5newSections Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Nexus 6P First Look
Almost every online citizen abreast with the latest in the mobile technology scene knows that the flavor of Android known as Jelly Bean is the latest and the smoothest to date. But, which Jelly Bean?Two varieties exist for this sweet treat: Android 4.1 (which debuted with the Google Nexus 7) and Android 4.2 (which came out with the Google Nexus 4 and the Google Nexus 10).Should you be gravely concerned that the phone that you’re longing to buy runs only Android 4.1? Or, should you just go ahead and buy an Android 4.2 device such as the Nexus 4 or Nexus 10? Which mobile OS version is better? Is it even worth your envy to look at another’s Android 4.2 device? To help you take such decision-making burden off your shoulder, we compared pure Google Android 4.1 Jelly Bean against pure Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on four Nexus devices:Galaxy Nexus (running Android 4.1.2 build JZO54K),Nexus 4 (running Android 4.2.1 build JOP40D),Nexus 7 (running Android 4.1.2 build JZO54K), andNexus 10 (running Android 4.2.1 build JOP40D).In this comparison, find out how the two Android versions differ, and whether they differ greatly and significantly.
You may also skip ahead to the end of this post to watch our .(Note: Unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, the features listed or described are those on Android phones.)InterfaceNavigation Navigation in both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2 remain exactly the same. On the Nexus devices, particularly, you will find virtual Back, Home, and Recent Apps buttons instead of physical capacitive buttons commonly present in most other Android phones. These virtual navigation buttons reorient themselves when switching between landscape or portrait orientations. At times they hide as three gray dots, such as when you’re viewing a photo, or auto-hide, as when you’re watching video.Lockscreen The lockscreen layout and elements on both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2 remain mostly the same, with a few cosmetic and several significant functional changes.Android 4.1Android 4.2Screen elements shown: Digital clock at the top- day and
lock icon at lower half of the screenTo unlock device, drop lock icon on unlock icon on outer ring.Outer ring has shortcuts for Camera and Google Now.Uses only one lockscreenDoes not allow lockscreen widgetsNotifications Shade accessible by swiping top screen edge downwardsScreen elements shown: Digital clock at the top- day and
lock icon at lowe user icons below lock icon (for multi-user feature on tablets only)Hour digits on clock are set in boldface, presumably for greater visibilityTo unlock, drag lock icon to outer ring.No app shortcuts on outer lock ringGoogle Now can be launched by swiping center (dotted circle) of lockscreen’s bottom edge upwards.Uses multiple lockscreens and allow lockscreens can be rearrangedNotifications Shade accessible by swiping top s swipe down with two fingers to open Quick Settings menu. For tablets, swipe down from the left side for Notification and the right side for the Quick Settings menuCamera accessible by swiping right screen edge towards left (for phones only)Switching from Android 4.1 to Android 4.2 won’t get you a drastically revamped and completely n rather, you’ll get the same lockscreen with expanded functionality. You’ll still get the Clock and the lock/unlock icon. Unlocking is still done by dropping the lock icon over the unlock icon on the outer ring.But, in Android 4.2, you do get new ways to view content and launch apps (e.g., email, SMS, calendar events, etc.) directly from the lockscreen, thanks to lockscreen widgets.HomescreenThere’s not much perceptible change on the homescreen either, save for some rearrangement in the default app shortcuts and default folders, as well as the difference in default wallpapers.Android 4.1Android 4.2Homescreen elements: Status B non-removable Google Search bar below Status B analog clock widget below Google S dynamic virtual navigation butto Favorites tray (also called the App Dock) above the virtual buttons barDefault app shortcuts on Favorites Tray (on phones): Phone, People, App Drawer, Messaging, and BrowserDefault app shortcuts/folder on Favorites Tray (on tablets): folder for Google apps, Google+, Google Chrome, App Drawer, Google Play Store, YouTube, Play MusicTablet interface layout similar to that on phonesMaximum of 5 homescreens onlyEdge of last homescreen glows when attempting to overscrollCustomizable homescreensWidgets can be placed on homescreensExisting homescreen widgets move automatically to make way for new widgets