Difference between Kitkat and Lollipop

February 2023 · 5 minute read
Key Difference: Kitkat is also known as version 4.4 in its scientific language, while lollipop is version 5.0 that was announced in November 2014 and succeeds Kitkat.

Kitkat and Lollipop are not types of delicious chocolates, but are also two versions of Google’s Android operating systems. These follow in the long list of chocolate or dessert inspired names for the different android versions Google has concocted. Android Kitkat is also known as version 4.4 in its scientific language, while lollipop is version 5.0 that was announced in November 2014 and succeeds Kitkat.

KitKat was introduced in October 2013 and succeeds Android Jelly Bean, which covers versions 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. Although, it was initially named Key Lime Pie, when it was launched, Google changed it’s name to KitKat. KitKat offered interesting features over the previous version.

Features included:

The android Lollipop is the latest version released by Google and is yet to hit the market in any Google based device. Some phones have already received the update, with many other phones still waiting. Lollipop has changed drastically over KitKat and also includes a whole new design and look of the UI.

Features included:

Comparison between Kitkat and Lollipop:

Kitkat

Lollipop

Release

October 31, 2013

November 12, 2014

Design

Holo: simple and minimalist design with dark settings list

Material: uses a card-based design with 2D features. It has bright colors and animations everywhere. Banks on fluidity

Lockscreen

Swipe left to open the camera. Widgets allow more interactivity on the lockscreen

Swipe up to unlock, left to launch the camera and right to open the dialer. Allows notifications right on the lock screen

Homescreen

Allows widgets and apps on the home screen with back button, home button and the recent apps button on the bottom of the screen

New applications, home button, recent apps button and back button have changed been changed in design to circle, square and back, respectively.

Multi-tasking/ Recent apps

2D list of running applications with mini visual, allows closing apps with a swipe to the left or the right.

3D rotary style that is bigger in size. Allows swiping to the right or left to close, added X button as well. New feature allows tabs of individual cards, not only applications. (i.e.: if multiple tabs are open in Chrome, it will show all tabs individually)

Notification bar

Drop down bar that shows the apps in a tile format with the user profile taking up on tile on the top left corner.

Double sliding on the notification bar allows access to quick settings, which includes screen brightness slider, notifications (including do not disturb), and cast screen. User profile is a small circle on the top right corner instead of taking a tile.

Notifications

Notification bar shows notifications in a chronological order, allowing swipe to dismiss or a tap to access

Notifications have white background, they are arranged not in chronological order but rather priority. Allow swipe to dismiss but double tap to access the app. Also, allows rejecting a call without having to end the current task at hand. Offers ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode that allows only ‘important’ notifications through

Performance

Used Dalvik process virtual machine. No support for 64-bit processors

Upgraded to ART (Android Run Time), which is faster. Allows support for 64-bit processors

Battery life

Battery life is weak because of demanding applications

Has a pre-installed battery saver mode. Project Volta: reorganises background app activity into batches to save unnecessary phone waking, does not send automatic data requests if it sees a weak signal. Increases battery life by approximately 35%.

Security

Pattern, Face recognition, PIN code, etc.

Location and proximity based features. Allows safe zones, where the phone locks do not kick in. If phone detects Android Wear smart watch, it does not unlock the phone or tablet

Connectivity and APIs

Allows limited connectivity between different handsets

Allows interactivity between different devices of different classes. Built in Android TV. Consistent experience between smartphones, tablets, TVs, and smartwatches. Offers 5,000 new APIs for developers

Settings menu

White on black with blue highlights. KitKat put switches up front

Light gray Roboto font with green icons on a white ground. Lollipop embeds switches a layer down

Flashlight

Requires external applications

Inbuilt application with a button on the notifications bar

User profiles

Allows one profile linked with Google account

Allows multiple profiles, including guest profile, which ensures the user can keep certain things secret on their phone

Android easter egg

Tapping offers the Kitkat’s K that spins around

Tapping the version in the About section of the phone, allows flappy bird inspired android game

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