Use AppCompat, and you'll get native MD on >= SDK 21, and an emulated MD on < SDK 21 devices. http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2014/10/appcompat-v21-mate

Use AppCompat, and you'll get native MD on >= SDK 21, and an emulated MD on < SDK 21 devices. http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2014/10/appcompat-v21-material-design-for-pre.html http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2014/10/appcompat-v21... It's a bit of a hassle (you'll need to use compatibility facades vs the real thing, which are sometimes a bit inconsistent), but it's not too bad.