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Question by doublemax · Jan 17, 2017 at 12:20 PM · build settings

Android: What are the disadvantages of using a lower minimum API level?

So i'm approaching the release of an game for Android and wondering what minimim API level i should select. Right now Unity defaults to 19 (Android 4.4), but i'm considering to use 16 (4.1) which is still installed on ~15% of Android devices.

Of course i want to reach as many as possible potential users, but what are the downsides of choosing a lower minimum API level?

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Answer by AurimasBlazulionis · Jan 17, 2017 at 12:38 PM

It is Graphics APIs, runtime upgrades (remember when KK made dalvik not the default runtime), permissions and (not sure, just a speculation) possible promotion willingness on Google play store.

Android 4.1 version users probably run slow phones with very poor performance.

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avatar image doublemax · Jan 17, 2017 at 01:10 PM 0
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Thanks for the answer. I'm aware that users of old Android version probably have slower phones. But my app is a relatively simple 2D puzzler, so that's not my main concern at the moment.

Question is: Are there any functions that don't work at all with Android 4.1? Or will choosing a lower $$anonymous$$imum API also affect the behavior on newer Android version?

avatar image AurimasBlazulionis doublemax · Jan 17, 2017 at 06:58 PM 1
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The behavior on newer android devices should not differ from the behavior on the older device. Otherwise it's a bug.

For your game all functions should work. The functions that appear in newer android APIs is mostly with the device itself and should not affect the engine. These things are gyroscope, VR stuff and permissions. But for your game it should not matter.

Also, if the answer is correct, accept it. It will also help others.

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