Android 7.0 Nougat: release date, devices and main changes

The operating system Android 7.0 Nougat has become one of the most significant updates in the history of the platform from Google. Its release marked a new stage in the development of mobile technologies, offering users not only an improved interface, but also a number of revolutionary functions. Many are still interested: when did Android 7 appear and which devices were the first to receive this version? The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems - we are talking not only about the date of the official announcement, but also about the phased rollout of the update for different manufacturers.

In this article we will analyze in detail the chronology of the release Android 7.0 Nougat, analyze the key features of the system and tell you which smartphones received support first wave. You will also learn how to distinguish original firmware from custom builds and why some devices never received an update to this version. If you are still using a gadget on Nougat or are planning to buy a used device with this OS, this information will be especially useful.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions of Android 7.0 could differ depending on the manufacturer's shell (Samsung Experience, MIUI, EMUI etc.). Official builds from Google (“pure Android”) always received updates first, while branded versions were often months late.

Official release date of Android 7.0 Nougat

First beta version Android 7.0 was presented Google at the conference Google I/O 2016which took place May 9–11, 2016. However, this was only a developer preview build, available only on a limited number of devices (mainly Nexus). A full public release occurred much later.

Official release date of the final version Android 7.0 Nougat — August 22, 2016. It was on this day that Google began the rollout of updates for smartphones of the Nexus line (including Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Pixel C). Interestingly, the update was released in stages: first, devices registered in the beta testing app received it, and then other users.

For other manufacturers (for example, Samsung, LG, HTC) the adaptation process took much longer. Thus, the flagship Samsung Galaxy S7 received Nougat only in January 2017, and some budget models remained on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Which devices were the first to receive Android 7.0?

As with previous versions, Google the update began to be distributed from its own devices. The first Android 7.0 Nougat received:

• 📱 Nexus 6P (production Huawei)
• 📱 Nexus 5X (production LG)
• 📱 Nexus 6 (2014, from Motorola)
• 🖥️ Nexus 9 (tablet from HTC)
• 🖥️ Pixel C (tablet from Google)

An interesting fact: Nexus 5 (2013) did not receive an official update until Nougat, despite active requests from the community. This was one of the first signals that Google reducing the support period for devices to 2-3 years.

A little later, flagships from other manufacturers began to receive the update:

• 🌟 Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge (January 2017)
• 🌟 LG G5 and LG V20 (November–December 2016)
• 🌟 HTC 10 (November 2016)
• 🌟 Motorola Moto Z and Moto G4 (December 2016)

Budget and mid-budget models (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 or Huawei P9 Lite) received Nougat much later - in the second half of 2017, and some remained on Marshmallow.

Key innovations of Android 7.0 Nougat

Android 7.0 Nougat brought many changes that are still relevant. Here are the main ones:

Function	Description	Relevance today
Multitasking with split screen	Ability to simultaneously use two applications (for example, YouTube and Chrome)	Yes, developed in new versions
Notifications with quick response	Reply to messages directly from the notification panel	Yes, improved in Android 10+
Data Saver mode	Background limitation traffic to save mobile data	Yes, available in all new versions
Vulkan API support	Improved graphics for games (alternative OpenGL)	Yes, used in modern games
Native support for Daydream VR	Virtual reality platform from Google	No, the project is closed in 2021

One of the most noticeable changes was new notification designNow they were grouped by application, and it was also possible to respond to messages directly from the panel (for example, in WhatsApp or Telegram). Another important innovation is mode. Split-screen multitasking, which allowed you to run two applications at the same time. This was especially useful for tablets and smartphones with large screens.

Also debuted Nougat debuted Data Saver mode, which limited background mobile data traffic. This feature became a salvation for users with limited plans. And for gamers, an important update was support for Vulkan API, which promised smoother graphics in the game. games.

Why is Android 7.0 called "Nougat"?

The name "Nougat" (nougat) continued the tradition Google of naming Android versions after desserts in alphabetical order. Before this there were Marshmallow (marshmallow), Lollipop (lollipop), KitKat (chocolate bar). Interestingly, the name "New York Cheesecake" was initially considered, but it was abandoned due to the difficulty of shortening it to "N".

How to distinguish the original Android 7.0. from custom firmware?

If you buy a used smartphone with Android 7.0 Nougat, it is important to make sure that it has the official firmware installed, and not a custom build. Here are a few signs that you should pay attention to:

• 🔍 Build number: In the settings (Settings → About phone → Build number) should be installed. be the official version (for example, NRD90M for NexusCustom firmware often has non-standard designations (for example, lineage-14.1).
• 🔍 Availability of Google services: Other services must be pre-installed in the original firmware. In some custom builds, they have to be installed separately. Google Play Services, Google Play Store and other services. In some custom builds they have to be installed separately.
• 🔍 Security updates: Official firmware regularly receives security patches (checked in Settings → System → System update). Custom firmware is updated less frequently.
• 🔍 Performance: Unofficial firmware may work slower or have bugs (for example, problems with the camera or mobile network).

To accurately determine the type of firmware, you can use applications like AIDA64 or CPU-Z. They show detailed information about the system, including the kernel version and the name of the assembly. If the name contains words. data-i="153">or lineage, resurrection or aosp is custom firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware can lead to loss of warranty, problems with banking applications (due to lack of Google SafetyNet) and unstable operation of the device. If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to stay with the official one. Software.

