2025 is shaping up to be an unusual year in the world of Android. Surprisingly, Android 15 made its debut on some Vivo devices before Google’s Pixel phones even received it. Now, with the official Android 15 update rolled out, we’ve thoroughly tested it to bring you a comprehensive look at what's changed—and it turns out, not much has. While Android 15 does bring a few noteworthy updates, it remains largely similar to its predecessor, Android 14. Here’s everything you need to know.
Subtle Visual Changes
1. Redesigned Volume Menu
One of the first minor changes users will notice is the redesigned volume menu. Now, instead of a straightforward line slider, there’s a more modern, rounded, pin-like slider. The movement of this slider has been made smoother, giving it a more polished look and feel. A new option allows you to choose an audio source directly from the expanded volume page. So, whether you want sound through your phone’s speakers, Bluetooth headphones, or another connected device, switching between them is now more intuitive.
2. Settings App Tweaks
The Settings app has undergone a few visual tweaks. The header, which previously said “Settings,” has been removed, and the search bar is now larger and positioned prominently at the top. Your Google account profile icon, previously visible on this page, has been moved to a more iPhone-like interface, showing up on a separate page, mirroring Apple's settings for its iCloud account. Additionally, each setting has a bordered box, similar to the look that Nothing OS pioneered with its own settings page.
3. Widget Management
Widgets have seen a slight upgrade as well. Android 15 introduces an "Add Widget" button, making it simpler to add and organize widgets without dragging and dropping. Additionally, there’s a new “Recommendations” row for widgets, divided into three categories: Essentials, Suggested, and Social.
4. New Quick Settings in Bluetooth
A small but handy update to the Bluetooth Quick Settings menu lets you turn Bluetooth off and automatically schedule it to turn back on the next day. It’s a simple yet helpful feature for those who frequently switch Bluetooth on and off.
Feature Additions
1. Private Space
Arguably one of the most notable additions in Android 15 is “Private Space,” which appears at the bottom of the app drawer. In this space, users can securely store and lock certain apps with a fingerprint lock. Private Space also allows for app duplication, so you can have a second instance of apps like WhatsApp, which is a familiar feature for Android users on custom ROMs and skins from brands like Samsung and Xiaomi.
2. App Archiving
Taking a cue from iOS, Android 15 allows users to archive apps to free up storage space without losing app data. When you long-press an app icon, tap on “App Info,” and select “Archive.” This feature is similar to Apple’s “offloading” system, where the app itself is uninstalled, but data remains. Whenever you want to restore the app, the icon remains accessible for reinstallation.
3. Partial Screen Sharing
Android 15 introduces partial screen sharing, allowing users to share only specific apps or portions of their screen rather than the entire display. This feature helps protect personal information when screen-sharing for work, presentations, or other situations where privacy matters. Additionally, personal notifications are hidden, so others cannot view them during screen-sharing.
4. Enhanced Theft Protection
The new Theft Protection feature brings some enhanced security measures. For instance, if someone attempts to steal your phone, Theft Detection Lock will automatically lock your device, which should make it unusable for the thief. Similar to Apple’s “Find My” feature, this setting uses Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing other nearby Android devices to connect and locate a lost phone. Theft Protection can also lock, locate, and even erase your device’s contents if it falls into the wrong hands.
5. Webcam Mode
In a feature similar to those found on select Motorola devices, Android 15 allows users to connect their phone to a PC with a cable and use it as a webcam. This can be useful for those who want better video quality than their laptop’s webcam can offer, without needing an external camera.
6. Fingerprint Security for USB Connections
When connecting your Android phone to a laptop for USB tethering or data transfer, Android 15 now asks for fingerprint authentication, adding a valuable layer of security to prevent unauthorized data access.
7. Adaptive Vibrations
A new feature called Adaptive Vibrations changes vibration intensity based on ambient noise levels. For example, if you’re in a quiet environment like a studio, vibrations will be softer. In louder environments, such as a metro station, vibrations are intensified to ensure alerts are noticeable.
8. Animation Enhancements
Subtle changes in animation make Android 15 feel slightly smoother, though these differences are minimal. The Always-On Display, as well as transitions between minimized apps, now have improved animations that give the OS a more polished appearance.
Android 15's Under-the-Hood Updates
The Android 15 update seems more evolutionary than revolutionary, with features that are hard to spot unless you’re closely familiar with Android 14. For instance, the addition of a 50% marker on the brightness slider is a simple, overdue feature that makes setting display brightness a bit easier. Android has also added a minor animation when toggling between split-screen apps, with app icons briefly appearing during transitions.
Missing Features and Wishful Updates
Some features in Android 15 were discussed in early builds but didn’t make it into the final release. For example:
- Lock Screen Widgets for phones, which are currently available on the Pixel Tablet.
- Desktop Mode, a feature similar to Samsung DeX that would allow users to use their Android devices as a desktop setup when connected to a monitor.
- Battery Health Monitoring, a feature highly requested by Android users. Like Apple’s battery health feature, this could help users keep track of battery longevity and decide when a replacement is needed.
Conclusion: An Incremental Update
After years of anticipation for big updates to stock Android, Android 15 feels more like an incremental upgrade, with only subtle enhancements and quality-of-life improvements. For users already on Android 14, the changes may seem minor or even unnoticeable, and for four consecutive versions, stock Android has remained visually consistent. Perhaps it's time Google considers a fresh look for stock Android, which could help it feel as innovative as the tech it powers.
This article is based on factual information, it is recommended to check any required information. Image Source: Medium via Google Images.
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