or shortcutsWidget resized to fill up entire homescreen scales down to allowable size when placed on empty space in which it can fitSame homescreen elements as in Android 4.1Analog clock widget different from that in Android 4.1Default app shortcuts on Favorites tray (on phones): Camera, Chrome, App Drawer, Messaging, and PhoneDefault app shortcuts/folder on Favorites Tray (on tablets): folder for Google apps, Google Chrome, Gmail, Google+, App Drawer, Google Maps, YouTube, Play Music, and Google Play StoreTablet interface layout similar to that on phonesMaximum of 5 homescreens onlyEdge of last homescreen glows when attempting to overscrollCustomizable homescreensWidgets can be placed on homescreensExisting homescreen widgets move automatically to make way for new widgets or shortcutsWidget resized to fill up entire homescreen scales down to allowable size when placed on empty space in which it can fitThe default Analog Clock widget on the main Android 4.2 homescreen has also changed, although not necessarily for the better.Status Bar, Notifications, Toggles Android 4.1Android 4.2Notification Shade shows digital clock, full day and date (including year), auto rotate icon (on tablets only), Settings shortcut, and the Clear All Notifications buttonMobile network name displayed at bottom of Notification Shade (on phones only)Expandable/Collapsible notificationsSwiping either left or right to dismiss individual notificationsCertain notifica e.g., missed call notification has buttons for Call Back and MessageNotification Shade shows d abbreviated day and date (no year), Clear All Notifications button, and Quick Settings button (on phones only).Mobile network name displayed at bottom of Notification Shade (on phones only)Expandable/Collapsible notificationsSwiping either left or right to dismiss individual notificationsCertain notifica e.g., missed call notification has buttons for Call Back and MessageQuick Settings accessible by swiping down from right side of Status Bar (tablets only) or swiping down with two fingers from Status Bar (phones only)Quick Settings menu shows profile photo thumbnail, button for Brightness setting, shortcut to Settings menu, shortcut to Wi-Fi settings (shows SSID), shortcut to Data Usage screen (shows mobile network name), auto rotate button (on tablets only), shortcut to Battery status screen (shows charge in percent), toggle for Airplane Mode, toggle for Bluetooth, and shortcut for creating a bug report (if Power menu bug reports is enabled in Developer options).Android 4.2 brought some new and exciting changes to the Status Bar pull-down mechanism. The Notification Shade is still the central place for notifications. Only very little has changed there. I didn’t see any change in the status icons on the right side of the Status Bar either. But, there’s an additional Quick Settings pull-down from the Status Bar. This new pull-down menu is also accessible via the Quick Settings button on the upper-right corner of the Notification Shade. On phones, you can also access Quick Settings by swiping down from the Status Bar with two fingers.Text Input and Keyboard Text input on Android 4.2 is pretty much the same as in Android 4.1:Supports multiple languagesText-to-speech output usable both online and offlineEnglish dictionary installed as defaultMulti-language dictionaries for word suggestionsPersonal dictionary to add and save one’s own word listNext-word Selection feature (similar to SwiftKey)Voice input But, Android 4.2 also ushers in Gesture Typing to its stock Android keyboard. It’s like the swipe input method which Swype is known for. Some people actually input text faster this way than through tap-typing.Accessibility The two Android versions have the following accessibility features in common:Voice feedbackEnlarging font sizeAuto-rotating screenPower button to end calls (for phones only)Speaking passwordsSetting text-to-speech outputSetting touch and hold delayEnhancing Web accessibilityIn addition, Android 4.2 adds a new set of accessibility features, specifically aimed to help the blind or those with low vision. Such new features include the following:Magnification Gesture — for zooming in and panning around the screenExplore by touch — for navigation through touch and swipe gestures coupled with voice feedbackAccessibility Shortcut — for quickly enabling accessibility features by holding the Power button then hold down two fingers on the screen until you hear a voice confirmation.Communication FeaturesContacts Both Android versions still use the People app for managing and organizing contact information. Although the People app versions differ, their features and functions are exactly the same