What is the Difference Between Android 1.6 (Donut) and Android 2.1 (Eclair)?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Android 1.6 (Donut) and Android 2.1 (Eclair) are two versions of the Android mobile platform, which was initially created by Android Inc. based on a modified version of the Linux kernel. Both versions were released during the late 2009 to early 2010 period. Here are some key differences between the two versions:

  • API Level: Android 1.6 (Donut) has an API level of 4, while Android 2.1 (Eclair) has an API level of 7.
  • Screen Support: Android 1.6 (Donut) supports a variety of screen sizes and resolutions, including QVGA (240x320) to high-density screens. Android 2.1 (Eclair) builds upon the significant changes made in Android 1.6 and offers more options for screen sizes and resolutions.
  • Camera App: The camera app in Android 2.1 (Eclair) was redesigned with numerous new camera features, including flash support.
  • Virtual Keyboard: The virtual keyboard was introduced with Android 1.5 (Cupcake). Android 1.6 (Donut) improved the virtual keyboard with multi-touch support.
  • Network Support: Android 2.0, which is closely related to Android 2.1 (Eclair), added support for CDMA networks like Verizon.

In summary, Android 1.6 (Donut) and Android 2.1 (Eclair) differ in terms of API level, screen support, camera app, virtual keyboard, and network support. Android 2.1 (Eclair) builds upon the features introduced in Android 1.6 (Donut) and offers improvements and additions in various areas.

Comparative Table: Android 1.6 (Donut) vs Android 2.1 (Eclair)

Here is a table comparing the differences between Android 1.6 (Donut) and Android 2.1 (Eclair):

Feature Android 1.6 (Donut) Android 2.1 (Eclair)
Linux Kernel Version 2.6.29 2.6.29
Screen Support Limited to specific screen sizes and resolutions Supports various screen sizes and resolutions, ranging from QVGA (240x320) to high density
Virtual Keyboard On-screen soft keyboard introduced in Android 1.5 (Cupcake) Improved with multi-touch support
APIs Introduced various APIs Eclair includes updates to APIs, such as MotionEvent.getPressure() for pressure-sensitive input
Third-Party App Widgets First version with a framework for third-party app widgets App Widgets continue to be a distinguishing element of the platform
Video Recording First version with video recording capability Video recording feature remains

Android 1.6 (Donut) was a minor platform release introduced in October 2009, incorporating features from Android 1.5 (Cupcake) and adding limited support for various screen sizes and resolutions. Android 2.1 (Eclair) was a minor update to Android 2.0, offering improved support for multiple screen sizes and resolutions, as well as updates to APIs and further development of app widgets and video recording capabilities.