How do OS updates work on Nexus devices?

[ControlD]

I always sort of assumed that with a Nexus device you get OS updates directly from Google. However I keep seeing headlines like "T-Mobile Nexus 6 to get Lollipop 5.1.1 update" which makes me think you still have to wait for carriers to release them. So, how does it really work?

 

[poofyhairguy]

Tier One - Nexus Bought from Play Store. Is basically like a Nexus tablet and will get OTA updates straight from Google on release within the few weeks that Google rolls out updates. Also gets the best support from Google directly, I have heard of crack screen replacement even YMMV.

Tier Two - Carrier Devices. These have to get tested by the carrier for network (and maybe marketing sadly) compatibility as an extra step before release. Like as fast as Tier 1 practically and some get special releases (like the T-Mobile 5.1.1:

https://developers.google.com/android/nexus/images

Tier Three - A Verizon Nexus. We will see about the Nexus 6 on Verizon. A close friend has one so I will know when he gets OTAs soon enough. It should be fixed with the Nexus 6. The poor Gnex on Verizon (which he also had) was easily the most abandoned Nexus device ever. Poor little thing.

 

[ControlD]

Thanks for the detailed response! That Tier Three description is what has me worried.

 

[paperwastage]

I always sort of assumed that with a Nexus device you get OS updates directly from Google. However I keep seeing headlines like "T-Mobile Nexus 6 to get Lollipop 5.1.1 update" which makes me think you still have to wait for carriers to release them. So, how does it really work?

these updates are typically for carrier-specific fixes... (eg t-mobile WiFI calling for nexus 6 - LYZ28E)

Google targets users on that carrier (based on the sim card), and slowly rolls out the updates

You can always bypass this wait, by manually flashing the OTA (or full ROM). ANYONE with a nexus 6 can do this

(for 5.1.1, Sprint users are slowly getting it too, LMY47Z )

http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...z-is-now-heading-to-nexus-6-phones-on-sprint/

I assume that all of these carrier-specific changes will be merged and available to all, upon a major release (5.2, Android M 6.0)



http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/ref-nexus-6-stock-ota-urls-t2906493

5.1.1 nexus 6
LMY47Z or LYZ28E, depending on network.
LMY47Z is the worldwide build. You should only be running LYZ28E if you're on T-Mobile USA.

 

[razel]

In addition to above if you absolutely cannot wait you can always can flash it yourself here factory images direct from Google. It is best done by someone very familiar with installing OSs and command lines, primarily because the instructions on that page are really just outlines of what to do.

By the way if you haven't gotten Lollipop yet and are happy with KitKat then, I just keep waiting at this point. I suspect a minor revision, a 5.2 pretty soon (Google I/O in June) or for sure October. Basic things are still broken with 5.1.1, even Google's own Trusted Face which on crash renders the Camera useless until a reboot, at least on a Nexus 5.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Thanks for the detailed response! That Tier Three description is what has me worried.

I wouldn't be worried if you are considering the Nexus 6. Three key things are different from the Gnex:

1. It is the same device as the other versions, not just a CDMA only one. From what I understand there is only one ROM, and not just a Verizon only one. That means if Verizon is a dick and won't push a OTA you can always stick one on yourself and be sure it works.

2. Verizon isn't pushing this phone. The GNex was considered a coup by them, they had advertisements and exclusivity deals. But then they got hit with more updates than their arcane update process could take combined with what I assume was so-so sales and the poor Gnex paid the price. Given the fact that the Verizon store guy commented to my friend that "it was the first one he sold" weeks after release in a major city I think we can assume that Verizon is treating this like a developer edition device that they aren't pushing.

3. Verizon didn't diddle with the ROM. I checked his when he got it. It had 4.1 and NO carrier anything that was offensive. As I said I think Verizon is leaving it alone, which is great.

If I was on Verizon I would have a Nexus 6 and I really really dislike its large size personally. It is the only sane phone for an enthusiast to have on Big Red, everything else decent is locked down and skinned. The exception is Moto, but I don't feel as confident about them right now. I was as bad as anyone the last year saying "A Moto X is a Nexus basically," when that OG Moto X sat FOREVER without Lollipop and the new X is just getting 5.1 now (two months after a Nexus and a month after my GPe). A Lenovo owned Moto is not the same animal that sold the first Moto X.

To me its Nexus 6 or bust. Heck it is a miracle Verizon is allowing this thing to exist on their network. Like it slipped past them or something. My friend had to tell the guy in the store that they were selling it lol.

 

[ControlD]

Thanks again guys.

Yeah, if I can go ahead and flash the latest version without waiting for Verizon's blessing then that is fine with me. I refuse to purchase a phone that needs a carrier modified ROM to be made available before I can update. I have seen this cycle over and over with my wife's phones and it sucks. My Note 2 on the other hand is happily running 5.1.1 and I have never flashed an OTA update since I day I have owned it. I like that freedom.

Now if I can convince myself to actually part with the N2 is the real question.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I just check at lunch Dave because I met that friend. His device is running the STOCK Nexus ROM (aka the one on the Google webpage) and I can't find any Verizon branding or bloatware anywhere. You are safe.

I feel you about the Note 2. Every Note after the first one has been a great device.

 

[ControlD]

I just check at lunch Dave because I met that friend. His device is running the STOCK Nexus ROM (aka the one on the Google webpage) and I can't find any Verizon branding or bloatware anywhere. You are safe.

I feel you about the Note 2. Every Note after the first one has been a great device.

Thanks a bunch! I really appreciate it. I played around with one at the Verizon store yesterday and I didn't see any of the typical bloatware either. The phone felt a lot better in hand than I expected as well. I thought it would be too big, but in reality the phone itself is close to the same size as my N2.

 

[poofyhairguy]

Oh yeah if you are used to a Note then it is a good size for you. He was commenting today on how this was the first phone he liked more than his Note 2, he is a big phone guy and the Moto X (1) he had before didn't do the job.

 

[lothar]

3. Verizon didn't diddle with the ROM. I checked his when he got it. It had 4.1 and NO carrier anything that was offensive. As I said I think Verizon is leaving it alone, which is great.

Sounds to me like they more than diddled with the ROM.

]If I was on Verizon I would have a Nexus 6 and I really really dislike its large size personally. It is the only sane phone for an enthusiast to have on Big Red, everything else decent is locked down and skinned. The exception is Moto, but I don't feel as confident about them right now. I was as bad as anyone the last year saying "A Moto X is a Nexus basically," when that OG Moto X sat FOREVER without Lollipop and the new X is just getting 5.1 now (two months after a Nexus and a month after my GPe). A Lenovo owned Moto is not the same animal that sold the first Moto X.

Which other Android manufacturer is on Android 5.1? Not Samsung, not HTC, nor LG, not Sony, not OnePlus, or anyone else.
Motorola has Android 5.1 on Moto X(2013), Moto G(2013), Moto E(2013), Moto X(2014), Moto G(2014), and Moto G(2014).

How many of the other manufacturers have upgraded all their flagships(I'm talking high-end, mid-end, and low-end of 2013 & 2014) to 5.1?
If you can't point to me any other device that has 5.1 then I'd say your doubts are pretty much unfounded. Moto is still the first of all the Android manufacturers to get 5.1 to both 2013 and 2014 devices.

 

[lothar]

I always sort of assumed that with a Nexus device you get OS updates directly from Google. However I keep seeing headlines like "T-Mobile Nexus 6 to get Lollipop 5.1.1 update" which makes me think you still have to wait for carriers to release them. So, how does it really work?

Regarding the Nexus 6:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...-builds-why-they-exist-and-what-it-all-means/