in both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2:Backs up contacts data to Google AccountCan also sync contacts from Google+ accountCan store contact info locally on phoneHas separate tabs for Groups, Individual Contacts, and F swipe to switch tabsContacts can be imported, exported, or sharedDifferent ringtones can be assigned to different contactsContact page has shortcuts for dialing, composing SMS, or composing emailPhone For phone functionality, both Android versions use the stock Android Phone app. The two versions are similar in the following ways:Has separate tabs for Dialer, Call Logs, and P swipe to switch tabsSimple D tapping Dial button without entering number brings up last called numberDialing screen shows contact info and call control buttons (e.g., hangup, loudspeaker, mute, hold, conference call)Call Logs tab shows all call logs, including missed, outgoing, and incoming callsBut, Android 4.2’s Phone app is slightly different:Call Logs tab can be filtered to show all calls, only missed calls, only outgoing calls, or only incoming calls.Incoming call screen also shows Google Now shortcut (dotted circle).Messaging The stock Messaging app handles sending, receiving, and managing both SMS and MMS messages. It is usually available only on phones. Both Jelly Bean versions retain the following similarities in their respective stock Messaging apps:Displays SMS and MMS messages sent and receivedCan send messages to multiple contactsCharacter count indicator appears when message nears the 160-character SMS message is split into multiple SMS if character limit is reachedCan attach photos, videos, audio, or slideshows to MMSMessages displayed as
cannot lock conversation threadsMessages shown inside text bubble with contact’s picture beside itHold down message balloon to copy, forward, lock, delete, or view details of single messageCan auto-delete old messages when defined limit is reached (default of 500 SMS per conversation and 50 MMS per conversation); maximum limit for either SMS or MMS is 5,000Direct Message widget for frequently messaged contacts can be placed on homescreenMessaging widget on homescreen shows list of SMS and MMS messagesLimited message deletion option: either individually or
cannot select multiple messages/threads for deletionThe Android 4.2 Messaging app, however, has a few more new and extra goodies:Cell Broadcast option for receiving emergency alerts (e.g., threats to life or property, child abduction emergency bulletins, etc.), as well as test broadcasts from the Earthquake Tsunami Warning System and the Commercial Mobile Alert SystemGesture Typing (more about this in the section on Text Input and Keyboard ((hyperlink)) section)Messaging w shows list of SMS or MMS messages received on lockscreenEmail For email, Gmail is the default client app. And, for those who have POP3, IMAP, and/or Exchange accounts, there’s the stock Email app for Android. This will need some setting up, of course. Both Jelly Beans use exactly the same version (4.1) of the stock Email app for Android.Apps and Widgets App installation and management stay essentially the same in both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2. The Google Play Store, of course, is still the main source of apps but not necessarily the only source, as one can sideload apps from “unknown sources.” As in Android 4.1, app installation in Android 4.2 requires granting permissions to the app before the device installs it. This is a security feature in Android. I see great improvement in this mechanism in Android 4.2, too. The permission requirements are now grouped and are easier to understand compared to how they were in Android 4.1 or earlier.Android 4.2 takes security several notches higher by including a built-in malware scanner, which scans an app for bad content and alerts the user before app installation.Android 4.1Android 4.2Uses stock Android Browser app as default Web browserHas the Latitude app shortcut in App DrawerGoogle Play Store is default source of app installationsSideloading (i.e., installing from unknown sources) allowed but needs to be toggledApp’s APK can be installed through Android Debug BridgeList of required permissions shown before installing appApp uninstallation from App Drawer (i.e., long-tap on shortcut then drag to Uninstall button)You can clear the data, clear cache, force stop, uninstall, and toggle show notification of an app in the Apps section under Settings.App and widget icons arranged in grid inside the App DrawerSeparate tabs for apps and widgetsCannot rearrange apps and widgets in App DrawerExisting homescreen widgets move automatically to make way for new widgets or shortcutsUses