Which scenario or situation would prevent a user from upgrading the OS on an Android device?

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Which scenario or situation would prevent a user from upgrading the OS on an Android device?

  • The hardware does not meet specifications.
  • The correct patches were not installed.
  • Permission was not obtained from the manufacturer.
  • The software copyright was not obtained before the installation

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Correct Answer: The hardware does not meet specifications.

Upgrading the operating system (OS) on an Android device depends on several technical and administrative factors. Among the options given, the scenario that most directly prevents a user from upgrading the OS is hardware not meeting the minimum specifications. This is the most common real-world limitation that stops Android devices from receiving or installing new OS updates. Below is a detailed explanation.

Why “The hardware does not meet specifications” is the correct answer

Android OS updates require a certain level of hardware capability. If a device does not meet these requirements, it simply cannot run the newer version of the OS. Android updates often demand:

  • More RAM

  • More internal storage

  • A newer CPU architecture

  • Better GPU performance

  • Updated drivers for radios (Wi-Fi, modem, Bluetooth)

  • Secure hardware modules (for newer Android security features)

When the hardware cannot support these, manufacturers block updates to avoid:

  • System instability

  • Apps crashing

  • Sluggish performance

  • Battery drain

  • Hardware incompatibility

This is why older phones stop receiving Android updates after a certain number of years.

Why the other options are incorrect

1. “The correct patches were not installed.”

Missing patches does not prevent an OS upgrade.
When you perform a major OS update, it includes all necessary patches. Android does not require every past patch to be installed before upgrading.

2. “Permission was not obtained from the manufacturer.”

This option refers to manufacturer policies or locked bootloaders.

  • Users normally do not need to obtain permission from the manufacturer to install official updates.

  • The manufacturer automatically pushes updates if the device is eligible.

  • Locked bootloaders only matter if a user is trying to install custom ROMs, which is not the scenario here.

So this does not stop normal OS upgrades.

3. “The software copyright was not obtained before installation.”

Android OS updates do not require the user to obtain copyright licenses.

  • Google and phone manufacturers provide OS updates legally and automatically.

  • Copyright permission is never a user responsibility.

Therefore, this option is irrelevant.

Detailed Explanation (≈1000 words)

Upgrading the OS on an Android device is a process governed by both hardware capabilities and manufacturer decisions. The Android ecosystem is vast, involving thousands of models from different brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Google Pixel, Huawei, and more. Every device has a specific combination of hardware components—CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, display drivers, and modems—that must work harmoniously with the Android operating system. When a newer version of Android is released, it often includes new features, security enhancements, and performance changes that require more advanced or updated hardware.

1. Hardware Requirements for Android Updates

Every new Android version comes with increased resource demands:

  • Higher RAM Requirements
    For example, older versions of Android worked comfortably with 1 GB of RAM. However, modern versions require at least 2 GB to 4 GB. Devices with less RAM cannot run the new OS efficiently.

  • Processor Architecture
    Newer Android versions may require 64-bit processors, better instruction sets, or more powerful cores. If a device uses an outdated processor like ARMv7 or dual-core CPUs, installing a new Android version becomes impossible.

  • Storage Capacity
    Android updates require significant free storage for installation files, temporary data, and system expansion. A major OS upgrade may need 4 GB–8 GB of free space just to initiate.

  • Driver Compatibility
    Android relies on hardware drivers for components such as:

    • Camera

    • Bluetooth

    • Wi-Fi chipsets

    • Touchscreen controllers

    • Cellular radios
      If manufacturers do not update drivers for a new OS version, the phone cannot support the upgrade.

Because of these factors, hardware limitations are the number one reason a user might not be able to upgrade the OS.

2. Why Manufacturers Stop Updating Devices

Even if the hardware is capable, the manufacturer may choose not to support new Android versions for business or development-cost reasons.

Reasons include:

  • Updating old devices is expensive (developers must update drivers, test firmware, and ensure stability).

  • Manufacturers prioritize new models to encourage sales.

  • Chipset vendors (e.g., Qualcomm, MediaTek) sometimes stop supporting older SoCs.

However, this does not mean a user must “obtain permission” — it simply means the update is no longer provided. The question asks which situation prevents the user from upgrading. The real preventing factor is unsupported hardware, not lack of “permission.”

3. Why Missing Patches Do Not Block OS Upgrades

Android OS updates are cumulative. This means a major update includes all prior improvements. Even if your device skipped several monthly security patches, the full OS upgrade package will replace or update all necessary system components. Therefore, missing patches do not stop upgrades.

4. Why Copyright Is Not Involved

OS upgrade packages from manufacturers are distributed legally as part of the device’s support lifecycle. Users do not have to deal with copyright, licenses, or permissions. Android’s open-source components (AOSP) are already licensed under Apache 2.0, and proprietary components are legally provided by the manufacturer. The end user plays no role in copyright management.

Thus, this option is completely irrelevant.

Conclusion

Among the options, only hardware not meeting the required specifications is a legitimate and practical reason that prevents a user from upgrading the Android OS. This limitation occurs frequently and impacts millions of older devices. Other options—patches, permission, and copyright—do not directly stop OS upgrades in real-world situations.