Android 5.1 vs. Android 6.0: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on June 14, 2026
Android 5.1 focuses on improvements and fixes, enhancing stability and performance, while Android 6.0 introduces major features like Doze for battery management and app permissions control.
Key Differences
Android 5.1 Lollipop and Android 6.0 Marshmallow represent two stages of evolution in the Android operating system. Android 5.1 was primarily a release aimed at fixing bugs and improving performance and stability from its predecessor. On the other hand, Android 6.0 brought significant new features and enhancements over Android 5.1, focusing on user control and privacy, most notably through a revamped app permissions system.
With Android 5.1, users experienced refined user interface elements and improvements in connectivity, including enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. Conversely, Android 6.0 Marshmallow introduced the Doze mode, a new battery management system designed to extend battery life by managing background processes more efficiently than in Android 5.1.
Another key difference lies in the handling of app permissions. Android 5.1 did not allow users to manage app permissions individually, whereas Android 6.0 introduced granular permissions, letting users approve or deny individual permissions to apps.
Security enhancements also distinguish Android 6.0 from Android 5.1. Android 6.0 introduced fingerprint support for device security and mobile payments, improving security measures beyond what was available in Android 5.1.
Android 6.0 offered improved storage management through the adoption of flexible storage, allowing for SD cards to be treated as internal storage, a feature not available in Android 5.1. This advancement significantly impacted how users could store apps and data, providing more flexibility than Android 5.1.
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Comparison Chart
Battery Management
Basic battery optimization
Introduced Doze mode for better battery life
App Permissions
Permissions granted at install
Granular permissions control at runtime
Security
Basic security features
Enhanced security with fingerprint support
Storage Management
Limited external storage integration
Flexible storage, allowing SD cards as internal storage
UI Enhancements
Minor improvements and bug fixes
Visual changes and app drawer modifications
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Android 5.1 and Android 6.0 Definitions
Android 5.1
Android 5.1 is a minor update improving system stability.
My device became more stable after updating to Android 5.1.
Android 6.0
Android 6.0 improves app linking.
Web links open directly in apps without prompts in Android 6.0.
Android 5.1
Android 5.1 enhances connectivity features.
Android 5.1 improved my phone's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Android 6.0
Android 6.0 supports fingerprint security.
Fingerprint unlocking is so convenient on Android 6.0.
Android 5.1
Android 5.1 introduces HD voice calls.
With Android 5.1, I noticed clearer voice calls on my network.
Android 6.0
Android 6.0 introduces Doze for better battery life.
My phone's battery lasts longer thanks to Doze in Android 6.0.
Android 5.1
Android 5.1 optimizes system performance.
Games run smoother on my phone after the Android 5.1 update.
Android 6.0
Android 6.0 features granular app permissions.
I can control app permissions individually with Android 6.0.
Android 5.1
Android 5.1 offers improved device protection.
Lost device recovery has been better since I got Android 5.1.
Android 6.0
Android 6.0 enhances storage management.
Using my SD card as internal storage in Android 6.0 is a game-changer.
FAQs
Does Android 6.0 support fingerprint security?
Yes, Android 6.0 introduces fingerprint support for enhanced security, a feature not available in Android 5.1.
What is Android 5.1?
Android 5.1 is a minor update to the Lollipop version, focusing on bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced stability.
How do Android 5.1 and 6.0 handle battery management differently?
Android 5.1 offers basic optimization, while Android 6.0 introduces Doze mode for improved battery life.
What security enhancements are introduced in Android 6.0?
Android 6.0 enhances security through features like fingerprint authentication and more secure app permissions.
Can I control app permissions in Android 5.1?
No, Android 5.1 does not allow granular control over app permissions; this feature is introduced in Android 6.0.
What are the connectivity improvements in Android 5.1?
Android 5.1 brings improvements to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
How does app permissions management differ between Android 5.1 and Android 6.0?
In Android 5.1, permissions are granted at installation, while Android 6.0 allows users to manage permissions individually at runtime.
What is Android 6.0?
Android 6.0, known as Marshmallow, is a major release that introduced significant features like Doze for battery management, app permissions control, and fingerprint support.
How does Android 6.0 improve storage management?
Android 6.0 offers flexible storage, allowing users to use SD cards as internal storage, unlike Android 5.1.
Are there any UI changes from Android 5.1 to Android 6.0?
Yes, Android 6.0 introduces several UI changes, including modifications to the app drawer, over the minor tweaks in Android 5.1.
Can Android 5.1 devices be updated to Android 6.0?
Yes, many devices running Android 5.1 can be updated to Android 6.0, subject to manufacturer support.
How do voice calls differ between Android 5.1 and Android 6.0?
Android 5.1 introduced HD voice calls on supported networks, a feature that continues in Android 6.0 with additional enhancements.
What are the main benefits of updating from Android 5.1 to Android 6.0?
Updating brings benefits like improved battery life, better app permissions management, and enhanced security.
What improvements does Android 6.0 bring to app linking?
Android 6.0 improves app linking by allowing apps to open web links directly without user prompts.
Are there any connectivity features unique to Android 6.0?
Android 6.0 continues to build on the connectivity improvements of Android 5.1 with further enhancements.
What is flexible storage in Android 6.0?
Flexible storage in Android 6.0 allows users to treat SD cards as internal storage, expanding the device's storage capacity.
Does Android 6.0 offer any improvements in system performance over Android 5.1?
Yes, Android 6.0 includes optimizations that improve overall system performance and efficiency.
How does device protection differ between Android 5.1 and Android 6.0?
Android 6.0 builds on the device protection features of Android 5.1, introducing more robust security measures.
Can I use my SD card as internal storage in Android 5.1?
No, this feature, known as flexible storage, is exclusive to Android 6.0.
Is Doze mode available in Android 5.1?
No, Doze mode is a feature of Android 6.0 aimed at improving battery life by managing background processes.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
