB upgrade, that’s the update.

While this update is extremely small, it looks like it’s causing problems for some Nexus 5 owners. We’ve seen Nexus users complaining about new Android 5.1.1 problems after installing this new September build.

If you’ve been looking into this update, you might’ve heard about these problems. And that’s why I’m back to offer some of my own feedback about this new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 update. This review focuses on the update’s performance.

Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update Review

Last week, I received the prompt to install this new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 build. And like a good guinea pig, I installed it right away.

The update is, as I mentioned, a small 16MB file that brings security patches and bug fixes. There is nothing else on board. If you’re looking for new features, you’re going to be disappointed.

Since then, I’ve been using the update as much as I can in an effort to provide fellow Nexus 5 users with feedback. This is a tiny update but even the tiniest Android updates have the potential to ruin your device’s performance.

Before getting into my extended impressions, I want to note that mileage is going to vary from Nexus 5 to Nexus 5, person to person. I don’t have the same applications that you do and I probably use my phone differently.

Use this review as a general guide and if you need more, dig around for some more feedback from other Nexus 5 users. As we move away from the release, you should start to see other Nexus 5 owners share their thoughts.

Apps

I have over 100 different applications on my Nexus 5. Some I use sparingly, others extensively. My core group of apps includes Asana, Slack, YouTube, Chrome, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, Hangouts, Spotify, Google Maps, and SoundCloud.

I’ve been using these applications non-stop since the update’s release and I haven’t run into any major problems. Nor have I run into problems with any of my secondary applications. I’ve seen a few Chrome crashes but that’s nothing new.

If you’re dealing with issues, you have a few options. First, try installing the latest bug fix update if it has good reviews. I’ve installed all of the latest app updates on my Nexus 5 and I’m not having any problems with my apps.

If the reviews are bad or the update has no effect, you’ll want to try reinstalling the app that’s causing you problems. If that doesn’t work (and you don’t want to find an alternative), get in contact with the developer so that it can fix the issue in a future update.

Nexus 5 Battery Life

I’ve been using the Nexus 5 a lot since the update’s release last week. And so far, I haven’t noticed anything different about the phone’s battery life.

I’m still able to get a solid day of use out of the phone when I’m mostly connected to Wi-Fi and I haven’t noticed any weird battery drain when the phone is on standby. I don’t anticipate any problems but battery life issues can appear at any time.

Some Nexus 5 users are reporting battery drain issues after installing the latest Android 5.1.1 build. This isn’t surprising given that battery life issues always emerge immediately after Android updates for Nexus phones and tablets.

If you aren’t getting the battery life you’ve grown accustomed to, you’ll want to take a look at our list of fixes and tips to see if some of those help.

Wi-Fi, LTE & Bluetooth

I’ve also seen several complaints about connectivity problems. These are also common after Android updates.

I haven’t experienced any on my Nexus 5. AT&T’s LTE network is still fast and reliable. I’ve been able to pair my Nexus 5 with various Bluetooth speakers and headsets. And I haven’t had any problems with WiFi. I’ve tested it with several different routers including TP-Link’s popular Archer C9 and one of Verizon’s standard FiOS routers.

If you’re experiencing connectivity problems on the Nexus 5, take a look at our list of fixes for these issues. These fixes have worked for many Nexus users over the years and there’s a good chance they’ll work for you.

Connectivity issues can appear at any time so you’ll want to commit these fixes to memory. There’s a very good chance Android 6.0 will cause some problems for Nexus 5 users so that’s another reason to absorb these fixes right now, even if you’re not seeing anything out of the ordinary.

Bugs & Issues

I haven’t noticed any major problems with this new Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 build. I’ve been digging and digging and I haven’t been able to spot anything new that’s negatively impacting my Nexus 5’s performance.

That doesn’t mean that there aren’t bugs on board, it just means that I’ve been unable to spot them during my time with the update.

While there are people complaining about problems, the issues appear to be very isolated. I haven’t seen any widespread complaints and that leads me to believe that other Nexus 5 owners are having the same experience that I am.

The new Android 5.1.1 build feels very stable and I’m confident that it will remain stable as we wait for Android 6.0 Marshmallow to arrive.

Consult our list of of fixes if you run into problems.

Speed

I haven’t run into any lag or odd slowdown after installing the update. It retains the fluidity that I got with the last security update. No problems here.

Is The September Nexus 5 Android 5.1.1 Update Worth Installing?

It doesn’t come with any showstopper fixes but I still think it’s going to be worth a download for most of you.

It comes with security updates and bug fixes and it doesn’t appear to have any major bugs on board. That’s exactly what you want from a small 16MB Android update.

If you decide that it’s not worth the risk, your next update is probably going to be the Nexus 5 Android 6.0 Marshmallow update.

We still don’t have a confirmed release date but with a Google event planned for September 29th, there’s a good chance we’ll see our release date confirmed next week.

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