What is Android?

You’re familiar with smartphones and, more than likely, iPhones. However, you may not understand what someone means when they mention Android. So What is Android !

In a complicated world of technology, Android plays a crucial role, albeit it can be difficult to comprehend why.

Here’s an overview of Android, including what it is, where it came from, and how to select which Android version or Android phones are best.

What is Android?

Android is the generic term for an operating system used on numerous smartphones and tablets.

An operating system is essentially the software that shows on the screen of a touchscreen device. This is not the same as the applications available for download from most devices’ app stores.

Its user interface is largely built on direct manipulation, with on-screen items manipulated by touch gestures that correlate to real-world motions such as swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching.

Does Google own Android?

Yes, Google owns Android. Android Inc. was the first developer of Android, and it was created in October 2003.

Google purchased Android in 2005 and released it for phones and tablets in 2007, the same year that Apple introduced the first iPhone.

How do I know if I have an Android phone?

If your smartphone lacks the Apple emblem on the rear and does not run iOS, it is most likely an Android device.

Android devices often include more customizable home screens, broader widget support, access to the Google Play Store as opposed to the App Store on iOS, and the option to install third-party software from sources other than the official app store.

Any smartphone manufactured by Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, Nothing, Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Vivo, or Sony will run Android.

However, the best bet is to navigate to your device’s settings and look for a section titled ‘About’ or something similar. You should be able to check the Android or iOS version your smartphone is running there.

Is Android the same as iPhone?

Not exactly. Apple’s popular iPhones use a distinct operating system called iOS. The most recent version of the system is iOS 17.

iPhones do not run Android, yet Android phones frequently resemble the same due to the appearance of app icons on the screen and similar phone designs.

Unlike Apple, Google allows any firm to utilize Android. This implies that, in addition to Google Pixel phones, Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus, and other manufacturers’ phones will run Android.

This is because Android is open source, which means Google allows firms to utilize the base version of Android and then customize its appearance on their phones.

They use what’s called Android ‘skins’, which are overlays created by manufacturers like as Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (HyperOS), and OnePlus (Oxygen OS). That is why not all Android phones appear the same when turned on.

What is the latest version of Android?

As of April 2024, the most recent version of Android is Android 14. Its variations are often named after sweets or sweet foods and are published once a year.

Android, codenamed Upside Down Cake, was launched in May 2023. The next major version, Android 15, is scheduled to be unveiled in May 2024 at Google’s I/O developer conference.

Many forthcoming phones will launch with Android 15, while many older handsets will receive a free upgrade shortly after its release. The length of time your phone is supported with software upgrades determines whether it will receive it.

While it is expected to be a minor update rather than a complete makeover, Android 15 has ten new features that are worth getting excited about.

Which Android phones does WhatsApp work on?

WhatsApp, a popular messaging software, is compatible with most phones running Android OS 5 (launched 2014) or later.

As long as your Android device fulfills WhatsApp’s basic requirements, you should be able to download and use the app from the Google Play Store.

Is Android better than iPhone?

There is no correct answer; it depends on your preferences. iPhones are simple to use and have a luxury feel, but Android is more customizable, and there are literally hundreds of different phones to select from that aren’t necessarily quality.

This is because any lower-cost phone, whether on a budget or mid-range price point, can technically run Android, however premium phones like the £1,249/$1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Ultra will do so faster.

Ultimately, deciding whether Android is superior to iPhone (iOS) is subjective and depends on personal preferences and objectives.

Hardware design, software functionality, ecosystem integration, and user experience are important considerations for any platform.

Are Samsung phones better than other Android phones?

Samsung phones, including the latest Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra, are among the most popular Android handsets worldwide, thanks to their innovative features, high-quality screens, and strong cameras.

However, several more Android phones, like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14, Asus Zenfone 10, and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, have made it into our list of the best Android phones.

The biggest distinguishing feature of the Galaxy phones is Galaxy AI, a suite of sophisticated capabilities powered by artificial intelligence. In addition, seven years of update support is industry leading when compared to other firms.

However, they are presently competing with Google and its Pixel phones, which also include powerful AI features and long-term update support.

Finally, whether Samsung phones are superior than other Android phones depends on your particular preferences, budget, desired features, and use cases.

Is Android secure?

Many people believe that Android devices are less secure than iPhones, however this is not always the case. Apple keeps its operating system carefully guarded and is well-known for its superb security, thanks in part to its control over both hardware and software.

However, Google is always working to improve the security of the Android operating system by providing frequent updates, security patches, and a variety of built-in security protections. Downloading something from the web may cause problems, but only if you don’t trust the app and ignore Android’s warning.

User behavior, app permissions, device settings, and timely update installation all contribute to a device’s security.

Which version of Android is best?

The ‘best’ Android version is subjective and varies based on personal tastes, device compatibility, and desired features.

Overall, the most recent version of Android, which is Android 14 at the time of writing, provides the most up-to-date features, performance improvements, and security upgrades.

Remember that all of the Android ‘skins’ used by other manufacturers are based on a certain version of Android, although the numbers may not always match. For example, Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 was built on Android 13.

If you’re at all unsure, check our full review of the device you’re using.

Ultimately, the best version of Android is the one that meets your specific needs and preferences.