You realize what a smartphone is and most probably what an iPhone is. However you won’t know what it means when somebody refers to Android.
In a complicated world of know-how, Android holds an essential place, although it may be a tough to get your head spherical why.
Right here’s the fundamentals on Android, the place we clarify what it’s, the place it’s from and the best way to decide both which Android model or Android telephones are the most effective.
What’s Android?
Android is the overall title of an working system used on many smartphones and tablets.
An working system is principally what seems on the display on a touchscreen gadget – the underlying software program that you just work together with. That is completely different to apps you can obtain from an app retailer on most smartphones.
Its consumer interface is based on direct manipulation, utilizing contact gestures that correspond to real-world actions, similar to swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching, to govern on-screen objects.
Does Google personal Android?
Sure, Google owns Android. The preliminary developer of Android was Android Inc., which was based in October 2003.
Google purchased Android in 2005 and launched it for telephones and tablets in 2007, the identical yr Apple launched the primary iPhone.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How do I do know if I’ve an Android cellphone?
In case your smartphone doesn’t have the Apple emblem on its again and doesn’t run iOS, it’s probably an Android cellphone.
Android units usually have extra customisable residence screens, higher help for widgets, entry to the Google Play Retailer in comparison with the App Retailer on iOS, and the flexibility to put in third-party purposes from sources aside from the official app retailer.
Any smartphone made by Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, Nothing, Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Vivo or Sony will run Android.
Nonetheless, the most effective guess is to go to your gadget’s settings and discover a part named ‘About’ or one thing related. You need to have the ability to see the Android or iOS model your gadget is utilizing there.
Is Android the identical as iPhone?
Not fairly. Apple’s well-known iPhones run a unique working system referred to as iOS. The most recent model of the system is iOS 17.
iPhones don’t run Android, however Android telephones can usually look the identical due to the look of app icons on the display and related cellphone designs.
In contrast to Apple, Google lets any firm use Android. Which means whereas the Google Pixel telephones will run Android, so will each cellphone made by Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus and lots of extra.
It’s because Android is open supply – this implies Google lets corporations use the fundamental model of Android after which change its look to swimsuit how that firm needs it to look on its telephones.
They use what’s referred to as Android ‘skins’ – overlays made by producers like Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (HyperOS) and OnePlus (OxygenOS). That’s why not all Android telephones look the identical whenever you flip them on.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
What’s the newest model of Android?
As of April 2024, the most recent model of Android is Android 14. Its variations are usually named after desserts or candy treats and are launched yearly.
Codenamed Upside Down Cake, Android was initially unveiled in Could 2023. The subsequent main model, Android 15, is ready to be revealed in Could 2024 at Google’s I/O developer convention.
Many upcoming telephones will ship operating Android 15, whereas numerous older units will get a free replace in some unspecified time in the future after it’s launched. Whether or not your cellphone will get it relies on how lengthy it’s being supported with software program updates.
Whereas it’s prone to be a small refresh quite than an overhaul, there are nonetheless 10 new options of Android 15 which can be value getting enthusiastic about.
Which Android telephones does WhatsApp work on?
WhatsApp, a preferred messaging app, is appropriate with most telephones operating Android OS 5 (launched 2014) and newer.
So long as your Android cellphone meets the minimal necessities specified by WhatsApp, you must have the ability to obtain and use the app from the Google Play Retailer.
oasisamuel/Shutterstock.com
oasisamuel/Shutterstock.com
oasisamuel/Shutterstock.com
Is Android higher than iPhone?
There isn’t any proper reply – it relies upon what you like. iPhones are fairly simple to make use of and have a premium really feel, whereas Android is extra customisable and there are actually lots of of various telephones to select from that aren’t all the time premium.
It’s because any cheaper cellphone, both on a price range or mid-range value level, can technically run Android, although flagship telephones just like the £1,249/$1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Extremely will run it sooner.
In the end, figuring out whether or not Android is best than iPhone (iOS) is subjective and relies on particular person preferences and priorities.
Components similar to {hardware} design, software program options, ecosystem integration, and consumer expertise play a major function for both platform. For an in depth comparability, you possibly can learn our information on the best way to resolve which is best for you.
Are Samsung telephones higher than different Android telephones?
Samsung telephones, similar to the most recent Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Extremely, are among the many hottest Android units globally, identified for his or her progressive options, high-quality shows, and highly effective cameras.
Nonetheless, many different Android telephones, such because the Google Pixel 8 Professional, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14, Asus Zenfone 10 and Motorola Razr 40 Extremely, have additionally made it to our the most effective Android telephones round-up.
Essentially the most distinctive function of the Galaxy telephones is Galaxy AI, a set of superior options utilizing synthetic intelligence. Seven years of replace help can be trade main in comparison with different corporations.
Nonetheless, they’re at present going face to face with Google and its Pixel telephones , which additionally provide superior AI options and the identical lengthy replace help.
In the end, whether or not Samsung telephones are higher than different Android telephones for you relies on elements similar to private choice, price range, desired options, and particular use instances.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Is Android safe?
Lots of people say Android is much less safe than iPhones, however this isn’t all the time true. Apple does preserve its working system tightly guarded and famously has glorious safety, due partly to its management over each the {hardware} and software program.
Nonetheless, Google repeatedly works to reinforce the safety of the Android working system by way of common updates, safety patches, and numerous built-in safety features too. Downloading one thing from the net is the place you may run into points, however provided that you possibly can’t belief the software program and ignore Android’s warning.
The safety of any gadget additionally relies on elements similar to consumer habits, app permissions, gadget settings, and well timed set up of updates.
However in the event you purchase an Android cellphone and are smart about solely downloading protected, acquainted apps then try to be completely high-quality.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re nonetheless involved, it’s value contemplating an antivirus app for Android.
Which model of Android is finest?
The ‘finest’ model of Android is subjective and varies relying on particular person preferences, gadget compatibility and desired options.
Usually, the most recent model of Android, which is Android 14 on the time of writing, presents essentially the most up-to-date options, efficiency enhancements and safety enhancements.
Keep in mind, all of the completely different Android ‘skins’ different producers use are primarily based on a selected model of Android, however the numbers don’t all the time sync up. For instance, Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 was really primarily based on Android 13.
When you’re in any respect uncertain, examine our full evaluation of the gadget you’re utilizing.
In the end, the most effective model of Android is the one which meets your particular wants and preferences.