Android 4.4 KitKat vs. Android L: A visual comparison

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Published 27 Jun 2014

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Disclosure

Android L is, unarguably, the biggest update to the OS ever since it was originally released by Google. The update not only brings a major UI overhaul, but also adds many new features to the OS. With the images of the developer preview version of Android L released, we decided to see how it stacks up — visually — against its predecessor — Android 4.4 KitKat.

All images from Android 4.4 KitKat are on the left, while those from L are on the right and were taken from a Nexus 5.

The Welcome screen in the initial Setup process remains largely the same with only the new font in Android L standing out.

The Welcome screen in the initial Setup process remains largely the same with only the new font in Android L standing out.

The Holo dark background has been replaced in Android L with a solid dash of dark grey.

The Holo dark background has been replaced in Android L with a solid dash of dark grey.

The notification panel has received a big visual overhaul in Android L with a card-like design.

The notification panel has received a big visual overhaul in Android L with a card-like design.

The new Settings menu looks radically different from the old one. Also, notice the new end-of-list animation on the top.

The new Settings menu looks radically different from the old one. Also, notice the new end-of-list animation on the top.

Lock screen widgets are missing in Android L...

Lock screen widgets are missing in Android L…

... maybe because they have been replaced with lockscreen notifications.

… maybe because they have been replaced with lockscreen notifications.

The Dialer has once again been revamped in Android L

The Dialer has once again been revamped in Android L.

Google has done away with many tiles in Android L's Quick Settings that were hardly of any use and added a rotation lock and screen cast option.

Google has done away with many tiles in Android L’s Quick Settings that were hardly of any use and added a rotation lock and screen cast option.

The Battery menu has seen a major revamp in Android L

The Battery menu has seen a major revamp in Android L.

What do you think about Android L? Are you liking the departure from the Holo design guidelines or do you detest it? Drop in a comment and let us know!