Shortly after releasing Android 5.1 Lollipop, Google released a smaller update to this, bringing the latest version of Android up to 5.1.1 Lollipop. 5.1.1 includes a number of bugfixes and resolutions to issues encountered in earlier versions of Android Lollipop, both 5.0.x and 5.1, including improvements to memory management and device performance: Nexus devices running Android 5.1.1 are noticeably more responsive than those running 5.0.2 or 5.1, especially after they have been in use for several days. We have already seen that Samsung have been working on Android 5.1.1 for the Galaxy S6 family across the world and at the time, we noted that development was underway for the Galaxy Note 4. And now, we are now seeing reports that Samsung have released Android 5.1.1 for Russian versions of the Galaxy Note 4, those devices with model designation SM-N910C.
Unfortunately, whilst we have seen the screenshot of the device running 5.1.1, Samsung have not yet released a changelog detailing the improvements to the device. Their decision to release the update into the Russian market might seem a little unusual, but it is relatively commonplace for a manufacturer to use a relatively small market as a final test before rolling out the update across a larger market (such as the United States of America). It’s hoped that Samsung will not introduce any of the same issues that the Galaxy S6 models received with the update, such as notification toggle problems. It’s possible that Samsung will have included some of the feature improvements that the S6 benefits from with the Note 4’s update to 5.1.1, including RAW support in the camera, but it’s too soon to say. We may also see Samsung adjust the Note 4’s Exynos chipset’s 64-bit mode and convert the device to running Android Lollipop in 64-bit mode, although this seems unlikely given there have been ample opportunities to effect the change already.
However, that Android 5.1.1 Lollipop is arriving for the Note 4 in at least one market around the world, this is encouraging for those regions that do not yet benefit from the new software. Subject to your particular carrier’s own internal testing and software approval, we would hope that the update will be with you shortly. This is a developing story and as soon as we receive word that Android 5.1.1 is being released in other regions for other carriers around the world, we will let you know.