Google Chrome as default browserNo L Latitude is integrated in Google Maps app, like in Android 4.1New Clock widget designIncludes a stopwatch and timer on the Clock appHas Digital Clock widgetImproved Android permissions and has built-in malware scannerThe rest are the same as in Android 4.1 Android 4.1’s Clock app only has a clock function, but Android 4.2 adds two tabs for Stopwatch and Timer in its Clock app.The Analog Clock widget gets a different design from the Android 4.1 Analog Clock widget. It’s not necessarily better-looking — just different.The Digital Clock widget is new in Android 4.2. This one is not available in Android 4.1.Web Browsing and SearchWeb Browsing Android has finally and completely shied away from the stock Android Browser in favor of Google Chrome, which is now the default Web browser in Android 4.2. The complete disappearance of the stock Android Browser is not all too shocking for users of tablets such as the Nexus 7, since Chrome has been the default browser for tablets since Android 4.1.A comparison between Chrome and the stock Android Browser deserves a more in-depth article. But, to give you an overview, here are some major feature highlights of the two browsers:FeaturesGoogle ChromeAndroid BrowserMultiple tabsmore than 16 tabscan only handle 16 tabsTab list tab thumbnails shown as deck of cards tab thumbnails shown as scrollable tilesDismissing tabs from tab listswipe gesture or tapping on X buttonswipe gesture or tapping on X buttonPrivate Browsingincognito tabincognito tabOffline Readingpreloaded content can still be accessed even if offlinesaves pages for offline readingText scalingyesyesPluginsnot supportedsupportedInverted renderingnoneyesReader modenonenoneSyncing open tabs to or from other device (e.g., desktop, another phone)yesnoAdd BookmarksYesYesSync Bookmarks from other devicesYesgets synced/saved bookmarks from your Google accountFull screen viewnonenot active
can be toggled in LQuick controlsnonen can be toggled in LMobile version of page default defaultDesktop version of page can be toggled can be toggledSearch Both Jelly Bean versions use Google Now as the default search app. The app integrates Google Voice Search, Google Goggles, and Google’s other search services into just one app that shows search results on flashcards.You can access Google Now similarly in both Jelly Bean versions: by tapping the Google Search bar on any homescreen or by swiping the virtual Home button upwards from any screen.Lockscreen access to Google Now differs, however, in the two Jelly Beans. In Android 4.1, quickly launch Google Now from the lockscreen by dragging and dropping the lock icon over the Google Now icon on the outer ring. In Android 4.2, launch Google Now from the lockscreen by swiping its dedicated icon (dotted circle in the middle of bottom screen edge) upwards.CameraThe Camera app in either of the Jelly Bean versions can be launched in the usual way: by tapping on the Camera app on either the homescreen or in the App Drawer.Quick launching from the lockscreen, however, differs in both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2. In the earlier Jelly Bean, you can unlock the device and launch the Camera by drag-dropping the lock ring on top of the Camera icon on the outer ring. In Android 4.2 phones, swipe the right edge of the screen to the center to open the Camera widget and launch the Camera. Android 4.2 tablets don’t have a camera shortcut on the lockscreen. If you’re used to the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Camera app, using the Android 4.1 Camera app will be a similar ride: The elements and features are similar to those in the ICS camera. The only new change in Android 4.1’s camera is the transition effect when taking a photo and the swipe gesture to view images taken.In contrast, Android 4.2’s Camera app has a simple and less-cluttered layout. Elements found here are the camera mode options, virtual shutter button, and the circle icon for the camera’s settings — only these three. You can also long-tap on the viewfinder to open the camera settings menu.Android 4.1Android 4.2Similar elements from ICS Camera such as virtual shutter button, zoom slider, a selec and a mini image preview on one corner below screenSilly Faces and Background effects option5 Scene Modes and 5 White Balance optionsSwiping left on viewfinder to
