5 Nexus Android 5.0.2 Release Details You Should Know

This Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update review will take a look at everything Nexus users need to know, right now, about the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release for Google’s Nexus devices.

Back in November, Google released the new operating system that it announced at Google I/O in the summer. Android 5.0 Lollipop arrived on the scene to a great deal of fanfare thanks to the design changes and new features on board. Lollipop is a massive change to the Android OS and a much larger update than the Android 4.4 KitKat update that landed a year before it.

That month, Google pushed out Android 5.0 Lollipop to many of its Nexus smartphones and tablets including the Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus 4, and Nexus 5. The company also pushed out smaller bug fix updates for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, the two devices the accompanied the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system to shelves.

Its been several months since Google released its Android 5.0 Lollipop update and in the weeks since its arrival, the company’s managed to push out two new Android 5.0 Lollipop updates to assorted Nexus users. Android 5.0.1 Lollipop was first to emerge and several days later, Google popped out Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. Both are bug fix updates and both are limited to specific devices.

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is the newest version and it’s currently available for three devices including the Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013 and the Nexus 10. In the past few days, we’ve seen the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release pick up steam as Google continues its roll out for the Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi and the aging Nexus 10 tablet.

We’ve been covering the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for a number of weeks now and today we want to take a look at what Nexus users need to know about the latest and greatest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update. This overview will outline some of our more recent coverage and give you a better idea about the Lollipop update that has replaced Android 5.0.1 Lollipop as the most current version.

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Rolling Out Slowly

The first thing that you need to know about if you’re a Nexus user is that the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update is now pushing out Over-the-Air. The update has been pushing to the Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi and Nexus 10 since the tail end of last week but this week we’re really starting to see the update move out to Nexus users around the world.

It’s a slow process and one that could take more than a week to complete though we do expect to see most updates arrive this week. We still haven’t seen the update push to our Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi yet but we aren’t panicking. Google’s OTAs always take awhile and the overall Android 5.0 Lollipop release has been an uphill battle for many users.

Nexus users continue to complain about missing updates and failed installations. Not just with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop but with all versions of the Android 5.0 update. Some users remain on Android 4.4 KitKat.

Remember, Google’s OTA roll outs are impossible to predict. They’re random. So the only thing you can do, if you’re not into sideloading, is sit around the wait. Take a look in the settings a couple of times a day. Any more than that is overkill.

Manual Update Now Available

Earlier this week, the OTA files for these updates were discovered lurking around on Google’s servers. This is a huge development because it means that users can now use the adb sideload process to install the software updates ahead of the OTA process.

We’ve put together step-by-step instructions about how to manually update to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop right now so if you’re at all interested in skipping the OTA, we suggest checking that out.

Novice Nexus users should only use sideloading as a last ditch effort. There’s always a chance that something will go wrong so you’ll need to be well versed in the process before committing.

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Features

Google still hasn’t released a full Android 5.0.2 Lollipop change log though we did see a developer change log emerge with the Nexus 7 2012 Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update back in December. That changelog lists a number of big improvements including an update to TRIM that should improve performance on these devices.

Those of you that are interested in all of the little details can head over to the developer change log for the LRX22G build, also known as Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. It’s bit dense and it’s not as extensive as the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update that rolled out several weeks ago. Still, there are some important bug fixes on board Google’s latest software that you should know about.

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Review (Early)

We’ve gone hands on with the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for the Nexus 7 2012 and we’ve put together a full review that’s worth checking out before you install the update on board your aging tablet.

In summary, we’ve found that the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is outstanding except for the occasional lag. The lag doesn’t come as too much of a surprise given that this tablet is going on three years old.

We’ve been pretty delighted by the performance so far and it’s certainly worth considering if you want the latest features and bug fixes. Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi users dealing with Lollipop bugs will almost certainly want to download and install this update given the performance enhancements on board.

Android bug fixers also have a tendency to alleviate bugs that aren’t listed in the change log. Wi-Fi problems, battery life issues, and so on will often be corrected with new software.

Android 5.0.2 Problems Mount

Finally, you should know that the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release is not without its problems. Nexus users have run into an assortment of issues with the installation process and with the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update itself.

We’re starting to pick up on a steady stream of complaints from the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users that do have the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update on board. The problems range from installation issues to problems with Wi-Fi to issues with screen rotation. The Android 5.0.2 problems are isolated for the moment though we expect to see pick up once the update lands for more people.

In response, we’ve put together several lists of potential fixes for Android 5.0.2 Lollipop problems that we suggest taking a look at before you install Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. That way, if you do run into issues, you’ll be prepared.

We’re still not sure if Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is going to roll out to Google’s other Nexus devices though with two devices (Nexus 7 2012 HSPA+ and Nexus 7 2013 LTE) still on Android 4.4, there is a good chance that the Android 5.0.2 roll out will expand.