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Poll: Is it time to cut your KitKat phone loose?

androidpit Kitkat vs Marshmallow
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Some of us have Android Marshmallow, some of us have Android Lollipop and an awful lot of us still have Android KitKat. The way Google rolls out updates is far from perfect and so it’s no surprise that not every device is up and running with the latest Android version. But does that mean it’s time to let go of your KitKat phone?

Energy sistem 1 2
Is now the time to abandon your KitKat phone? / © ANDROIDPIT

There are a few problems with older smartphone OS versions. One is security: more ways to exploit software are discovered all the time, and once Google ceases to support an operating system, you're on your own.

Another problem is that smartphones running older software tend not to perform as well as those with newer software. There are exceptions, crippling bugs, etc, but at this point, Android Lollipop is running fairly steadily.

Lastly, Android Lollipop and Marshmallow have a handful of unique and interesting features, which you just don’t have access to with a phone that is stuck on KitKat. Features like Google Now on Tap, and the recent apps menu, to name just a couple.

So my question to you is this: if your phone is stuck on KitKat, and won’t be updated, do you think that now is the time to abandon it?

If your phone is still running Android KitKat, is it time to upgrade?
View results

Let us know why you do or don't think it's time to drop your KitKat phone in the comments. 

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Go to comment (16)
Scott Adam Gordon

Scott Adam Gordon
Editor

Originally from the UK, Scott graduated in Popular Music Studies at Newcastle University and attributes much of his success there to his beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. His current aim is to write cool things about Android. And he loves it.

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16 comments
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  • Indian Sports Winner 2
    Indian Sports Winner Feb 4, 2016 Link to comment

    Android Lollipop vs KitKat Features Preview!
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dEcT867X74


  • Delv 1
    Delv Jan 30, 2016 Link to comment

    I use Samsung galaxy e7(SM-7000). when i click softwere update. it said that my phone already latest updates. So i think, i will forever in kitkat. but i hope that samsung has a new update version for my phone ><


  • 1
    Anuj Kumar Jan 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Lolipop's my favourite feature is mannual camera controls.


  • 2
    chetan Jan 24, 2016 Link to comment

    kitkat'$ performance is always better than all others

    Joseph Calafiore


  • Bob visser 14
    Bob visser Jan 24, 2016 Link to comment

    Nothing wrong with kitkat it's way better than lollipop. Lollipop is like the windows Vista of Android

    Deactivated AccountRavindu Thimantha GamageMoni Mihailov


  • 18
    Deactivated Account Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Lollipop and now Marshmallow. In day to day life when you use your device you will not feel substantial difference. Whether you are on KitKat or Marshmallow all you need is that your phone should remain safe and deliver hassle free performance. When I updated to Lollipop I faced so many problems. It's better to keep things simple.

    Deactivated Account


  • 9
    Luka Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Although I'll be replacing my Galaxy Tab 4 only because of that, I voted no. It was the lightest Android version that had very low minimal requirements, so it ran crazy fast. Battery life was perfect, and Holo theme was beautiful.
    Sadly not the story with TouchWiz from back then...


  • Paolo 17
    Paolo Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Lollipop and Marshmallow still perform TERRIBLY compared to Kitkat, especially in former flagships, not least of which boils down to battery life - there are stats that said battery life has effectively HALVED or even worse. So if your phone is "still stuck" on Kitkat, be thankful because you can probably use that for longer.

    Ravindu Thimantha Gamage


    • 2
      Veh Jan 25, 2016 Link to comment

      That's pure bs


  • WickedSweetDreamz 10
    WickedSweetDreamz Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    I'm using a Samsung Galaxy S3 that has MetroPcs as a carrier, but is a T-mobile phone that I now know will never be upgraded past a 4.3,and I think that is really not right ,and I would like to upgrade to a different phone ,but I don't have about $700 give or take just lying around to go out and buy one of the newest phones ,and so, I am stuck with the one that I have for the time being .I think the amount of money to get a really nice , new, Android phone you need to spend is pretty ridiculous TBH.


    • Bob visser 14
      Bob visser Jan 24, 2016 Link to comment

      700 is more than enough to buy a good phone


  • 2
    Nibedan Karan Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    I had never seen kitkat like stable and great battery backup android os version....I'm using lg g2 with twrp and I loved to be with kitkat...

    Ravindu Thimantha Gamage


  • 10
    Abhyuday Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    Depends on whether you have a custom skin or not. Miui looks, and is, awesome on kitkat. Also, the oldest phones have the most and best roms available. So, maybe not.


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    I am not about to give up my S3 even though know it will never get Lollipop let alone Marshmallow.

    GT Ohh


  • 14
    Davin Peterson Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    The are tablets that sold with KitKat installed.


  • 5
    NT7 Jan 23, 2016 Link to comment

    I had hoped to update my Moto X (2013) to Marshmallow, but Lenovo decided to 5h1t on Motorola. After reading numerous complaints of bugs and slow performance following the Lollipop update, I am willing to risk not getting security updates.

    Another reason I chose not to update is that I hate Material Design.

    Ravindu Thimantha Gamage

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