5 Reasons Not to Update on Nexus Android 5.0.2 Release Day

Last week, Google released an Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for the Nexus 7 2012. The update does not appear to be rolling out OTA just yet but that should change in the future. While many users will likely want to rush into downloading the new Android 5.0 Lollipop update, we want to take a look at some reasons why Nexus owners might want to think about skipping Google’s brand new Android 5.0.2 update on the day it arrives.

In November, Google pushed out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update to Nexus users for the first time. The update, which delivers tons of new features and enhancements, is one of the biggest Android upgrades that Google’s ever rolled out. The Android 5.0 Lollipop update, despite an extensive developer preview period, also delivered numerous Android 5.0 Lollipop problems to Nexus users. It also failed to roll out to some owners of the Nexus 7.

The Android 5.0 Lollipop release has made substantial progress since its roll out in November. Earlier this month, in an attempt to squash Android 5.0 problems, Google pushed out Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, a small bug fix update that landed for the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 10, and the Nexus 9. Google’s Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is ongoing and it’s currently pushing out to several Nexus devices including the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6.

On Friday, Google’s released another Android 5.0 Lollipop update, an update called Android 5.0.2. Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is currently available in the form of a factory image for the Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi. The OTA is expected to touch down for that device, and perhaps other Nexus devices, in the near future though Google still hasn’t confirmed a specific date.

For some Nexus 7 2012 users, Android 5.0.2 will be their second Android 5.0 Lollipop update. For others, it will be their first. We’ve spoken to several Nexus 7 2012 users who have yet to install Android 5.0 Lollipop on their device. Some simply chose to avoid the update, others claim to have never received the Android 5.0 Lollipop update from Google. With a Nexus Android 5.0.2 Lollipop release date in sight, now is the perfect time to make your final preparations for the release.

There is reason to be excited about the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update but there are also some reasons to hold off on updating when the software first arrives. Here, we take a look at some reasons why you Nexus 7 users (and perhaps other users should the update spread) might want to think about holding out when Google does finally decide to push out its next Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update.

If You’re Still Unfamiliar with Lollipop

Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is currently focused in on the Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi so for now, we’re going to address Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi users directly. As we mentioned, we’ve spoken to a few Nexus 7 2012 users who never got Android 5.0 Lollipop for whatever reason. We also assume that there are some Nexus 7 users out there that have never heard of Android 5.0 or Android 5.0.1 Lollipop.

If you are still on Android 4.4 KitKat, and you’re thinking about moving to Android 5.0 Lollipop, do your homework before the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update’s OTA arrives.

Android 5.0 Lollipop brings some sweeping changes to the Android operating system and if you’re not caught up to speed, you’re going to be caught completely off-guard by the Android 5.0.2 update. It’s a small bug fixer for those currently on Android 5.0 but it’s a massive update for those of you still lingering on Android 4.4 KitKat.

There are a few ways of going about this. We recommend taking a look at some of the feedback we’ve given in regard to the Android 5.0 and Android 5.0.1 updates. We also recommend taking a look at the slideshow below.

Android 5.0 vs Android 4.4 - Lockscreen

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With Android 5.0 Lollipop Google has slightly improved the lockscreen. There's now a shortcut to the dialer by swiping left to right, and notifications are more useful and interactive. Shown right on the lockscreen they can be swiped away, slide down to expand, or double tap to instantly unlock right into that app or notification. Everything is simple and smooth, and we still have full-screen album artwork on the lockscreen while playing music. The quick shortcuts and improved notifications will come in handy for all users.

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This comparison will give you the run down of how the Android 5.0 update compares to the Android 4.4 KitKat update. In other words, it will get you caught up to speed.

Do not install the Android 5.0.1 blindly, especially if you’re moving from Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 5.0. Take a few days if you haven’t already and get situated. This way, you won’t be shell-shocked when you make the  transition from KitKat to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

If You’re At All Worried About Bugs

If you’ve been through the Nexus update process before, you know that Google likes to eradicate some of the bigger issues with an immediate bug fixer. In this case, that bug fixer was, and is Android 5.0.1.

If you’ve been through the Nexus Android update process before, you also know that smaller updates like Android 5.0.1 will often bring in some issues of their own. Even the smallest updates have been known to cause problems. This is the case with Android 5.0.1. Users are reporting a number of different issues with Google’s new update.

Now this is important because it means that there is certainly a chance that Android 5.0.2 will bring some new bugs to the Nexus 7 2012 and fail to fix some of the lingering Android 5.0 issues. There’s no guarantee but there’s a very good chance.

If you’re not having any problems on Android 5.0 or Android 4.4, if you can wait, you might want to think about holding out for a few days or perhaps a few weeks for the smoke to settle. Typically we, and other Nexus users, are able to weed out some of the biggest issues plaguing a software update and relay potential fixes for those issues in the days after an update’s arrival. There is no rush.

If You Have Critical Apps

App performance post-Android 5.0 release has been solid for many Nexus 7 2012 users though we have heard some complaints about stability and performance. This isn’t surprising given that apps almost always act up after major software upgrades.

We’ve been experiencing solid performance with the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update on board our Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013 and there’s a good chance that app performance with Android 5.0.2 on board will be solid. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be cautious though.

Many of you use applications to get through the school day or workday. And while we expect a smooth release, there’s always a chance that an important app will start acting up once the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update is brought on board.

If you are going to be reliant on apps throughout the release day for work flow or something else, it’s going to be best to hold off on installing Android 5.0.2 Lollipop until app reviews indicate that the coast is clear. Most third-party applications should be fine but it’s not worth the risk if you’re doing something extremely important for your job or your education.

If You’re Traveling

We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again. If you are traveling, for the holidays or for something else, you might want to think about holding off on installing Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update on day one.

That’s because there could be issues on board Google’s new software that impact the overall stability of the device. This is particularly troublesome for travelers who haven’t backed up their data. If something were to go wrong, not having easy access to a personal computer could make things extremely difficult and impact your trip.

You do not want to encounter a problem while you’re out at a relatives place or preparing to take photos of a once-in-life time trip to a beach or a monument. Wait until you’re back at home, in front of your own computer, and then make your move.

If You’re Unprepared

If you aren’t prepared for the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update and its release, do not install the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update when it arrives for your Nexus 7.

If you haven’t had time to back up your data, clean up your device, install app updates, or check in with your ROM developer, you will want to think about holding off until all of that is done.

For you seasoned Nexus 7 veterans out there, this might seem like overkill. That said, in our experience, the more prepared you are, the better off you’re going to be post-update. Most of the people that we encounter dealing with issues are people that installed the update blindly without taking any extra precaution. This might be a small update but it has the potential to have a negative impact on your device if you aren’t careful.