The transition from one version of a mobile operating system to another often causes mixed feelings among users: on the one hand, a desire to get new functions, on the other, fear of changes to the familiar interface or decreased performance. The difference between Android 9 Pie and Android 10 (which is also known by the code name Quince Tart, although Google has refused to publicly use sweet names) is one of the most significant in recent years.
This update brought not just cosmetic changes, but fundamental changes in the logic of device management and the protection of personal data. If you're still using version 9, you may be wondering what specific benefits you're missing out on and how noticeable they are in everyday use.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the key differences, evaluate the impact of updates on operating speed, and determine whether you should forcefully look for ways to install new firmware on your device if the manufacturer has not provided an official update.
Global navigation change: from buttons to gestures
The most noticeable change that the user encounters immediately after the update concerns the way the screen is controlled. B Android 9 the system still relied on the classic three-button navigation, although experimental gestures were already present in the settings.
Android 10 he made gesture control the default, completely removing the familiar panel with the Back, Home and Menu buttons. Now navigation is based on swipes: a swipe from bottom to top returns to the desktop, a swipe with a hold opens multitasking, and a swipe from the edge of the screen works as a “Back” button.
This change took some time to get used to, but freed up a significant part of the screen for application content. However, it is worth noting that in some older apps the new return logic may not work correctly, causing confusion.
- 🖐 A swipe from the left or right edge replaces the "Back" button.
- 🏠 A short swipe from bottom to top performs the function of the "Home" button.
- 📱 Holding your finger down at the bottom of the screen opens the recent applications menu.
- ⚙️ Returning to the classic buttons is possible through the system settings.
⚠️ Attention: When switching to gestures in Android 10, the Back button becomes context-sensitive. In some games or applications with their own controls, swiping from the edge may not work or conflict with the app interface.
For those who are absolutely not ready to change their habits, the developers left the option of returning to the buttons, but hid it deeper in the menu. Now the path to change looks like this: Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
System dark theme and visual improvements
In the ninth version of Android, the night mode function existed, but it was rather experimental and depended on the support of each specific application. The developers Android 10 implemented a system-wide dark theme that forcibly changes the background color in supported menus and apps.
This is not just a tribute to fashion. Using a dark interface on screens with technology AMOLED or OLED allows you to significantly save battery power, since the black pixels on such matrices simply turn off and do not consume energy.
Theme activation has become as simple as possible. The user can enable it through the quick settings panel or configure automatic switching on a schedule, for example, from dusk to dawn. The system also takes into account energy saving settings.
Enable a dark theme in conjunction with the energy saving mode - this will give the maximum increase in battery life on AMOLED screens, especially in the evening.
In addition to the theme, the design of the power menu has changed. Long pressing the lock button now brings up not only shutdown options, but also quick access to the smart home (if configured) and the ability to take a screenshot, which previously required a key combination.
Enhanced privacy and access control
Data security became the number one priority in the update to Android 10. Unlike the previous version, where permissions were often granted once and for all, the new system offers more granular control over application access to sensitive information.
Now, when requesting access to geolocation, microphone or camera, the user sees an expanded menu. You can select the "Allow only while using the application" option. This prevents your location data from being collected in the background when the app is minimized.
In addition, a special section has appeared in the settings that shows which applications accessed which data in the last 24 hours. This allows you to quickly identify spyware or apps that abuse their rights.
| Permission type | Behavior in Android 9 | Behavior in Android 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Geolocation | Always or Never | Only when used / Once / Always |
| Camera/Microphone | Basic control | Activity indicator in the status bar |
| Identifier devices | Open to everyone | Restricted access for non-medical applications |
Another important innovation was the restriction of access to immutable device identifiers. Previously, any application could obtain a unique phone number or IMEI, which made it easier for advertising networks to create a digital user profile. In Android 10 access to this data is closed to most apps.
The new permissions model in Android 10 gives the user full control over when an app can track their location, closing loopholes for background surveillance.
