Why does versionCode matter more than versionName?

Android decides whether to install an update by comparing versionCode, which must always increase. VersionName is free-form and may not even be numeric.

Is 1.10 newer than 1.9?

As an update, yes, because versionCode says so. As text, 1.10 sorts below 1.9, which is exactly why versionCode exists and why this tool does not compare names as text.

What if both builds have the same versionCode?

The version names are compared as text to break the tie. If those match too, the two builds are treated as identical.

Why does it warn about a downgrade?

Installing a build with a lower versionCode over a newer one removes data that newer code expects. That is a downgrade, not an upgrade, and it is worth noticing.

Version Code Comparator

Compare two APK version codes and work out which build is newer.

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Version Code Comparator on Loonix helps you compare two APK builds and see which one is newer, using versionCode the way Android does instead of comparing version names as text.

How to use

Enter the version name and version code of each build.
Read which side wins and what decided it.
Watch for the downgrade warning before you sideload an older build.

Features and limitations

Decides on versionCode first, the same field Android uses to decide whether to install an update.
Compares version names as text, so 1.10 correctly sorts below 1.9 instead of above it.
Treats an empty version code as unknown rather than as zero.
Flags the reverse direction as a downgrade, since installing an older build removes data the newer code expects.

Limitation: Compares only the two fields Android itself looks at. It cannot see build type, signature, or installability, so a comparison of two debug builds tells you nothing about which one to ship.

Use cases

Check which of two builds is newer when only the version strings are to hand.
Decide whether an older build you found can still be installed over a newer one.
Understand why an update did not install even though its version name looks higher.

Frequently asked questions

Usage, result, and limitation information for this tool.

Why does versionCode matter more than versionName?: Android decides whether to install an update by comparing versionCode, which must always increase. VersionName is free-form and may not even be numeric.
Is 1.10 newer than 1.9?: As an update, yes, because versionCode says so. As text, 1.10 sorts below 1.9, which is exactly why versionCode exists and why this tool does not compare names as text.
What if both builds have the same versionCode?: The version names are compared as text to break the tie. If those match too, the two builds are treated as identical.
Why does it warn about a downgrade?: Installing a build with a lower versionCode over a newer one removes data that newer code expects. That is a downgrade, not an upgrade, and it is worth noticing.