Android 11 vs Android 12: What's the difference?

It's a shame that Android has moved away from the old naming convention, before, you'd see Android 8 called Oreo and Android 5 called Lollipop.Even though Google no longer calls its Android version a delicious dessert, it's still updating the operating system and rolling out new versions.

Android 10 was the first OS without dessert, followed byAndroid 11,It isAndroid 12.Android 11和Android 12How much has changed between?We'll dive into all the details and figure out which version is the most popular.

What are the main differences between Android 11 and 12?

At first glance, Android 12 is more customizable and personal to you, and more performance- and privacy-focused than Android 11.If you're familiar with the personalization tools in Apple's latest iOS version, this seems to be what Google is trying to emulate in its latest Android version.

Although the redesigned user interface (Google calls itMaterial you) is one of the easiest changes to identify, but there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.Improvements have been made to battery life, privacy and security, and other performance features.Now, let's take a look at the specifics:

A great new UI:Material you

Material You is the update that Android users have been craving for years.With this UI update, you can finally customize widgets and change selected app icons to look the way you want.

Then, you can set a unique color palette for your phone and you can see it everywhere.If you change the wallpaper, you'll be prompted if you want to change the color palette as well.This will change the notification icon color, brightness, phone buttons, and certain locations in your phone's settings.

There's also a new conversation widget you can add to your home screen.This widget allows you to keep the people closest to you at the forefront of your home screen.It will display texts, missed calls, birthdays, etc. for these specific people in neat widgets.

Google has added some amazing accessibility features too!For anyone who needs it, you can zoom in on any part of the screen without losing context to the rest of the screen.You can also dim the display, use bold text to make things clearer, and even adjust all the colors on the device to grayscale.

Android 11 vs 12: Security and Privacy

Google takes user privacy very seriously in the Android operating system.While Android 11 is secure, Android 12 pushes privacy even further with features that are easy to understand and use.

One of the most notable privacy changes is the indicator that appears when using the camera or microphone.This is a major problem for many, and some even put a small note on the camera just in case.

But with this indicator on the status bar, you'll never have to wonder if someone is listening to you or looking at you without your consent.With the rise of video calling, it's also handy to know that your camera and microphone are officially disconnected from the chat by seeing the indicators disappear.

In Android 11, you can choose whether to give an app location permission.These are your only options.In Android 12, however, you can decide whether you want to give an app your exact or approximate location.While some apps, like Google Maps, require an exact location, most others work flawlessly with an approximate location.

Google has also made it easier for users to see when permissions are being used.You can check your privacy dashboard to see how often apps use your location, microphone, or camera over a 24-hour period.

Finally, Android 12 introduces a secure mobile environment called "Private Compute Core".Any personal information processed in private computing cores requires your express permission before being shared with Google or any other application or service.

Android 11 vs 12: Battery life

Due to a slight change in the way Android 12 handles core system services, there will be less demand for the CPU, resulting in longer overall battery life.Specific to mobile gaming, you can choose between performance-based gaming modes or modes that benefit battery life.If you choose performance, you'll have a richer gaming experience, but drain your battery faster; or, you can choose to favor battery life, but the game won't look and feel as good.

Android 11 vs 12: Performance

Everything about Android 12 feels more human.With an updated UI, Android is easier to use, and switching from other operating systems to Android 12 has never been easier.Google says you can transfer all essential data from any phone (even an iPhone) via a data cable or shared Wi-Fi connection.

You'll also find that with the upgrade to Android 12, your movements and gestures feel smoother.And, separate from Material You's changes, you'll see a notification bar that's easier to read quickly and see everything you've got open in the background.

Other noteworthy features of Android 12

One of the coolest features of Android 12 is the ability to capture scrolling screenshots.This is exactly what it sounds like.If you've ever needed to take multiple screenshots of a long article or a chain of text, now you can do it with a single image.When you start taking screenshots, you'll have the ability to scroll to capture what you need.

There's also an update to the clipboard feature.Now, when you copy something, whether it's text, a link, or an image, as soon as you click where you would normally type, you'll see what was copied.For example, if you copy someone's phone number and send it to a friend, you'll see that phone number pop up above the keyboard when you text your friend.

Is Android 12 better than Android 11?

In short, yes.Rarely is a new version of Android not better than its predecessor. Android 12 is no exception.

There are some updates and changes that users look forward to, like performance upgrades, changes to battery life and usage, and other behind-the-scenes updates that most people won't even notice right away.

And Android 12 brings something even more unique than previous systems: a personalized, customizable user interface.This feature is undoubtedly a major surprise for many Android users.