What is an Android smartphone?
An Android smartphone is a mobile phone that runs on the Android operating system developed by Google. You can use it to make calls, send messages, browse the internet, use apps, play games, and take photos.
Android is open-source (unlike iOS), so different manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Motorola use it in their own phones. This also means each brand can customize Android differently.
You can access the Google Play Store on Android smartphones and download millions of apps, including social media, productivity tools, and streaming platforms. Android supports USB-C charging, 5G, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It updates regularly through security patches and new versions (like Android 13, Android 14).
The best Android smartphones (with the highest overall score) are as follows:
- Poco F8 Ultra (16GB + 512GB) Overall score: 9.09 points
- OnePlus 15 (16GB + 512GB) Overall score: 9.09 points
- Oppo Find X9 Pro (16GB + 512GB) Overall score: 9.04 points
How is Android different from iOS?
Android is different from iOS in several ways that affect how you use your device, customize it, install apps, and connect with other systems. The key differences are as follows:
- Operating System Base: Android runs on Linux-based open-source code. iOS runs on Unix-based closed-source code owned by Apple.
- Device Manufacturers: Android runs on phones from many brands like Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus. iOS runs only on Apple devices like iPhone and iPad.
- App Stores: Android uses Google Play Store as the main app source (you can also install apps from outside). iOS uses Apple’s App Store (you can’t install apps from outside without jailbreaking).
- Customizability: Android lets you change home screens, use widgets freely, install custom launchers, and access deeper system settings. iOS limits customizations and controls system appearance and behavior more strictly.
- System Updates: Android updates depend on phone brand and model (some phones get updates late or never). iOS updates reach all supported devices at the same time.
- Voice Assistant: Android uses Google Assistant. iOS uses Siri.
- File Sharing and Transfers: Android uses USB-C, supports drag-and-drop file transfers, and works with any computer. iOS uses Lightning cable (or USB-C for newer models) and requires iTunes or Finder on Mac.
- Default Apps: Android lets you set any app as default (browser, messaging, email, etc). iOS limits this (only a few app types can be changed).
- Price Range: Android phones come in all price levels (from under £90 to over £1,300). iPhones cost more (usually from £430 up to £1,600).
- Integration with Ecosystem: Android connects better with Google services and Windows. iOS works best with Apple’s ecosystem (Mac, iPad, AirPods, iCloud, etc).
What versions of Android do smartphones use today?
Smartphones today use Android 15 as the leading version with 27.1% market share, followed by Android 14 at 19.5% and Android 13 at 16.0%. These three versions combined account for nearly two-thirds of all Android devices in use.
The Android ecosystem also sees the emergence of Android 16, which was released in June 2025 - earlier than typical Android releases. Android 16 is currently available on select Pixel devices and is expected to reach other manufacturers throughout 2025.
How often do Android smartphones get updates?
Android smartphones get updates at different times based on the brand, model, and software policy. You don’t get a standard update schedule across all Android devices. Some phones get updates every month, some quarterly, and others only a few times a year.
Google Pixel phones usually get monthly security patches and major Android version updates for at least 3 years (some newer models up to 7 years). Samsung pushes monthly updates for its recent flagship models (like Galaxy S and Fold series), quarterly for mid-range phones, and fewer updates for entry-level devices. Brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others follow their own timelines, which often vary even between models. Budget Android phones usually get fewer updates and stop receiving them earlier.
