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Samsung Android 5.1.1 Release: 10 Things We Learned in July

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In June, Samsung started rolling out a brand new Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update that brought new features and fixes to some Galaxy smartphones. In July, we’ve seen a number of key Android 5.1.1 release details emerge and today we want to take a look at the most important things owners of the Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 4 and other Galaxy phones and tablets need to know about the roll out.

Google started rolling out its Android 5.1.1 update to Nexus devices all the way back in April. It has taken a few months but we’re finally starting to see Android manufacturers roll out the company’s latest upgrade to non-Nexus devices. Samsung is one of the companies making strides as we push into the summer.

Samsung started rolling out the Android 5.1.1 update last month. The update first arrived for the Samsung Galaxy S6, then the Galaxy S6 Edge, and then the Samsung Galaxy S5. Since then, we’ve seen a number of new Galaxy Android 5.1.1 release details emerge.

Galaxy-S6-Edge-9

July has been an extremely busy month for Samsung. Galaxy Note 5 rumors have been the focus for many people but many current Galaxy users have been fixated on the company’s live Android 5.1.1 roll out. While Samsung has made progress, there are still plenty of devices on Android 5.0.2 or below.

With that in mind, we want to take a look at a few of the things that we learned about the Samsung Galaxy Android 5.1.1 release this month. This covers the important updates and it also takes a look at a few things we expect from Samsung in the future. Here’s what you need to know.

New Galaxy S6 Android 5.1.1 Updates

Just in case Samsung’s Lollipop roll out wasn’t confusing enough, the company is now pushing out new Android 5.1.1 updates in France and in the United States.

T-Mobile was one of the first to push Android 5.1.1 updates to the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge and today the company is pushing out bug fix updates for both devices. They remain on Android 5.1.1 but these fixes promise some enhancements including battery improvements, a cocktailbar error fix, and “various bug fixes and device improvements.” In other words, it should help to stabilize Android 5.1.1 on these devices.

Galaxy-S6-Edge-8

A similar update is apparently rolling out in France where it uses build number G920FXXU2BOG8. The update should tackle bugs and issues plaguing Galaxy Android 5.1.1 users.

It’s not clear where it will head next though there’s a chance that it could reach those of you using the older version of Samsung’s Android 5.1.1 update.

More Updates on the Way

We’ve learned that more Galaxy S6 Android 5.1.1 updates are on the way. French carrier SFR, Australian carrier Vodafone, and Canadian carrier Rogers have all promised Android 5.1.1 updates to their Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge users. Most carriers don’t communicate with their customers so we simply haven’t seen too many details emerge.

The details we do have point to a fairly drawn out Galaxy S6 Android 5.1.1 roll out process, one that might’ve gotten longer due to the problems plaguing those running the older version of Android 5.1.1.

Surprise! Galaxy Android 5.1.1 Delays

Rogers Canada has been promising Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge Android 5.1.1 updates for awhile now and as far as we can tell, neither of them have rolled out.

Vodafone Australia recently completed testing on the updates, only to announce last week that Samsung pulled the cord on the software. The carrier says that it’s awaiting new software to test but that it has no idea when it might receive it.

Optus, another Australia carrier, says that a “critical issue” has been found and that its awaiting a response from Samsung. So, it looks like Samsung’s having problems with another Android update.

All three of these updates have clearly been delayed and there’s no telling when they might roll out. It’s also worth noting that this could mean delays for other carriers that don’t publicly announce their plans. You have to assume that more than three Galaxy S6/Galaxy S6 Edge carriers are testing these updates.

This could explain why we haven’t seen AT&T or Verizon roll out the updates just yet and why T-Mobile’s rolled out a new version of the software. Samsung isn’t saying one way or the other though. One thing is for sure though: Don’t expect this roll out to finish up anytime soon.

Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.1.1 Release

We’ve learned that the Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.1.1 update is still missing in action for most users.

The Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.1.1 update was originally rumored for July which means that the company has less than a week to make good on those rumors. With only a few days left in July, it’s looking like most people won’t see the update this month, if it rolls out.

Galaxy-Note-5-4

It’s clear that Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 is not a priority. It took a backseat during the initial Lollipop release and it’s taking a backseat here with Android 5.1.1. Even the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Tab4 LTE beat it to Android 5.1.1. It’s a bit strange and it’s obviously frustrating for Galaxy Note 4 users.

Earlier this month, the Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.1.1 update showed up on a few devices in Russia but it’s clear that a widespread OTA hasn’t happened. And with a grand total of zero carriers confirming a Galaxy Note 4 Android 5.1.1 release, we could be waiting until August (or longer) for this update to arrive.

Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 Release

The Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 update hit the United States, popped up at French carrier SFR, and then disappeared. We simply haven’t seen any other updates emerge or anyone else confirm plans for the Galaxy S5.

As we’ve noted, the fact that SFR is promising a Galaxy S5 Android 5.1.1 update in the future is a sign that we could see more carriers push out updates. It just might take awhile.

It’s clear that Samsung is wrestling with some Android 5.1.1 problems and that could explain these “delays” for the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy S5 and others.

Galaxy Note Edge Android 5.1.1 Update

Thanks to Rogers, we know that the Galaxy Note Edge Android 5.1.1 release will continue into August. The carrier says that it plans to push out an update next month, a sign that other Canadian carriers will probably do the same.

