The short answer is The First Fully 64-bit compatible version of Android is Lollipop 5.0 released in 2014.
Compact mobile phones have come a long way to get as reliable and advanced as we now see. From a device that could just call a number when needed, it has turned into a multipurpose device that can perform anything for you. To bring up to such an advanced version, many changes are made in hardware as well as the software. After great results from 64 bit OS in laptops, mobile phones took a great leap to transform into 64-bit devices.
The first Android device was released in 2008; however, the first fully 64-bit compatible version of Android is released in 2014. If you want to know what the first 64 bit Android OS is and relevant information, you need to check out the following sections.
Chipsets Before 64 Bit Android OS
The history of mobile phones and their journey to the one’s today are long yet enticing. With fewer memory options and less bit-rated hardware and software configuration. The functionalities of phones were quite limited in inceptive days. There was no scope to make complex operations, play games, and interact apps. The introduction of interactive and heavy software stipulated the manufacturers make reasonable changes in various departments including the memory and processor.
The first-ever 64-bit processor was probably launched by ARM after its declaration in 2003. In this declaration, it stated that the upcoming processors from it would be purely 64 bits only. However, brands like Apple and Samsung took almost a decade to launch such memories in their products. However, the first 64-bit compatible version of Android OS was released way before the actual 64-bit phones.
First fully 64-bit compatible version of Android
We have witnessed the first fully 64-bit compatible version of android as android lollipop 5.0. In 2015, HTC came up with a 64 bit CPU with an android lollipop in the market in the model of Desire 510, where the other phones were confined to 32 bits only. Although this phone came with lesser RAM, the advent of this phone paved the path to an increase in cores and thus stronger CPUs. HTC, as we all know, was the introducer of many such features in the market; however, other 32 bits phones were also available during that time.
What Does 64-bit Really mean?
Evidently, the size of the CPU register is increased from 32 bit to 64 bit. Apart from this, other features include extended address space and thus improved access to RAM. While the interface of apps and games is getting better, the need for powerful processing and more RAM is becoming obligatory. This is where a 64-bit version excels 32 bit. The number of bits may have nothing to do with the android OS. However, the processes can get faster and smoother taking advantage of the improved hardware on a single clock cycle.
No other memories are faster than CPU registers. May it be cache memory or the RAM, none of these can be matched for the speed of the built-in registers in the CPU. Therefore, the increase in the number of registers will definitely account for the improvement in performance. While a 32-bit processor has 232 different memory addresses (registers), a 64-bit system has 264 memories, which clearly depicts a giant leap in performance.
Advantage of First 64 bit Android OS
Evidently, a 64 bit OS and Hardware are better than a 32 bit OS in many ways. Some of these include improved Software performance, increased memory support, better computer performance, enhanced security features, and other latest advancements. Here are a couple of valuable benefits that users should comprehend:
Capabilities to address memory:
The increase in the number of registers evidently increases the amount of memory that can be randomly accessed. To be precise, a 32 bit OS can only access upto 4 GB of RAM. This implies, even if you have 6 GB of RAM in your device with a 32 bit OS, it can only use 4 GB of it and leave the rest 2 GB as unused memory. However, this is not the case with 64 bits OS. These can access upto 16 exabytes (around 17.17,98,69,184 GB). This implies you can expand your RAM to literally any size depending upon the compatibility of the System; the OS is already ready to access. All this makes a 64 bit OS a better option for faster and smoother performance.
Improved Software Performance:
Upgradations made in the software made it a better performance with a handful of features added to it. Some such engrossing features of first 64-bit android OS, Lollipop 5.0 are :
- Improved user interface with flatter icons and better color overlays to images. Moreover, the implementation of geometrical shapes for navigation is another attraction.
- Making initial settings in the new device was made easier with the Tap and GO feature. By using this, you can just select this option to make necessary settings in apps by connecting with your old device. This feature is a great relieving upgrade.
- Flexibility in control over apps is introduced in lollipop OS. In this, you can make settings of selected apps to show notifications in the lock screen and drop-down menu. These settings made setting priority easy and made mobile phones closer to daily usage.
- While users could see only the current battery status in the previous versions, in Lollipop 5.0, users could see the remaining predictable battery life in hours and minutes. This can make estimates yet more facile.
- Google voice commands were introduced. By using these commands, users could say, OK Google, and ask thor queries directly without typing the entire query.
- The drop-down menu got many new handy options like flashlights, screen share, and hotspots.
- Lollipop facilitated users to display crucial notifications when the screen is not turned on too. This feature, known as ambient Display, is made handy for many professionals.
- Other handy features like screen pinning, Enhanced low visions, color blindness capabilities, and faster reboot.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
How is Lollipop 5.1 better than Lollipop 5.0?
Android 5.1 is evidently a better version than 5.0. Not only because of minor interface updates, but also with some upgrades in areas like apps menu, Lock screen, toggles, profiles, gmail, calendar, and scope for cross-platform convenience. Some more upgrades were evident in version 5.1.1.
Can Android 5.0 be upgraded?
Today, many new versions of android are released with high-end features. If you are using a lollipop 5.0 device, probably your manufacturer has not provided any updates. This is probably time to upgrade to the latest model to ensure the latest version of android. Another lesser recommended option is to crack the version to install the latest version manually. However, this may hamper the overall performance of the device.
Summing Up
Here we go! You know what the first fully 64-bit compatible version of android is. It is none other than android Lollipop 5.0 released in 2014. It came with many expectations and remained successful with many new handy features taking a great leap towards high-end interactive performance and app support. Being the first 64-bit android OS, it led the path to modern mobile phones that get adorned with more gigs of RAM. We have also encompassed various benefits and a few frequently asked questions for your clear comprehension.
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