Comparison of Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 6.0 Marshmallow

Many users are still wondering whether it is worth upgrading from Android 6.0 Marshmallow to Nougat. Let's compare the key differences:

Function	Android 6.0 Marshmallow	Android 7.0 Nougat
Multitasking	Classic application switcher	Split screen (two apps at the same time)
Notifications	Simple list, no grouping	Grouping by application, quick responses
Saving traffic	Manual limitation for individual applications	Data Saver mode for all applications
Security	Monthly patches, default encryption	Improved encryption, direct download of updates
VR support	Limited (only through Cardboard)	Full support Daydream VR

The main advantage of Nougat before Marshmallow is increased performance i improved multitasking. For example, the split screen mode turned out to be extremely useful for working with documents or watching videos in parallel with a chat. data-i="189">appeared Nougat appeared "Doze on the" mode Go"which saved battery power not only at rest, but also when moving (for example, in a pocket).

However, there were also disadvantages. Some users complained about increased battery consumption in the first builds Nougat, as well as bugs with notifications in applications from third-party developers. In addition, shells from manufacturers (for example, TouchWiz from Samsung) often “cut off” some of the functions, leaving only basic capabilities.

Problems and bugs of Android 7.0: what you need to know?

Despite all the advantages, Android 7.0 Nougat it was not without its drawbacks. Here are the most common problems that users encountered:

• 🔋 Fast battery drain: In the first builds, many complained about increased battery consumption, especially on devices Samsung i LGdevices. Background processes and optimization were often to blame. Doze.
• 📵 Problems with the mobile network: On some devices (for example, Nexus 6P) after the update, the signal disappeared or the quality of the connection deteriorated.
• 🔊 Sound distortion: A Nougat audio processing changed, which on some smartphones led to wheezing in headphones or speakers.
• 📱 Interface freezing: Especially noticeable on devices with 2 GB of RAM or less. The system could slow down when opening several applications.

Many of these problems were fixed in subsequent updates (for example, in Android 7.1.1 i 7.1.2). However, some bugs remained relevant before the release. Android 8.0 OreoFor example, on Samsung Galaxy S7 users complained about random reboots, which were fixed only by a full reset.

⚠️ Attention: If you are planning to update up to Nougat on an old device (for example, Samsung Galaxy S6 or LG G4), be prepared for possible lags and overheating. On weak hardware, the system may perform worse than Marshmallowdue to increased resource requirements.

To minimize problems, before updating it is recommended:

1. Make a backup copy of your data (Settings → Backup).
2. Clear application cache (Settings → Memory → Cached data).
3. Reset settings to factory settings (if lags appeared after the update).

Relevance of Android 7.0 in 2026: is it worth using?

Since release Android 7.0 Nougat more than 7 years have passed, and today this version is considered outdated. However, it is still found on budget smartphones, tablets and some “smart” devices (for example, set-top boxes). Is it worth using Android TV- attachments). Is it worth using Nougat in 2026? data-i="238">Pros:

Pros:

• ✅ Lightness: Nougat less demanding on resources than new versions (Android 12+), so it can work on weak devices.
• ✅ Stability: On proven devices (for example, Nexus 5X or Pixel) the system works without failures.
• ✅ Support for old applications: Some apps (for example, for industrial equipment) only work on Android 7.0.

Cons:

• ❌ Lack of security updates: After 2019 Google stopped releasing patches for Nougat, which makes the system vulnerable to viruses.
• ❌ Incompatibility with new applications: Many modern apps (for example, TikTok, Instagram) require Android 8.0+.
• ❌ Limited functionality: No support for new APIs (for example, for cameras with multiple lenses or 5G).

If you use your smartphone as a secondary device (for example, for music, navigation or working with old applications), this is normal, however, for everyday tasks (banking, social networks, games), it is better to at least update. up to Nougat As a secondary device (for example, for music, navigation, or running older apps), it's fine. However, for everyday tasks (banking, social networks, games), it is better to upgrade to at least Android 9.0 Pie or later.

⚠️ Attention: Devices on Android 7.0 do not support modern security standards (for example, Google Play Protect to the full extent). If you store important data on your phone, consider upgrading to a newer version of the OS or using an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android 7.0 Nougat

Is it possible to update any smartphone to Android 7.0?

No, the update depends on the manufacturer and model of the device. Only flagships and some mid-budget smartphones of 2015–2016 received official support. For other devices, you can try custom firmware (for example, Nougat only flagships and some mid-budget smartphones of 2015–2016 received it. For other devices, you can try custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 14.1), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may void your warranty.

How can I find out what version of Android is installed on my phone?

Go to Settings → About phone → Android versionThe current version will be indicated there (for example, 7.0 or 7.1.1).You can also use applications like AIDA64 to get detailed information about the system.

Why is my smartphone not updating to Nougat?

There may be several reasons:

• The manufacturer has not released an update for your model.
• The device has custom firmware installed that blocks OTA updates.
• The update has not yet been released in your region (rolling out in stages).
• There is not enough free space in memory (minimum 1–1.5 GB required).

Try checking for updates manually (Settings → System → Software Update) or installing the firmware via ODIN (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Nexus/Pixel).

Is it possible to roll back from Android 7.0 back to Marshmallow?

Technically yes, but this is a complex process that requires:

1. Unlocking the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
2. Installing old firmware via ADB or ODIN.
3. Full data reset (all files will be deleted).

⚠️ Attention: Rolling back can lead to problems with the operation of some applications, as well as loss of warranty. devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi without unlocking) this is not possible.

What alternatives to Android 7.0 exist for older smartphones?

If your device does not support new versions of Android, consider the following options:

• 🔄 Custom firmware: LineageOS (up to Android 11), Resurrection Remix, Paranoid Android.
• 🖥️ Light OS: PostmarketOS (Linux-based), Ubuntu Touch.
• 📱 Firmware based on Android Go: Optimized for weak devices (for example, Android 8.1 Oreo Go).
• 🔒 Cloud solutions: Using the phone as a terminal for a remote desktop (for example, through Chrome Remote Desktop).

Before installing an alternative OS, make sure that there is a stable build for your model, and make a backup copy of the data.