What is Android?

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

In the confusing world of technology, Android holds an important place, although it can be a tricky to get your head round why.

Here are the basics on Android. We explain what it is, where it’s from and how to determine which Android version and which Android phones are the best.

What is Android?

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

An operating system is basically what appears on the screen on a touchscreen device – the underlying software that you interact with. This is different to 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 swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching, to manipulate on-screen objects.

Does Google own Android?

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

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

How do I know if I have an Android phone?

If your smartphone does not have the Apple logo on its back and does not run iOS, it is likely an Android phone.

Android devices typically have more customisable home screens, greater support for widgets, access to the Google Play Store instead of the App Store on iOS, and the ability to install third-party applications from sources other 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, the best bet is to go to your device’s settings and find a section named ‘About’ or something similar. You should be able to see the Android or iOS version your device is using there.

Is Android the same as iPhone?

Not quite. Apple’s famous iPhones run a different operating system called iOS. The latest version of the system is iOS 18.

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

Unlike Apple, Google lets any company use Android. This means that while the Google Pixel phones will run Android, so will every phone made by Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Asus and many more. 

This is because Android is open source – this means Google lets companies use the basic version of Android and then change its look to appear the way that company wants it to look on its phones.

They use what are known as 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 October 2024, the latest version of Android is Android 15. Its versions are typically named after desserts or sweet treats and are released annually.

Many upcoming phones will ship running Android 15, while lots of older devices will get a free update at some point after it’s released. Whether your phone will get it depends on how long it’s supported with software updates.

If you want to learn more about it, there are still 10 new features of Android 15 that are worth getting excited about.

Which Android phones does WhatsApp work on?

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

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 easy to use and have a premium feel, whereas Android is more customisable and there are literally hundreds of different phones to choose from, some premium, some less so.

This is because any cheaper phone, either on a budget or mid-range price point, can technically run Android, although flagship phones like the £1,249/$1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Ultra will run it 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 a significant role for either platform. For a detailed comparison, you can read our guide on how to decide which is right for you.

Are Samsung phones better than other Android phones?

Samsung phones, such as the newest Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra, are among the most popular Android devices globally, known for their innovative features, high-quality displays, and powerful cameras.

However, many other Android phones, such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14, Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra and Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, have also made it to our best Android phones round-up.

The most distinctive feature of the 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, Samsung is currently going head to head with 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 for you depends on factors such as personal preference, budget, desired features, and specific use cases.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Is Android secure?

A lot of people say Android is less secure than iPhones, but this isn’t always true. Apple does keep its operating system tightly guarded and famously has excellent security, due in part to its control over both the hardware and software.

However, Google continuously works to enhance the security of the Android operating system through regular updates, security patches, and various built-in security features too. Downloading something from the web is where you might run into issues, 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 are sensible about only downloading safe, familiar apps then you should be absolutely fine.

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

Which version of Android is best?

The ‘best’ version of Android is subjective and varies depending on individual preferences, device compatibility and desired features.

Generally, the latest version of Android, which is Android 15 at the time of writing, offers the most up-to-date features, performance improvements and security enhancements.

Remember, all the different Android ‘skins’ other manufacturers use are based on a specific version of Android, but the numbers don’t always sync up. For example, Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 was actually based 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.