Google is raising the bar for Android 15 devices, introducing stricter hardware requirements that could impact both manufacturers and consumers. The new standards aim to enhance security and performance but may also limit compatibility for older or budget devices. Android Virtualization Framework Becomes Mandatory
A significant change with Android 15 is the mandatory support for the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) in new chipsets. AVF provides a secure environment for executing sensitive code, enhancing overall device security. Previously optional, AVF support is now required for chipsets launching with Android 15, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400, and Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2500.
Interestingly, no current Samsung devices support AVF, possibly due to conflicts with Samsung’s Knox security platform. However, with the new requirements, future Samsung devices will need to incorporate AVF support to comply with Android 15 standards.
Minimum Hardware Specifications for Android 15
To ensure optimal performance and compatibility with Android 15, devices are expected to meet the following minimum hardware specifications:
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RAM: At least 4 GB
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Storage: Minimum of 64 GB
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Processor: 64-bit dual-core processor with at least 1.2 GHz clock speed
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Display Resolution: At least 720p (1280 x 720)
Devices not meeting these specifications may experience performance issues or may not be eligible for the update.
Impact on Manufacturers and Consumers
For manufacturers, the new requirements mean that only devices with compatible hardware can run Android 15, potentially increasing production costs. For consumers, especially those with older or budget devices, this could result in limited access to Android 15 updates.
However, the stricter standards also promise enhanced security and performance for devices that do meet the requirements. The inclusion of AVF support, in particular, is expected to provide a more secure environment for sensitive operations, such as handling DRM applications and proprietary machine learning models.
Looking Ahead
As Google continues to prioritize security and performance, the hardware requirements for Android devices are likely to become more stringent. While this may pose challenges for some manufacturers and consumers, it also sets the stage for more robust and secure Android devices in the future.
