What is the difference between Android 11 and Android 12?

Main differences:

1. Visual changes (Material You): Android 12 introduces a new design language called Material You, which dynamically changes the color palette of the interface based on the user's wallpaper, including widgets, notifications, and system elements. Android 11 used the older Material Design.

2. Notifications: The notification design has been redesigned in Android 12, making them more intuitive and grouped by apps. Privacy indicators have been introduced. In Android 11, notification design was less flexible.

3. Privacy: Privacy settings have been improved in Android 12:

   • Privacy Dashboard: A single place to view and manage permissions.
   • Usage indicators (camera/microphone): Icons in the status bar showing when the camera or microphone is in use.
   • Approximate/precise location: Ability to grant apps only approximate location.

   In Android 11, privacy management was less centralized.

4. Performance: Android 12 includes system-level optimizations to improve overall performance, energy consumption, and app launch times.

5. Quick Settings and Power Menu: The appearance and functionality of the quick settings and power menu have been changed in Android 12.

6. Device interaction: Android 12 improves integration with other devices, such as remote control of Android TV.

Here is a table with key differences:

Aspect	Android 11	Android 12
Design	Material Design	Material You (dynamic palette)
Notifications	Standard design	Redesigned, privacy indicators
Privacy	Disparate settings	Privacy dashboard, camera/microphone indicators
Performance	Standard optimizations	Deep system optimizations
Quick Settings	Old design	Redesigned design
Device interaction	Limited	Improved integration