swiping back to rightmost page to relaunch cameraMini preview feature for recently captured photos and videos right below Capture buttonTime Lapse recordingPanorama shotCapture max 1080p video using back camera and 720p videos using front cameraNew and less-cluttered camera layoutNew auto-focus logoMini preview excluded in favor of the tap and swipe to the left capture preview functionExcluded Silly Faces and Background effects option5 Scene Modes and 5 White Balance optionsSame swiping gesture of Android 4.1Tap on the viewfinder to view camera settingsTime Lapse recordingPanorama shotPhoto SphereHDR Mode for compatible devicesCapture max 1080p video using back camera and 720p videos using front cameraIn addition, Android 4.2’s Camera app also has new features such as Photo Sphere and support for HDR Mode for compatible devices. Both Camera apps have similar camera options and effects, however, Android 4.2 decides to get more serious by removing the Silly Faces and Background effects. Photo and Video GalleryPhotos Photos captured are saved in the Gallery app. Although the two Android’s Camera apps differ slightly from each other, most functions and features stay similar, such as the following:Thumbnails sortable according to album, location, time, people, or tagsPhoto thumbnails viewable in either Grid View or Filmstrip ViewZooming out on photo activates Filmstrip ViewSwiping image up or down deletes image in Filmstrip ViewGallery app does not allow moving images from one album to anotherImages can be set as homescreen wallpaperBasic image transformations (e.g., rotate and crop) can be performed within Gallery appPhotos can be shared via Bluetooth, Google+, Picasa, Gmail, or NFCTo enter Filmstrip View in Android 4.1, you’d need to zoom out on an image. Android 4.2’s Gallery app, however, provides a drop-down list to make switching between Grid and Filmstrip Views easier.Also, in Android 4.2, scrolling past the leftmost photo in the Photo Viewer or in Filmstrip View will launch the Camera app. This feature is not available in the earlier Jelly Bean. The built-in Photo Editor in Android 4.1 already allows you to do much to your photos:adjust BW balance and contrast,apply photo effects,apply color filters (Warmth, Saturation, B&W, Sepia, Negative, Tint, Duo-tone, or Doodle), andchoose photo transformation options (Crop, Red Eye, Face Glow, Face Tan, Straighten, Rotate, Flip, or Sharpen).But, the Android 4.2 Photo Editor not only is easily accessible with a tap on its icon at the corner of the screen but also allows you to do much more:new filters and effects (punch, Vintage, B/W, Bleach, Instant, Latte, Blue, Litho, or X Process),custom frames,photo transformation options (Straighten, Crop, Rotate, or Mirror), andimage colors and values adjustments (Autocolor, Exposure, Vignette, Contrast, Shadows, Vibrance, Sharpness, Curves, Hue, Saturation, and BW Filter).Videos Captured or downloaded videos are stored in the Gallery app, too. They are organized and sorted in the same manner as photos in the Gallery app. There is only one difference between Android 4.1 and Android 4.2’s Video Gallery: you can trim your videos right within the Gallery app in Android 4.2. This is not possible in Android 4.1.Media PlaybackPhoto SlideshowIf you grow tired of scrolling through different pictures one-by-one, view your photos as a slideshow. Both Android versions let you run photo slideshows. In Android 4.1, just tap on the Slideshow button at the upper-right corner of the Gallery app. In Android 4.2, the Slideshow option is under Menu while viewing an album.You can also display your photos as a live slideshow wallpaper through the Daydream feature that activates when the phone is charging or docked.Playing Movies and Videos The Gallery app in both Android versions also doubles as a video player — a straightforward and simple one. There is no other difference in the video player in either Android version apart from Android 4.2’s support for the Miracast standard, allowing wireless display sharing to supported displays.Playing Music For playing music, the default app in both Android 4.1 and Android 4.2 is the Play Music app, which provides the following features:Stores downloaded songs from Google Play StoreSongs can be copied from PC to phone/tablet via USB connectionSongs displayed according to playlist, artist, album, songs, genres, or recently addedIncludes 5-band equalizer and equalizer presetsCreate, edit, rename, and delete playlistCan plays music in backgroundMini music player appears on Notification Shade and lockscreenSecurity Security features that we appreciated in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich are still present in both Jelly Beans:Slide, Face Unlock, Pattern, PIN, and Password lockscreen typesOwner information displayed on the lockscreenDevice encryptionSIM card lock (on phones only)Preventing installation of apps not from Google Play StoreIn addition to those, Android 4.2 tightens security further with new or improved security