Why Nexus Users Should Install Android 5.0.1 Right Now

Google’s Nexus Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release is rolling out in full force as the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 updates have joined in with the others. With the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update in full swing for Nexus users, we want to take an updated look at some reasons why you might want to install Google’s new Android 5.0 Lollipop update right now.

In November, Google started rolling out its Android 5.0 Lollipop update, a major upgrade to its Android operating system that runs on millions of smartphones and tablets worldwide. The Android 5.0 Lollipop update brought a brand new look called Material Design and some other sweeping changes that make it one of the biggest Android updates in the software’s history.

As expected, Android 5.0 Lollipop also delivered numerous problems to owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Nexus 9. And for the past month, Nexus owners have taken to social media, Google’s Nexus Help Forum and Android-centric message boards to complain about assorted Android 5.0 Lollipop problems.

While we outlined some potential fixes for those problems, many Nexus users demanded an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop bug fixer from Google, an update that Google started pushing out just a short time ago.

The Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update and its bug fixes first arrived for Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 10 and Nexus 9 users. In the days since the initial roll outs, Google’s pushed it out to owners of the Nexus 6, Nexus 5, and Nexus 4 as well. The update serves as the first update to the Android 5.0 operating system and an update that many Nexus users are starting to see emerge on board their device.

We’ve spent some quality time with Google’s Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update and we’ve also been monitoring the current climate to gauge the importance of Google’s new update. And while there are some reasons to think about avoiding the update, there are also some reasons why you might want to install the Nexus Android 5.0.1 update right now.

You’re Having Problems

If you’re on Android 4.4 KitKat or Android 5.0 Lollipop and you’re dealing with random problems, you might want to think about installing the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update right now. Not only does it come with a number of bug fixes but Android updates like Android 5.0.1 will often fix problems that aren’t listed in the change log.

So far, Android 5.0.1 is treating our Nexus devices well. We’ve been running it for a week or so on the Nexus 7 2013 and it’s extremely stable, smooth and fluid. We’ve also been running it on the Nexus 5 and so far, the experience has been very stable. These are only two devices in a sea of millions but typically, we’re able to catch major issues in the aftermath of an update.

Point is, comes with confirmed fixes and it also appears to be a solid update without any major bugs of its own. So, if you’re dealing with some headaches right now on Android 5.0, Android 5.0.1 is probably worth a gamble. Just keep these fixes in mind if you do happen to run into difficulties after you make the jump. They’ll come in handy.

If You Want to Improve Performance

If you are experiencing terrible performance in Android 4.4 KitKat or Android 5.0 Lollipop, you might want to think about moving to the Android 5.0.1 update right now. Not only have we not discovered any bugs lurking about, we’ve been getting high quality performance on the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 2013. Specifically, the devices have been displaying excellent Wi-Fi speeds, stable Bluetooth connectivity, and high quality battery life post-Android 5.0.1 update.

We’ve been hearing about some awful Android 5.0 performance on select Nexus devices and if you’re one of these people struggling, you might want to turn to Google’s latest update. It has the potential to fix some of these issues. If it doesn’t, be sure to check on your third-party apps, your router and your Bluetooth devices. These all have a tendency to cause problems and it may not be Android 5.0 that’s at fault.

You’re Prepared

If you’ve read our early reviews. If you’ve gathered feedback from Google’s forums and Android-centric forums. If you’ve researched potential fixes for Android 5.0.1 problems. If you’ve backed up your files and prepared your device. If you’re familiar with Android 5.0 Lollipop. If you’ve done everything that you can possible do pre-release, go ahead and make your move.

Installing incremental updates is always a roll of the dice. There’s always a chance than an issue or two will pop up in the days after its arrival. But if you’ve done everything you can possibly do to prepare for the software, and you want to move to Google’s latest version, then all you can really do is install the software and hope that it goes well. Or you can wait.

Google tends to only roll out a few bug fixers so if you wait, there’s a good chance that you’ll be waiting for weeks into the new year. We’ve heard whispers about Android 5.1 but nothing concrete.

If You Own a Nexus 7 2013 and Watch Videos

If you own a Nexus 7 2013 that’s running Android 5.0 Lollipop and you watch a lot of videos on your device, you probably want to install the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update today.

Android 5.0.1 comes with a bunch of fixes but it comes with two big fixes in particular. One of them is for a video playback issue that was plaguing Nexus users after the Lollipop update. If you want to investigate the issue, you can here. From what we can tell, the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update has smashed this issue for good.

We haven’t experienced any trouble on our Nexus 7 2013 and we’ve gotten positive feedback from those that were dealing with the issue post-Android 5.0 Lollipop release. If you are on Android 5.0 and you’re having playback issues, you probably want to make this move.

If You Don’t Want to Lose All of Your Files

Android 5.0.1 also fixes a lock screen bug that has the potential to accidentally trigger a factory reset. If you’re not familiar with the term, it means a full on wipe of the phone. That means files, games, apps, and more. You could potentially lose files that aren’t backed up and at the very least, have to endure a painstaking process getting your phone or tablet right again.

From what we can tell, it’s a rare issue, but if you use the pattern lock screen in particular, you’re going to want to think about installing the Android 5.0.1 update right this very second. We don’t anticipate many users encountering this issue but there’s always a chance that your phone will get loose in your bag or pocket and somehow replicate this issue.

If you store precious files on your phone or tablet, and many of you do, consider the Android 5.0.1 update when it arrives OTA.