Android 7.1 Nougat review: Subtle but super-sweet OS update

Android 7.1 Nougat is the latest version of Google's mobile operating system. It makes its debut on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, the company’s first home-made phones, and will soon make its way to other devices.

While the pre-Pixel version of Nougat was a fairly subtle update from Android Marshmallow, when it comes to noticeable user interface changes, Android 7.1 changes a lot.

So, does version 7.1 turn Android into a sticky mess, or is it sweet refinement all the way?

Android 7.1 Nougat review: Sweet tweaks

• New round icons
• Snappy quick-action shortcuts
• Notification redesign and quick reply
• Settings menu revamped

Unlike Android 7.0 Nougat, 7.1 has introduced a notable visual change to the operating system, meaning there's definitely enough to please those who like new things.

The most obvious change in design is in seen on the Pixel’s home screen, which is now littered with round icons, not square or freeform ones. This is about more than just changing for change’s sake.

First and foremost, when developers follow suit, it’ll mean that all app icons have a uniform design and size. You won’t need to install something like Nova Launcher just to get all your app icons to be the same size. 

Secondly, it’s impossible to confuse with iOS, and differentiates it from all the third party Android skins out there. Unless you have a third party launcher and round icon packs installed on your device, this looks different.

Another big change, at least in the Google Pixel's launcher, is that the app drawer is no longer accessed by tapping a dedicated icon on the screen. Instead, you pull it upwards from the app dock which - because the app drawer icon is no longer there - has space for a fifth app.

• Google Pixel exclusive features explored: A cut above the rest of Android?
• Google Pixel tips and tricks: Getting to grips with Google's phone

It's also worth noting that some of these app icons have built in shortcuts, so you can tap and hold them and bring up various quick actions. Maps has the ability to quickly navigate home, messenger lets you get straight to your frequent conversation and camera lets you take a selfie. Of course, there are more than just those. 

POCKET-LINT

A major change from Android 6.0 is also seen when notifications pop-up on screen. Where Marshmallow had cards on screen that sort-of floated on top of everything and had drop shadows, Nougat's cards spread across the entire screen.

There's still a clear element of what Google calls "Material Design", but the cards feel more part of the existing screen, rather than being an attention-hogging card that just pops up awkwardly into an empty space.

More importantly, all the animations in Nougat - like swiping away cards, or down from the top of the screen - feel more fluid and smooth. It's particularly noticeable when dropping down the Quick Settings options from the top, when the quick toggles all work their way in to position

Secondly, it’s impossible to confuse with iOS, and differentiates it from all the third party Android skins out there. Unless you have a third party launcher and round icon packs installed on your device, this looks different.

Another big change, at least in the Google Pixel's launcher, is that the app drawer is no longer accessed by tapping a dedicated icon on the screen. Instead, you pull it upwards from the app dock which - because the app drawer icon is no longer there - has space for a fifth app.

• Google Pixel exclusive features explored: A cut above the rest of Android?
• Google Pixel tips and tricks: Getting to grips with Google's phone

It's also worth noting that some of these app icons have built in shortcuts, so you can tap and hold them and bring up various quick actions. Maps has the ability to quickly navigate home, messenger lets you get straight to your frequent conversation and camera lets you take a selfie. Of course, there are more than just those. 

POCKET-LINT

A major change from Android 6.0 is also seen when notifications pop-up on screen. Where Marshmallow had cards on screen that sort-of floated on top of everything and had drop shadows, Nougat's cards spread across the entire screen.

There's still a clear element of what Google calls "Material Design", but the cards feel more part of the existing screen, rather than being an attention-hogging card that just pops up awkwardly into an empty space.

More importantly, all the animations in Nougat - like swiping away cards, or down from the top of the screen - feel more fluid and smooth. It's particularly noticeable when dropping down the Quick Settings options from the top, when the quick toggles all work their way in to position.

Secondly, it’s impossible to confuse with iOS, and differentiates it from all the third party Android skins out there. Unless you have a third party launcher and round icon packs installed on your device, this looks different.

Another big change, at least in the Google Pixel's launcher, is that the app drawer is no longer accessed by tapping a dedicated icon on the screen. Instead, you pull it upwards from the app dock which - because the app drawer icon is no longer there - has space for a fifth app.

• Google Pixel exclusive features explored: A cut above the rest of Android?
• Google Pixel tips and tricks: Getting to grips with Google's phone

It's also worth noting that some of these app icons have built in shortcuts, so you can tap and hold them and bring up various quick actions. Maps has the ability to quickly navigate home, messenger lets you get straight to your frequent conversation and camera lets you take a selfie. Of course, there are more than just those. 

A major change from Android 6.0 is also seen when notifications pop-up on screen. Where Marshmallow had cards on screen that sort-of floated on top of everything and had drop shadows, Nougat's cards spread across the entire screen.

There's still a clear element of what Google calls "Material Design", but the cards feel more part of the existing screen, rather than being an attention-hogging card that just pops up awkwardly into an empty space.

More importantly, all the animations in Nougat - like swiping away cards, or down from the top of the screen - feel more fluid and smooth. It's particularly noticeable when dropping down the Quick Settings options from the top, when the quick toggles all work their way in to position.