what a smartphone is and almost definitely what an iPhone is. However you may not know what it means when somebody refers to Android.
In a complicated world of expertise, Android holds an necessary place, although it may be a difficult 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 right way to decide both which Android model or Android telephones are the most effective.
What’s Android?
Android is the overall identify of an working system used on many smartphones and tablets.
An working system is mainly what seems on the display on a touchscreen machine – the underlying software program that you simply work together with. That is completely different to apps you can obtain from an app retailer on most smartphones.
Its person interface is based on direct manipulation, utilizing contact gestures that correspond to real-world actions, akin 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 12 months Apple launched the primary iPhone.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
How do I do know if I’ve an Android telephone?
In case your smartphone doesn’t have the Apple emblem on its again and doesn’t run iOS, it’s seemingly an Android telephone.
Android units sometimes have extra customisable house screens, larger assist for widgets, entry to the Google Play Retailer in comparison with the App Retailer on iOS, and the power to put in third-party purposes from sources apart 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.
Nevertheless, the most effective guess is to go to your machine’s settings and discover a part named ‘About’ or one thing comparable. It is best to have the ability to see the Android or iOS model your machine is utilizing there.
Is Android the identical as iPhone?
Not fairly. Apple’s well-known iPhones run a distinct working system referred to as iOS. The newest model of the system is iOS 17.
iPhones don’t run Android, however Android telephones can typically look the identical due to the look of app icons on the display and comparable telephone designs.
In contrast to Apple, Google lets any firm use Android. Which means that whereas the Google Pixel telephones will run Android, so will each telephone made by Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus and lots of extra.
It is because Android is open supply – this implies Google lets firms use the fundamental model of Android after which change its look to go well with 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 if 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 newest model of Android is Android 14. Its variations are sometimes named after desserts or candy treats and are launched yearly.
Codenamed Upside Down Cake, Android was initially unveiled in Might 2023. The following main model, Android 15, is about to be revealed in Might 2024 at Google’s I/O developer convention.
Many upcoming telephones will ship operating Android 15, whereas plenty of older units will get a free replace sooner or later after it’s launched. Whether or not your telephone will get it is dependent upon how lengthy it’s being supported with software program updates.
Whereas it’s more likely to be a small refresh moderately 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 well-liked messaging app, is appropriate with most telephones operating Android OS 5 (launched 2014) and newer.
So long as your Android telephone meets the minimal necessities specified by WhatsApp, it is best to 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 a proper reply – it relies upon what you like. iPhones are fairly straightforward to make use of and have a premium really feel, whereas Android is extra customisable and there are actually a whole bunch of various telephones to select from that aren’t at all times premium.
It is because any cheaper telephone, both on a finances or mid-range worth level, can technically run Android, although flagship telephones just like the £1,249/$1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Extremely will run it sooner.
Finally, figuring out whether or not Android is best than iPhone (iOS) is subjective and is dependent upon particular person preferences and priorities.
Components akin to {hardware} design, software program options, ecosystem integration, and person expertise play a big function for both platform. For an in depth comparability, you may learn our information on the right way to resolve which is best for you.
Are Samsung telephones higher than different Android telephones?
Samsung telephones, akin to the latest Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Extremely, are among the many hottest Android units globally, identified for his or her modern options, high-quality shows, and highly effective cameras.
Nevertheless, 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 assist can also be business main in comparison with different firms.
Nevertheless, they’re at the moment going face to face with Google and its Pixel telephones , which additionally provide superior AI options and the identical lengthy replace assist.
Finally, whether or not Samsung telephones are higher than different Android telephones for you is dependent upon elements akin to private desire, finances, desired options, and particular use circumstances.
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 at all times true. Apple does maintain its working system tightly guarded and famously has wonderful safety, due partly to its management over each the {hardware} and software program.
Nevertheless, Google constantly works to reinforce the safety of the Android working system by common updates, safety patches, and numerous built-in security measures too. Downloading one thing from the online is the place you may run into points, however provided that you may’t belief the software program and ignore Android’s warning.
The safety of any machine additionally is dependent upon elements akin to person habits, app permissions, machine settings, and well timed set up of updates.
However in case you purchase an Android telephone and are smart about solely downloading protected, acquainted apps then you need to be completely tremendous.
Nevertheless, in case 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, machine compatibility and desired options.
Typically, the newest model of Android, which is Android 14 on the time of writing, gives probably the most up-to-date options, efficiency enhancements and safety enhancements.
Bear in mind, all of the completely different Android ‘skins’ different producers use are based mostly on a selected model of Android, however the numbers don’t at all times sync up. For instance, Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 was really based mostly on Android 13.
If you happen to’re in any respect not sure, verify our full overview of the machine you’re utilizing.
Finally, the most effective model of Android is the one which meets your particular wants and preferences.
