Finally, our review device got the Android 5 Lollipop update and I got to have a go at the latest version of Google’s OS firsthand. I was sure I would like the new Material design from the first time it was announced, and I must say that I have not been disappointed.
Simply put, I love the flat design, the cards, and the general implementation of the new UI. Here are screenshots from the Nexus 5 running Android 5.0.1. PS: Note that nexus 7 tablets are receiving version 5.0.2.
Locked screen with notifications:
Locked screen:
Android Lollipop Desktop:
The new drop-down menu:
This is what the Settings menu looks like now:
About Phone under Settings:
The new app drawer:
I honestly do not like the white layer. Interestingly, on the Nexus 7 running Android 5.0.2, that white layer isn’t there and it looks much better, in my opinion. This is what it looks like on the Nexus 7:
The Gmail app inbox:
The Gmail app menu:
The Calculator app looks like this now:
And the Calendar app has significant changes. Here is the Schedule view, listing all your upcoming appointments in one view:
Here’s the default view when you launch the phone app – a listing of your speed dials:
In the Phone app, here is what the Dialer looks like:
And Google’s Hangout:
Finally, Gallery app is done away with and replaced with the Photos app:
Transitions through menus are smooth and nice. I particularly love the new Gmail app. I will likely do a proper review later, but one thing is sure: Lollipop is a much better version of Android OS. The new user interface is really good and is in my opinion also the best stock Android UI ever. It is good to see a stock Android UI and not long for something like Sense UI from HTC to hide it away.
Lollipop features and specs looking real sweet.
That said, I’m not impressed so far with the “material” looks. Dull. My opinion