Which version of Android marked the full compatibility with 64-bit architecture? Delving into this query, this blog article presents insights and details on the evolution of Android operating systems.
In the initial stages, Android OS was exclusively a 32-bit operating system, requiring substantial updates to integrate support for 64-bit CPUs. Even as Android has progressed, traces of 32-bit support linger. Explore further in this article to uncover details about the first Android version that achieved full compatibility with 64-bit architecture.
What makes you (and should not) need 64-bit Android phone
Over the next few months, a wave of new phones equipped with 64-bit processors is set to hit the market. Are you contemplating a purchase? Is the purported twofold efficiency of 64-bit silicon a substantial leap from the familiar 32-bit technology? The straightforward answer is no. While transitioning to a modern ARM architecture brings notable improvements, the mere shift to 64-bit does not inherently confer significant advantages.
Before diving into your wallet for the early adoption of the HTC Desire 510, the pioneer of 64-bit Android smartphones, or getting excited about upcoming 64-bit devices, it’s crucial to explore the essence of 64-bit, understand its implications, and weigh the reasons for both enthusiasm and caution.
Which was the initial version of Android that supported 64-bit processors?
The inaugural release of Android capable of running on 64-bit processors was Android 5.0 Lollipop. Prior to this milestone, Android devices were restricted to 32-bit CPUs, imposing limitations on performance and hardware specifications. Subsequent to the introduction of Lollipop, there was a surge in core count and RAM, a trend that continues to the present day.
The HTC Dream, released in 2008, marked the inception of Android devices, featuring a single-core 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7201A ARM11 CPU and 192 MB RAM. Despite its modest specifications, this device played a pivotal role in popularizing the Android OS and smartphones. While the 32-bit CPU was a fraction of the power seen in contemporary Android phones, it sufficed for supporting Android 1.0.
HTC further made history with the release of a less prominent Android device, the HTC Desire 510, as one of the first 64-bit Android devices. Positioned as a mid-range phone, it housed the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 with a quad-core 1.2 Cortex-A7 processor at 1.2 GHz. However, its specifications were not groundbreaking, and the absence of 64-bit apps and slow developer adoption hindered the full utilization of the processor’s capabilities, given the prevalence of 32-bit Android phones.
Upon receiving updates, users can selectively choose the ones they wish to install. However, the second option, creating a bootable AOSP ROM, is a time-consuming process after installing the software update and unlocking the device.
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