Moto G 1st Gen Now Getting Android 5.0.2 'Lollipop' Update

Although some of Motorola's newer phones are starting to get Android 5.1, the first generation Moto G is only now getting the Lollipop OS upgrade. However, it's the older Android 5.0.2 version and not Android 5.1.

Android Lollipop was a major upgrade from KitKat, both in terms of UI and in terms of under the hood changes. Google refreshed Android's UI with the "Material Design" language and added more smooth animations to the system's operations.

There were also many architectural improvements, such as replacing the Dalvik runtime with ART (Android Runtime), which quickly compiles the applications to native code, thus improving the performance and battery life of the device. However, there are some indications that the next version of Android will receive an even bigger upgrade to the Android Runtime.

The camera API was also overhauled in order for it to communicate much faster with the camera hardware. There were several security improvements and feature additions as well, such as the Smart Lock, which pairs the phone with another Bluetooth-enabled device in order to keep it unlocked as long as the two are near each other.

The Android 5.0.2 update should appear as a notification, which you can click on and follow these instructions:

  1. Select "Yes, I'm in."
  2. After the software is downloaded, select "Install now."
  3. After the software is installed, your phone will restart automatically.
  4. Your phone is now updated.

If you haven't received the system upgrade notification yet, you can manually check for it in system Settings > About phone > System updates, and if the update is available the above instructions will apply.

If you haven't received anything yet, then it's possible Motorola is rolling out the update in stages in different countries, and your update could be arriving soon.

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Lucian Armasu
Lucian Armasu is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He covers software news and the issues surrounding privacy and security.
  • drtweak
    WTH! When are us Turbo Users gonna get out lolipop!!!
    Reply
  • Morbus
    I had it already... I own a tesco Moto G from the UK.

    It took forever to get the 5.0 upgrade though.
    Reply
  • dragonsqrrl
    Still waiting on Lollipop for the 1st gen Moto X. Supposedly it's getting updated straight to 5.1 sometime in the next month.
    Reply
  • musical marv
    15904618 said:
    Still waiting on Lollipop for the 1st gen Moto X. Supposedly it's getting updated straight to 5.1 sometime in the next month.
    What is the big deal with this anyway?

    Reply
  • BoredSysAdmin
    WTH the 5.0 for S4??
    Reply
  • firefoxx04
    Pretty sure S4 has already had 5.0 pushed to it? I know my S5 has.
    Reply
  • singemagique
    Hmm, not sure if I like the idea of Lollipop on my Moto G. My only experience with Lollipop has been on my Nvidia Shield tablet and it has been lackluster at best.
    Reply
  • knd83
    did not we get that in Januarry 2015 already?? My phone nd my collegues have 5.02.. Is this topic for India???
    Reply
  • TheLoneWolf989
    Flash the GPE ROM for 5.1
    Reply
  • mr_prdm
    Here in Brazil, I already got it.
    Reply