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Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Review

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After using the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop for nearly three weeks I am ready to share a full review of Android Lollipop on the Verizon Galaxy Note 4. the experience may be similar to other Note 4 version, but this deals specifically with the Verizon model.

This Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update adds great new features like Smart Lock and delivers an upgraded look that isn’t quite like what we see on the Galaxy S6, but it is cleaner overall.

Specifically the Verizon Note 4 runs Android 5.0.1 so it includes some of the bug fixes that Google rolled out after the initial update. This update is not the latest Android 5.1 update or Android 5.1.1 update, but it does deliver a major jump from Android 4.4 KitKat that shipped on the Galaxy Note 4 last year.

Here's a our full Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop review.

Here’s a our full Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop review.

After witnessing shaky Galaxy Lollipop releases that include AT&T Galaxy Note 4 problems and Verizon Galaxy S5 problems we decided to spend a lot of time testing the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update before weighing in on if it is worth installing on your phone.

In addition to testing the Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop features I also use the device with the Moto 360, which allows me to test those features as well.

Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Review

Keep in mind that even with three weeks using the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update it is impossible for me to test everything that you do on your phone. I use many common apps and services on the Note 4, but if you use the phone in a different manner our experiences could differ some.

This is a guide to the overall Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop performance, but your experience may vary based on how you use the Note 4.

Apps

Note 4 apps work great on Lollipop.

Note 4 apps work great on Lollipop.

My Galaxy Note 4 is a portal to work an entertainment. I don’t play a lot of games on it, but I use it to manage our team at Gotta Be Mobile and to stay in touch with friends on Google Hangouts and Facebook Messenger. So far I have had no app issues after installing the update. The Galaxy Note 4 apps work fine and push updates to the Moto 360 as expected.

I also use the Note 4 to watch Netflix and HBO Go when I am  at the gym to watch videos or listen to Spotify and Audible. Read our list of the best Galaxy Note 4 apps to see what else is on my Note 4.

Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Battery Life

After complaints about the Lollipop battery life on the AT&T Galaxy Note 4 and the Verizon Galaxy S5 I was initially concerned that the Note 4 battery life would suffer under Android 5.0.1.

That is not the  case. After using the Galaxy Note 4 for weeks the battery is stable and able to last all day most of the time. If I use it to talk a lot or as a hotspot during the same day I may need to charge sometime, but that’s not new to Lollipop. Use this guide to fix bad Galaxy Note 4 battery life if you have problems.

 

WiFi, LTE & Bluetooth

The Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update for three weeks did not lead to any problems with connectivity. The Note 4 connects to Bluetooth headphones and to my car without any issues.

WiFi performance is solid at home, even in the basement, and at other WiFi networks I need to connect to. The personal hotspot feature works without any problems.

The Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop adds connectivity features.

The Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update adds connectivity features.

Verizon 4G LTE connectivity is also great and with Advanced Calling 1.0 I can now make calls to other Verizon devices that sound better than before. As an added bonus I can now use the internet while on a call.

Bugs & Issues

Despite extended use I could not find any Verizon Galaxy Note 4 bugs that slowed down my use of the device. This is great news, but it is also possible that I am not using the right combination of apps and services to see any problems. Other users may report issues due to what is on their Galaxy Note 4.

Speed

The Verizon Galaxy Note 4 was speedy on KitKat and it is just as fast on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. Apps open fast and switch quickly. The multi-tasking works great and the overall performance is solid.

Is the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop Update Worth Installing?

It is safe and recommended to install the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update.

It is safe and recommended to install the Verizon Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop update.

Although we initially urged users to upgrade with caution and wait to see if any major Note 4 Lollipop problems appeared on the Verizon model it is clear that most users can install this Android 5.0.1 update without worrying about problems.

There are many great new features in Android 5.0.1 and they outweigh any potential issues that may arrive with the upgrade. You don’t need to install this update to keep using the Galaxy Note 4, but it is one that we suggest you spend the time to install.

Android vs iPhone: 14 Reasons Android is Still Better

More Choice with Android

More Choice with Android

Apple offers more choice than we've seen from them before with the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7 and iPhone SE as well as older models -- but you still only have three screen sizes and two designs to pick from. 

Android delivers more options with waterproof phones, different screen sizes, more colors, different materials and other differentiating factors. 

With Android smartphones users can choose a waterproof option like the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge or go with a modular design like the LG G5. 2017 brings newer designs and options.

There is also support for a huge screen with a built-in stylus with the Note 6. In addition to these big names, there are many other options from Motorola, Huawei and if you include last year's releases a number of other interesting options. 

There are also options to buy an Android phone with wireless charging or a replaceable battery, neither of which is available without adding a case to the iPhone.

Users can pick the phone size and design they want, and they can also pick a phone that offers a replaceable battery, a great camera or another feature without limiting to just two phones for the latest features and user experience.

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. Dana

    05/03/2015 at 6:28 am

    I recently updated to lollipop on my Samsung galaxy note 4. So far I’m loving it however now when I try to share a video from youtube or anything from a site on chrome through my messages app, it just says invalid recipient in the text Message. I have to manually copy and paste the link in a message. Quite annoying since I do share a lot of stuff through apps or from chrome. Have you heard of anyone else experiencing this problem? Do you know how to remedy this?

  2. Arya

    06/10/2015 at 3:32 am

    after upgrading to Lollipop, sometimes when I make calls it will disconnect immediately. After re-starting only it will work fine..

  3. [email protected]

    08/03/2015 at 4:25 pm

    You must’ve been paid. The lollipop update is awful! Horrible battery life , hot phone, frozen screens and numerous app issues.

  4. Dana

    08/03/2015 at 4:32 pm

    Agree with last comment.. awful update. I’m so pissed I trusted your review. Phone freezes, goes black, doesn’t end calls, many issues that I never had prior to the update. Very disappointed.

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