If Canada is planning a Galaxy Note Edge Android 5.1.1 update next month, it’s safe to assume that we’ll see some other carriers push the software to the curved version of the Galaxy Note 4 in the weeks ahead. If you own this phone, you’ll want to be on the lookout.

Galaxy Tab Android 5.1.1 Release Moving

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab4 8.0 Android 5.1.1 update continues to make progress in late July and it should continue to make progress after July ends. It’s clear that this tablet is Samsung’s priority.

It’s not clear if the problems affecting Android 5.1.1 for Galaxy smartphones will impact its release or the release of Android 5.1.1 for other tablets. While we continue to see progress, we’d temper our expectations going forward. Just to be safe.

There Are Android 5.1.1 Problems

We’ve mentioned Android 5.1.1 problems several times here for good reason. There are Android 5.1.1 problems plaguing owners of Galaxy devices running Android 5.1.1.

Galaxy-S6-Edge-1

Complaints about bad battery life have grown in the weeks since the update’s release though as we’ve pointed out, there are a number of other smaller issues plaguing Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S5 users. These include busted apps, poor connectivity, and more. Most of these smaller problems are isolated though.

Thanks to user feedback this month, we know that some of our fixes for common Android 5.1.1 problems are working for owners of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S5. We advise you to commit the fixes to your memory so that you’ll be able to tackle issues if and when you get Android 5.1.1

Galaxy Note 5 Android 5.1.1

Thanks to a solid month of rumors, it’s clear that Samsung’s next wave of devices will feature Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.

New Galaxy Note 5 benchmarks show Android 5.1.1 in testing. And with Android M set for an arrival in late Q3 and a Galaxy Note 5 release date rumored for August 21st, there’s a good chance Samsung’s next flagship will run Android 5.1.1 not Android M.

Android 5.1.1 should also be the base for the rumored Galaxy S6 Edge+ which will apparently join the Galaxy Note 5 on stage next month.

Android M Is Probably Next

Google hasn’t released a new version of Android Lollipop since Android 5.1.1. And with an Android M release scheduled for late Q3 (August or September), there’s a very good chance that Samsung’s Android 5.1.1 release will lead directly into the Android M release for Galaxy devices.

Android M hasn’t been confirmed for any Galaxy devices but phones like the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 should be among the first to get it. Samsung Android M rumors have been non-existent in July and we don’t expect to hear anything out of Samsung until after the update is announced.

10 Things to Do Before the Galaxy Note 5 Release Date

Research Your Galaxy Note 5 Storage Needs

Research Your Galaxy Note 5 Storage Needs

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 isn't official yet but that doesn't mean that you can't prepare for its arrival. There are a number of things you can do ahead of Samsung's announcement and release and deciding on how much storage you might need is one of them. 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 design is reportedly going to be similar to the Galaxy S6's. That means premium build materials but it also means no microSD card slot for expanded storage. If this is true, and it probably is, it's going to put pressure on you to figure out how much internal storage you'll need. 

If Samsung's Galaxy Note 5 doesn't feature expandable storage, it'll likely come with several storage options. Those storage options will vary in price. You don't want to pay for storage that you're never going to need so you'll want to think about this ahead of time.

Take a look at your current device, think about how you might use your next phone, and estimate how much storage it will take to feel comfortable. For some of you, it might be 32GB. For others, it might be a 128GB of space. 

We don't know how much the Galaxy Note 5 will come with yet but chances are we'll see some sort of combo featuring 32GB, 64GB and 128GB.

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Mark

    07/27/2015 at 2:34 pm

    Google’s Android Lollipop 5.X.X has been a nightmare for Samsung Galaxy class owners, and it appears that nightmare isn’t going to end in the near future.

  2. Rich

    07/28/2015 at 1:39 pm

    Just upgraded to the Note 4 from GS4. Fix the damn battery issue and show the Note 4 some respect. Probably the best overall phone Samsung device they have made.

  3. Anthony Ngartola

    07/30/2015 at 4:34 pm

    I am a Note 4 owner but this is my last Samsung phone. Will be looking for the Moto X or Oneplus two.

    • Mark

      07/30/2015 at 5:14 pm

      The Moto X Pure Edition is an excellent choice, however I am waiting for the OPT invite to reach my inbox, The Flagship Annihilator will be my next device. I like a battery I can replace myself and the LG G4 has way too many issues, it’s like getting a significant other with massive baggage. I’m not getting stuck in a 24 month payment plan with Verizon and be disappointed for 2 years.

      • Joe Sukits

        08/21/2015 at 5:06 am

        I know I’m a little late to this post, but I was reading the replies this morning and noticed yours specifically due to your comment pertaining to the G4. What problems exactly are you referring to? I happen to own one and have experienced absolutely no issues whatsoever… I’m not a fanboy either… I happen to be typing this with my s6 edge… I just like good phones and the G4 is just that… A great phone… It’s way better than my s6 edge… Way Better!!! What issues with it are you referring to??

  4. natt

    09/22/2015 at 9:42 pm

    5.1.1 now available OTA from at&t

  5. natt

    09/22/2015 at 9:44 pm

    For galaxy tab 4 8.0

  6. Anabolic Android

    10/20/2015 at 9:56 pm

    Still no Android 5.1.1 love for the note 4 on Rogers. This device was a champ on Kit Kat now it’s just a giant laggy anchor I’ve had to upgrade back to my 5S. I’m so sick of Samsung and carriers with no updates. Samsung is supposed to commit to two years of updates, not bug ridden VPN breaking bloat ware on top of touch wiz.

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