What is Android? Android Basics Explained

You know what a smartphone is and most likely what an iPhone is. But you may not know what it means when someone refers to Android.

In a confusing technological world, Android looms large, although it can be difficult to understand why.

Here’s the basics of Android, where we explain what it is, where it comes from, and how to determine which Android version or Android phones are best.

What is Android?

Android is the general name for an operating system used on many smartphones and tablets.

An operating system is essentially what appears on the screen of a touchscreen device: the underlying software with which you interact. This is different from the apps you can download from an app store on most smartphones.

Its user interface is primarily based on direct manipulation, using touch gestures that correspond to real-world actions, such as swipe, tap, pinch and reverse pinch, to manipulate objects on the screen.

Does Google own Android?

Yes, Google owns Android. The original developer of Android was Android Inc., founded in October 2003.

Google bought Android in 2005 and released it on phones and tablets in 2007, the same year Apple launched the first iPhone.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

How do I know if I have an Android phone?

If your smartphone doesn’t have the Apple logo on the back and doesn’t run iOS, it’s probably an Android phone.

Android devices generally have more customizable home screens, better widget support, access to the Google Play Store compared to the App Store on iOS, and the ability to install third-party apps from other sources. than the official app store.

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

However, your best bet is to go to your device’s settings and find a section called “About” or something similar. There you should be able to see which Android or iOS version your device is using.

Is Android the same as iPhone?

Not enough. Apple’s famous iPhones use a different operating system called iOS. The latest system version is iOS 17.

iPhones don’t run Android, but Android phones can often look the same thanks to the appearance of app icons on the screen and similar phone designs.

Unlike Apple, Google allows any company to use Android. This means that while Google Pixel phones will run Android, so will all phones made by Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus and many others.

Indeed, Android is open source. This means that Google allows companies to use the base version of Android and then change its appearance depending on how the company wants its phones to look.

They use so-called Android “skins” – overlays made by manufacturers like Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (HyperOS) and OnePlus (OxygenOS). That’s why not all Android phones look the same when you turn them on.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

What is the latest version of Android?

As of April 2024, the latest Android version is Android 14. Its versions are usually named after desserts or sweet treats and are released every year.

Codenamed Upside Down Cake, Android was initially revealed in May 2023. The next major version, Android 15, is expected to be revealed in May 2024 at Google’s I/O developer conference.

Many upcoming phones will ship running Android 15, while many older devices will get a free update at some point after its release. Whether your phone gets it depends on how long it’s supported by software updates.

While this is likely a small refresh rather than an overhaul, there are still 10 new Android 15 features worth getting excited about.

What Android phones does WhatsApp work on?

WhatsApp, a popular messaging app, is compatible with most phones running Android OS 5 (released in 2014) and newer.

As long as your Android phone meets the minimum requirements specified by WhatsApp, you should be able to download and use the app from the Google Play Store.

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Is Android better than iPhone?

There is no right answer – it depends on what you prefer. iPhones are pretty easy to use and have a premium feel, while Android is more customizable and there are literally hundreds of different phones to choose from that aren’t always premium.

Indeed, any cheaper phone, whether budget or mid-price, can technically run Android, although flagship phones like the £1,249/$1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Ultra will run faster.

Ultimately, determining whether Android is better than iPhone (iOS) is subjective and depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Factors such as hardware design, software features, ecosystem integration, and user experience play an important role for either platform. For a detailed comparison, you can read our guide on how to decide which one is best for you.

Are Samsung phones better than other Android phones?

Samsung phones, such as the latest Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra, are some of the most popular Android devices in the world, known for their innovative features, high-quality displays and powerful cameras.

However, many other Android phones, such as the Google Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14, Asus Zenfone 10 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, also made it to our selection of the best Android phones.

The most distinctive feature of Galaxy phones is Galaxy AI, a set of advanced features using artificial intelligence. Seven years of update support is also industry-leading compared to other companies.

However, they are currently going up against Google and its Pixel phones, which also offer advanced AI features and the same long update support.

Ultimately, whether Samsung phones are better than other Android phones depends on factors like personal preference, budget, desired features, and specific use cases.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Is Android secure?

Many people say that Android is less secure than iPhones, but that’s not always true. Apple keeps its operating system closely monitored and has excellent security, in part due to its control over hardware and software.

However, Google is continuously working to improve the security of the Android operating system through regular updates, security patches, and various in-built security features. You might run into problems downloading something from the web, but only if you can’t trust the software and ignore Android’s warning.

The security of any device also depends on factors such as user behavior, app permissions, device settings, and timely installation of updates.

But if you buy an Android phone and want to download only safe and familiar apps, you should be fine.

However, if you’re still worried, it’s worth considering an antivirus app for Android.

Which version of Android is best?

The “best” version of Android is subjective and varies based on individual preferences, device compatibility, and desired features.

Generally, the latest version of Android, which is Android 14 at the time of writing, offers the most recent features, performance and security improvements.

Remember that all the different Android “skins” used by other manufacturers are based on a specific version of Android, but the numbers aren’t always in sync. For example, Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 was actually based on Android 13.

If you’re unsure, check out 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.