Android
Nexus 7 2013 Android 5.1.1 Review
The Nexus 7 2013 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update delivers a collection of fixes for the tablet that may fix the memory leak that troubled some devices with slow performance. After two weeks of testing, here is a look at the Android 5.1.1 update performance on the Nexus 7 2013.
Google continues a slow roll out of the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update to other Nexus devices, and we could see it on the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 in the near future. For now the biggest install base is on the Nexus 7. In this Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 review we specifically look at how this update handles on the Nexus 7 2013 model.
We are still waiting for the Nexus 7 2012 Android 5.1.1 update to arrive on our test device that is on Android 5.1 so that we can test that update in full.
Here are the important things you need to know about the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update to decide if you should install this update on your tablet.
Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Review
Shortly after installing the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update, we shared an early look at the performance and any issues. In the two weeks since this update arrived I’ve used the Nexus 7 more as part of my daily routine to see if there are any improvements and to look for problems or bugs with Android 5.1.1.
It is important to keep in mind that our experiences may vary due to the apps installed on the Nexus 7 and the way that different owners use the Nexus 7 each day. You can use this Android 5.1.1 review to decide if the Nexus 7 Lollipop update is worth installing on your Nexus 7 2013.
Apps
After extended testing of my favorite Nexus 7 apps for entertainment and social media I found no major problems with apps. I was able to catch up on DareDevil on Netflix, check my email with the Gmail app and look into my Instagram feed. Facebook and Relay for Reddit also worked perfectly on Android 5.1.1
Users who run into problems should make sure that all apps are up to date and that Google Play Services is up to date as well.
Android 5.1.1 Battery Life
The Nexus 7 2013 battery life did not change dramatically after installing the Android 5.1.1 update. That is what we want to see with an Android update like this. Specifically the Android 5.1.1 battery life delivers great standby time and I did not need to worry about coming back to a dead Nexus 7 after an evening of leaving it sit unplugged.
The Nexus 7 still takes a frustratingly long time to get enough charge to turn on after a complete drain, but this is not new for Android 5.1.1.
WiFi & Bluetooth
From a connectivity standpoint there are no changes to the Nexus 7 review unit that we used to test Android 5.1.1. WiFi connectivity works well connecting to multiple home networks and a personal hotspot. Bluetooth connectivity is solid with easy pairing and good range for Bluetooth headphones. With no LTE on the Nexus 7 review unit we could not test that connectivity.
Bugs & Issues
There are some Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 problems, but like many bugs and issues these do not impact every device. My experience with the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update is very positive with no new bugs and issues arriving with the update. If Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 bugs appear, you will see more about them on the Google Nexus Help forum.
Speed
The Nexus 7 2013 speed is still right where it needs to be on a device that is almost two years old. Android 5.1.1 did not impact the speed of the Nexus 7 like Android 5.1 did to the Nexus 7 2012, which slowed dramatically after the update. Apps open and switch fast and the few games I keep on the Nexus 7 still run with the same speed as before the update.
Is the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Update Worth Installing?
The most important question that we hope to answer with this Android 5.1.1 review is if the update is worth installing.
For any Nexus 7 2013 that suffers from the Random reboots app crashes or similar Android 5.1 problems there is no question that this is an important update for the device. Install Android 5.1.1 right now. Even users who don’t experience these Android 5.1.1 problems should look into installing the update on the Nexus 7 2013 without any further delay. The overall experience is solid and performance remains good without major bugs or issues.
There are some reasons not to install Android 5.1.1, but most of them boil down to not being prepared or in a place where you can deal with any upgrade problems.
Sarah Gardner
05/15/2015 at 2:50 pm
Thanks for a clear and informative review ! I was concerned abouting updating my Nexus but you have helped so much.
Dorothée
06/10/2015 at 8:21 am
Hi, i have upated my nexus 7 to 5.1.1 and my tablet is getting slow and slow. Should i downgrade to 4.4.4 or is there anything else i can do?
David
06/11/2015 at 6:09 pm
Root it and install CyanogenMod