Smart notifications and focus
Working with notifications c Android 9 often turned into chaos: important messages were lost among advertising mailings and notifications from games. Google tried to solve this problem with the help of a feature Priority Notifications (Priority notifications), which automatically sorts incoming messages.
The system analyzes your actions and offers to turn off notifications from inactive applications or put them in quiet mode. Silent notifications do not make sounds, do not vibrate or appear on the lock screen, but are neatly stored in a separate folder at the bottom of the list.
Focus Mode has also appeared as part of the Digital Wellbeing toolkit. It allows you to temporarily pause distracting applications such as social networks or games, leaving only work tools active.
⚠️ Attention: The Priority Notifications feature is powered by machine learning algorithms. In the first days after the update, the system may mistakenly classify important messages as non-essential. It is recommended to check the "Silent notifications" section periodically.
To set up this feature, you need to go to the section Settings → Digital well-being → Focus and select the applications that you want to block at certain times of the day.
How sorting works notifications?
The algorithm analyzes the frequency of your interactions with notifications of a specific application. If you rarely open messages from a game or store, the system will prompt you to make them silent. You can override this solution manually for any application.
Performance and Project Mainline
One of the most technically complex but important changes was the implementation of Project Project Mainline. In older versions of Android, including 9, many system components were hard-coded into the firmware. This meant that to update, for example, media codecs or security components, the user had to wait for a complete system update from the smartphone manufacturer.
Android 10 allowed updating 12 key system modules directly through the Google Play Store, bypassing device manufacturers and telecom operators. This significantly speeds up the delivery of security patches and performance improvements.
Thanks to this, even if your phone has not received a full update to Android 11 or 12, some of its internal components may be up to date and work faster than on stock nine. Optimization of work with RAM has also been improved, which has a positive effect on multitasking.
- 🚀 Updating security components without flashing the entire phone.
- 📦 Modular architecture allows for faster delivery of fixes.
- ⚡ Improved work with background processes to save money batteries.
- 🔄 Reduced fragmentation of Android versions among devices of different brands.
However, there is a nuance: Project Mainline support depends on the device manufacturer. Not all companies introduced this technology into their shells immediately after the release of Android 10.
☑️ Checking readiness for update
New features for developers and compatibility
Although this topic may seem boring to the average user, the changes are at the level APIs (application programming interfaces) directly affect how your favorite apps work. Android 10 Introduced a new API for accessing the on-screen fingerprint scanner, making unlocking faster and more reliable.
Support for foldable devices and screens with notches has also been improved. If you have a smartphone with an unusual form factor, apps may not display correctly on Android 9, overlapping the camera. In the new version, the system better manages display areas.
For audiophiles, it is important to note support for the codec LC3 (Low Complexity Communication Codec) in the context of future Bluetooth updates, although full implementation took several more years. But the basis for improving sound quality with lower power consumption was laid right here.
Many modern applications are beginning to require a minimum version of the API corresponding to Android 10. Over time, installing older versions of the OS may lead to banking applications or instant messengers no longer launching.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's shells (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). The described settings paths are relevant for the pure version of Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to roll back from Android 10 to Android 9?
Officially, this option is not provided. A rollback is only possible through a complete flashing of the device, unlocking the bootloader and clearing all data, which requires high technical skills and carries the risk of turning the phone into a “brick.”
Will the phone become slower after the update?
In the first 2-3 days after the update, the system indexes files and optimizes applications, so slight instability or heating is possible. Android 10 is better optimized in the long run, but on very old devices with low RAM (less than 3GB), new features may consume more resources.
Will my data and apps be lost when I upgrade?
When updating over the air (OTA) through Settings, all data, photos, and installed apps are retained. However, it is highly recommended that you back up your important files before starting the process in case of a power failure or network error.
Why is the update not receiving on my phone?
Manufacturers release updates for different models at different times. If you have a budget smartphone or a device older than 2-3 years, the manufacturer may have stopped supporting it. In this case, updating to Android 10 is officially impossible.
How can I get the back button back if I'm used to it?
Go to Settings → System → Gestures. There you will find the System Navigation switch. Select the “3 buttons” option, and the classic control panel will return to the screen.