Select HTC and Samsung smartphones have been receiving Android 5.1 Lollipop and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop over these past days. In the sections below, we will examine the Android Lollipop Update situation on a number of flagships. The list includes HTC's One M9, One M8, One M7; Samsung's Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, and Galaxy Note 4.
HTC One M9
As of July, only two versions of the HTC One M9 have received Android 5.1 Lollipop. The first was for Sprint's HTC One M9, which started rolling out on July 1. This was first announced via Twitter by HTC's Mo Versi.
This was followed up by an Android 5.1 Lollipop update for the HTC One M9 Developer Edition. According to GottaBeMobile, there are a number of noticeable improvements. These include enhance data performance, battery life, temperature management and camera. Also, call drops have been reduced.
Other U.S. carriers have yet to announce when they plan to roll out Android 5.1 Lollipop. Users who have contracts with these companies will need to wait patiently for now.
HTC One M8
This April, HTC UK promised that One M8 users in Britain will receive Android 5.1 Lollipop in August 2015. The branch made no mention of a widespread European and North American release.
Only India has received the Android 5.1 Lollipop for the HTC One M8, according to a report by GSMArena. The information appears to be confirmed by users who downloaded the firmware. This seems to be limited roll out, as other Asian regions have yet to receive the update.
Presently, there is no word from HTC regarding when U.S. users will start getting Android 5.1 Lollipop for the One M8.
HTC One M7
GeekSnack reported through an insider that HTC may be ending all support for the One M7. The One M7 is already over two years, which is considered ancient by smartphone standards. Also, HTC is already actively promoting the newly released HTC One M9.
So, a significant One M7 update is looking very unlikely at the moment.
Samsung Galaxy S5
In late June, T-Mobile started rolling out Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to the Samsung Galaxy S5. There is still no word from Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon regarding when they plan to update their Galaxy S5 to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Samsung Galaxy S6
T-Mobile has also rolled out Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on the Samsung Galaxy S6. According to AndroidPit, the update addresses bugs that include the camera LED flashlight issue. Fingerprint scanning has been improved as well.
Meanwhile, Sprint users with Galaxy S6 have received the older Android 5.1 Lollipop. AT&T and Verizon have yet to announce when they plan to upgrade their version of the Galaxy S6.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Samsung has not announced plans to introduce Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to the Galaxy Note 4. Even so, SamMobile reported on rumors suggesting that the update is available to some Galaxy Note 4 owners in Russia. Previously, the tech publication also produced an anonymous leak claiming that Samsung is soak-testing the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop for the Galaxy Note 4.
Both of these incidents have not been backed up by official information from Samsung. At this time, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is running on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop with several U.S. carriers.
