Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority

For years, Google has delighted Android users with hidden surprises embedded within each iteration of its operating system. These little treasures, commonly referred to as Android Easter eggs, take various formsfrom quirky mini-games to whimsical animations, or simply peculiar visuals. Although these Easter eggs are not formally announced or heavily promoted, those who know where to tap can uncover a playful glimpse into the creative minds behind Googles development team. Today, we embark on a journey through the past to rank these Easter eggs from the least impressive to the most captivating.

In this ranking, we focus solely on the Easter eggs themselves, rather than providing a comprehensive guide on how to discover or utilize them. For that information, you can refer to our detailed guide to Android Easter eggs. Generally, users can access these hidden gems by navigating to Settings > About phone > Software information, and then tapping the Android version repeatedly.

There are a total of 16 Easter eggs, but we have grouped some of them together for clarity. Our rankings may differ from yours, as there is no definitive method to compare them; our evaluation considers originality and engagement, with higher expectations for later generations.

For those nostalgic for previous Android Easter eggs, the unofficial EasterEggCollection app available on the Google Play Store provides an opportunity to revisit these hidden features. While it may not perfectly replicate every Easter egg, it offers a fun way to look back at Googles creative history.

13. Android Honeybee (Android 3.0 Honeycomb Easter Egg)

The Android Honeybee Easter egg, featuring a playful image of a bug-droid bee, was a nod to its namesake operating system. However, its appeal ended there, as this second-ever Easter egg lacked substance and would barely hold a users attention for more than a few moments. It marked the first interactive Easter egg, as tapping the bee produced the text REZZZZZZZa reference to the popular film Tron: Legacy, which enjoyed a brief moment of fame at the time. This connection to pop culture left little lasting impression, rendering the Android Honeybee largely forgettable.

12. Paint Chips (Android 12 Easter Egg)

With its vibrant and colorful introduction, the Paint Chips Easter egg promised an exciting experience but ultimately fell flat. Although the inclusion of a widget to locate was a novel twist, users were often left disappointed upon discovery. As we progressed through the evolution of Easter eggs, expectations were set high, and by the time Android 12 rolled around, this entry felt rather lackluster compared to its predecessors.

11. Zombie Art (Android 2.3 Gingerbread Easter Egg)

This Easter egg may have been just a static image, albeit an intriguing one, but it holds the distinction of being the very first Android Easter egg, making it a noteworthy find. The surprising detail of background zombies all engrossed in their smartphones added a humorous twist to the artwork, showcasing the device's relevance in modern life.

10. Nyan Droid (Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Easter Egg)

Drawing inspiration from the viral Nyan Cat meme, the Nyan Droid Easter egg marked a shift toward multi-stage Easter eggs. Players could enjoy a nostalgic experience with a retro pixelated aesthetic as they guided flying bug-droids dressed as ice cream treats. While it was engaging at the time, the meme's fleeting nature meant that this Easter egg would not have the same lasting appeal.

9. Ocquarium (Android 8.0 Oreo)

The Ocquarium Easter egg offered two phases of interaction, but the disconnect between them left users wanting more. Although dragging the octopus around provided brief amusement, the overall experience felt somewhat disappointing compared to the high expectations set by earlier versions. Additionally, one couldnt help but find the octopuss design a tad unsettling.

8. DessertCase (Android 4.4 KitKat)

As Android's first three-stage Easter egg, DessertCase boasted potential, but the lack of meaningful interactions was a letdown. Users could spin the KitKat logo and watch colorful tiles scatter across the screen, but the experience was far from immersive. A more engaging puzzle element might have made this entry more memorable.

7. Emoji Bubbles (Android 13)

Despite being seen as a step back by some, the Emoji Bubbles Easter egg captured a playful spirit. The initial clock segment echoed Android 12, but the visually stunning array of emoji bubbles offered a simple joy. Jumping through the different sets of bubbles was a delightful activity, albeit quickly revealing a limited selection to explore.

6. Paint (Android 9.0 Pie)

Placing the Paint Easter egg in the rankings is challenging, as it embodies a split personality. The initial color-changing Pie logo is entertaining, but the subsequent painting canvas aspect diverges from traditional Easter eggs. While it offers a creative outlet, it lacked the whimsical charm usually associated with such hidden gems.

5. Neko & Neko Controls (Android 7.0 Nougat/Android 11)

Echoing past successes, Neko Controls revived the beloved cat collection game, introducing players to a treasure hunt through system settings to attract digital cats. The second version has a touch of nostalgia, especially with its clever reference to the OS number. Those fond of nurturing virtual pets might find joy in this amusing pastime, though others could perceive it as tedious due to its slower pace.

4. BeanBag (Android 4.1-4.3 Jelly Bean)

The BeanBag Easter egg marked a turning point as the first genuinely engaging mini-game that could keep users entertained beyond a quick interaction. The charming graphics and addictive nature of tossing beans across the screen made it a memorable experience, even without a structured goal.

3. Lollipop Land & Marshmallow Land (Android 5.0 Lollipop/Android 6.0 Marshmallow)

While borrowing from the immensely popular Flappy Bird, the Lollipop and Marshmallow Easter eggs successfully captivated users with their challenging gameplay. Those who dared to navigate the obstacles faced a test of dexterity that could lead to hours of frustration or enjoyment, depending on ones skill level.

2. Landroid (Android 14/Android 15)

The Android 14 entry, Landroid, stands out as one of the most sophisticated mini-games, blending retro aesthetics with engaging physics. Although it requires investment to explore its universe fully, it has garnered enough praise to be revived for Android 15 and even slated for Android 16.

1. Icon Quiz (Android 10)

Taking the top spot in our ranking is the Icon Quiz, which begins like a standard Easter egg but quickly reveals itself as an engaging puzzle. Once players discover how to unlock the mini-game, they are treated to a plethora of nonograms that provide an enjoyable challenge. This combination of mystery and brain-teasing gameplay makes the Icon Quiz a winner in the world of Android Easter eggs.

We would love to hear your thoughts on these rankings. Which Android Easter egg is your favorite? Share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!