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Nexus 7 2013 Android 5.1.1 Review

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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.

Read our Nexus 7 2013 Android 5.1.1 review to find out if this is safe to install.

Read our Nexus 7 2013 Android 5.1.1 review to find out if this is safe to install.

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.

Apps, connectivity and performance are solid.

Apps, connectivity and performance are solid.

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?

Should you install the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update? Here's your answer.

Should you install the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update? Here’s your answer.

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.

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.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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

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