features, including the following (source: ):Always-on VPNApplication verificationCertificate PinningContentProvider default configurationCryptographyFORTIFY_SOURCEImproved display of Android Permissionsinit script hardeninginstalld hardeningMore control of premium SMSSecurity fixesI greatly appreciate the application verification feature, which examines and checks an app before it is installed, warns the user of potential harm, and can prevent installation of the app if the potential harm is great.The list of Android permissions has also improved a lot. The permissions are now displayed in groups and are described in language that is easier to understand. A description of each permission can also be viewed by tapping on the permission. In Android 4.1, I get a bulleted list of a mix of technical and not-so-technical language.Other New or Improved Features in Android 4.2Despite being just a minor update to Android 4.1, Android 4.2 does bring along several features that are entirely new and not available in Android 4.1. These include the following:Changes to Developer Options menuMulti-user feature for tabletsDaydreamWireless display screencasting via MiracastChanges to Developer OptionsUnlike in Android 4.1, the Developer Options menu is not visible in the Android 4.2’s Settings menu by default. To activate the Developer Options menu, tap the device’s model number 7 times to make it appear. The Developer Options menu also has new options, such as the following:Take bug reportPower menu bug reportsVerify apps over USBShow hardware layers updatesShow GPU overdrawForce 4x MSAASimulate secondary displayEnable OpenGL tracesMulti-user Feature for Tablets Android 4.2 optimizes tablet functionality by allowing users to create multiple accounts. On the lockscreen of an Android 4.2 tablet such as the Nexus 10, you will find user icons below the lock icon. Tap on the icon of the user profile that you want to load before unlocking the tablet. If the profile is protected by a password lock, you’ll need to enter the password first before the tablet will unlock.Each user account can be personalized so users can safely download files or apps, save images or attachments, and leave their settings without worrying about the next user changing or viewing data.Daydream With the new Daydream feature in Android 4.2, you can display the latest Google Currents trends, a photo slideshow, a photo frame, an analog or digital clock, or a colorful background on your device’s screen when your device is charging or docked. It’s actually a customizable screensaver feature. You can also manually activate it, if you want.Wireless DisplayNot possible out of the box in Android 4.1, wireless mirroring is now possible in Android 4.2. You can screencast your device’s display to an HDMI device (e.g., HDTV) that supports the Miracast standard. This means that you can wirelessly stream your slideshows, movies, videos, and the like (your device’s display, in fact) to a supported HDTV. Unfortunately, only the Nexus 4 has this feature.VideoWatch this video on YouTube to find out more about the differences between Android 4.1 and Android 4.2:ConclusionSo many of the goodies that you love from Android 4.1 Jelly Bean have been carried over to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Most of the stock apps and widgets are similar in both Android versions. To the eyes, there’s no big change in Android 4.2 at all.But, some new significant features and some minor alterations make Android 4.2 sweeter and fun. Here is a brief list of new features from Android 4.2 Jelly Bean:Support for multiple users (for Android tablets)Multiple lockscreen pages with widgetsWireless displayRevamped Camera appPhoto SphereHDR Mode (for supported devices)New Clock appQuick Settings pull-down menuDaydreamGesture typingAdditional options in Developer OptionsMagnification Gestures and Explore by Touch accessibility featuresSecurity enhancementsUI design changesPlaced side by side, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean shows a slightly modified and slightly upgraded version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. What do you think of the changes? Are they big enough for you? Which of the new features or improvements do you like the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.(with contributions from ), Nexus 6P CaliCase International Giveaway!Best Android phones (August 2016): our picks, plus a giveawaySORT10 best Android flashlight apps with no extra permissions8 best Android emulators for PC15 best Android apps of 201610 best new Android apps of June 201615 best Android games of 201610 best new Android games of June 2016!15 best platform games for Android}