Lollipop vs. Marshmallow — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on December 28, 2024
Lollipop and Marshmallow are versions of the Android operating system, with Lollipop introducing a new design and improved notifications, while Marshmallow enhanced battery life and permissions control.
Difference Between Lollipop and Marshmallow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lollipop, also known as Android 5.0, marked a significant shift in Android's design with the introduction of Material Design, which brought a cleaner, more vibrant look to the interface. On the other hand, Marshmallow, or Android 6.0, built upon this foundation by introducing features that focused on improving user experience, such as Doze for battery management and a more intuitive app permissions model.
One of the hallmark features of Lollipop was its enhanced notification system, which allowed notifications to be accessible from the lock screen and prioritized based on the user's activity. Whereas, Marshmallow took user control a step further by allowing users to grant or deny app permissions individually, rather than at the point of installation, providing a higher level of privacy and security.
Lollipop also introduced Android Runtime (ART) as its default runtime, improving application performance and responsiveness compared to the previous Dalvik runtime. In contrast, Marshmallow optimized ART even further, reducing application install times and the amount of storage space required for apps.
Another significant addition in Lollipop was the "Guest mode" feature, enabling multiple users to share a device more easily. Marshmallow expanded on user-centric features by introducing Google Now on Tap, which offered contextual information based on what was displayed on the screen, making the user experience more seamless and integrated.
While Lollipop focused on a major visual overhaul and introducing new functionalities to enhance user interaction with the device, Marshmallow refined these features by focusing on performance, battery life, and user privacy. This illustrates the evolution of Android OS, with each version building on the strengths of its predecessors while also introducing new features to improve the overall user experience.
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Comparison Chart
Design
Introduced Material Design, offering a more vivid and responsive UI.
Continued Material Design with minor refinements.
Notifications
Enhanced notifications accessible from the lock screen; introduced Priority mode.
Direct share capabilities and simplified volume controls.
Battery Management
Project Volta aimed at improving battery usage through more efficient operational modes.
Introduced Doze and App Standby for better battery management.
App Permissions
Permissions granted at installation.
Granular permissions model allowing users to grant or deny permissions individually.
User Accounts
Guest mode and multiple user accounts support.
Refined user account switching and management.
Runtime
Switched to Android Runtime (ART) for improved performance.
Optimized ART for faster app installs and smaller compile code.
Special Features
None specified.
Google Now on Tap for contextual assistance; verified boot for security.
Compare with Definitions
Lollipop
Introduced Material Design, enhancing the UI's aesthetic and functional aspects.
Lollipop's interface features realistic shadows and motion responses that mimic real-world materials.
Marshmallow
Featured Google Now on Tap for contextual assistance.
Marshmallow can provide information related to what's on your screen with a long press of the home button.
Lollipop
Enhanced notification system for improved accessibility and control.
Users can view and respond to messages directly from the lock screen in Lollipop.
Marshmallow
Refined user experience with improved app permissions and battery management.
Marshmallow users can manage app permissions individually for greater privacy.
Lollipop
Introduced "Guest mode" for easier device sharing.
Lollipop allows users to create guest profiles, ensuring privacy when sharing devices.
Marshmallow
Optimized Android Runtime (ART) for faster app installation.
Apps install quicker and require less storage space on Marshmallow.
Lollipop
Implemented Android Runtime (ART) for better app performance.
Apps run faster and smoother on Lollipop due to the ART optimization.
Marshmallow
Enhanced security with verified boot.
Marshmallow checks device integrity on startup to ensure it hasn't been compromised.
Lollipop
Aimed at improving battery life with Project Volta.
Lollipop devices benefit from more efficient power management strategies.
Marshmallow
Introduced Doze and App Standby to extend battery life.
Devices on Marshmallow conserve battery by entering low power usage modes.
Common Curiosities
How do app permissions work differently in Marshmallow?
Unlike Lollipop, where permissions are granted at installation, Marshmallow allows users to grant or deny app permissions individually at runtime, offering greater control over privacy.
How does Marshmallow improve battery management compared to Lollipop?
Marshmallow introduces Doze and App Standby, which significantly reduce battery consumption when the device isn't being actively used, by restricting background processes more effectively than Lollipop's Project Volta.
Can all devices running Lollipop be updated to Marshmallow?
Not all devices may receive the Marshmallow update as it depends on the device's hardware compatibility and the manufacturer's update policy. It's best to consult your device's manufacturer for specific update availability.
What is Doze in Marshmallow?
Doze is a battery-saving feature in Marshmallow that puts the device into a deep sleep state when it's left unattended for a period of time, significantly extending battery life by reducing background activity.
What is Material Design?
Material Design is a design language developed by Google, introduced with Lollipop, that uses grid-based layouts, responsive animations and transitions, padding, and depth effects such as lighting and shadows to provide more intuitive and seamless user interactions.
What is Google Now on Tap, and how does it work?
Google Now on Tap, introduced in Marshmallow, provides contextual information related to what’s on your current screen when you press and hold the home button, offering assistance without needing to leave the app or website you are on.
Can I upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow?
Yes, devices running Lollipop can typically be upgraded to Marshmallow, but availability depends on the device manufacturer and model. It's recommended to check with your device's manufacturer for specific upgrade options.
What is the main difference between Lollipop and Marshmallow?
Lollipop introduced a significant design overhaul and improved notifications, while Marshmallow focused on enhancing battery life, app permissions, and overall user experience.
What is verified boot in Marshmallow?
Verified boot is a security feature in Marshmallow that checks the device's software integrity upon startup. If the software has been tampered with, the device can take corrective measures to ensure data security.
How has app installation and storage been optimized in Marshmallow?
Marshmallow optimizes app installation and storage by making use of an improved Android Runtime (ART), which allows apps to run more efficiently, install faster, and take up less storage space on the device.
What is Android Runtime (ART)?
Android Runtime (ART) is the application runtime environment used by the Android operating system, replacing Dalvik. It improves app performance and efficiency by pre-compiling application code into native code upon installation.
What does the introduction of guest mode in Lollipop entail?
Guest mode in Lollipop allows users to create a separate profile for temporary users, ensuring the primary user's data remains private and untouched. This is especially useful for sharing devices among friends or family without compromising personal information.
What improvements does Marshmallow offer for user account management?
Marshmallow builds on Lollipop's multiple user accounts and guest mode features by refining the process for switching between user accounts and managing them more efficiently, making it easier for multiple users to share a device.
How does the new permissions model in Marshmallow benefit users?
The granular permissions model in Marshmallow allows users to control what specific data an app can access, enhancing privacy and security. Users can approve or deny permissions individually and adjust them anytime through the settings, providing a more personalized and secure experience.
How do the notification systems differ between Lollipop and Marshmallow?
Lollipop revamped the notification system with priority modes and lock screen notifications. Marshmallow refined this by simplifying volume controls and introducing direct share capabilities, allowing for quicker access to sharing content with contacts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
