What are android phones all about

What Is Android Mobile? Everything You Need To Know

What is Android mobile? Basically, it is the operating system that runs on your smartphones and tablets. This article is going to go more in-depth about what Android mobile really is.

There are really only two mobile operating systems out there: Android and iOS. There are still some companies that are using proprietary software for some phones (mainly flip phones), but for the most part, there are only two options.

Android is of course, Google’s option.

What devices run Android mobile?

For the most part, smartphones and tablets run Android mobile. Most smartphone makers are using Android – with the exception of Apple – for their smartphones. So as long as you don’t have an iPad or iPhone, you most likely have Android mobile on your device.

Samsung uses Android for the majority of their smartphones and tablets. Though there are a few tablets that run Microsoft’s Windows, as well as a few smartphones that run Samsung’s own proprietary Tizen operating system.

What are the benefits of Android mobile?

One of the main benefits to using Android mobile is the flexibility of the operating system. Android mobile allows for almost endless customization. And that also means that smartphone makers can customize the operating system to their liking. Don’t like your home screen? You can download a launcher to change it. Don’t like Google keyboard (and its terrible name, “Gboard”)? You can download a new keyboard to use, like Swiftkey. These are just some of the customization features that Google offers.

Since Android runs on over 75-percent of smartphones in the world, it means that if your next smartphone is not from the same company as your current smartphone (i.e. you have a LG G6 now, and you upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy Note 10), it won’t be a huge difference in the experience, since it is running the same software at its core. Which would be Android.

For users, there are millions of apps available to download from the Google Play Store. No matter what you’re looking for, there is most likely an app for that. In fact, there are probably several apps for that. The Google Play Store (starting with Android 10) will also push out platform updates for your device. Making it easier to update your smartphone or tablet and keep it up to date.

There are many features that Android has that just makes using your smartphone much easier. Like Quick Settings. Instead of it being a swipe up gesture like on iOS, it’s in the notification pull-down. Making it easier to check notifications and turn off WiFi or adjust the brightness. These are also customizable. So if you don’t need the location toggle, you can get rid of it.

Android also has dark mode. This has been available in Android 9 Pie for a little while, but Google made it system-wide in Android 10 (released in 2019). If you toggle on dark mode or “night mode” you’ll get a darker interface, which is not only better on the eyes but better on your smartphone’s battery. Many apps are now updating for dark mode too.

If you’ve ever missed a moment because it took to long to open your camera, well Android has solved that. Double-tapping your power button will automatically open the camera. So that you won’t miss that moment. Really important for those with kids.

These are just some of the very many features that Android has. Google is constantly making new features and improving the features it already has, to make life easier.

What are Android “skins”?

Android “skins” or more commonly known as “overlays”, are an overlay that a manufacturer can put on top of Android on their device. Think of Android mobile as the cake and the overlay is the frosting.

For instance, Samsung has One UI. It has undergone a few name changes over the years, and now it’s simply One UI. With this overlay, Samsung decided to push a lot of the buttons and controls towards the bottom of the phone. This was to meet the demand of displays getting larger and larger. Which in-turn makes it tougher and tougher to actually use them one-handed. Samsung also has a number of its own features backed into One UI, which you won’t find in Android. That includes things like Air Gestures for the S Pen, a recycle bin in the gallery, to name a few.

Samsung One UI

Though, many prefer OnePlus’ Oxygen OS. This is a mostly stock Android overlay, that has a few features added in. OnePlus has decided to just add to Android, instead of trying to make it look hugely different. With Oxygen OS, you do get even more customization features, like theming that is available system-wide. There’s also an “App Locker” which will lock away apps with sensitive data in them, so when you hand your phone to people, they don’t see that data. It’s also a very fast overlay, compared to Google’s Android. This is due to OnePlus removing a lot of the animations that Google has included.

There are other skins out there too. Huawei’s Emotion UI or EMUI is also a pretty heavy skin like Samsung’s One UI. LG has its own overlay called LG UX now. It’s also fairly heavy, and not that great. Motorola, ASUS and ZTE have all adopted a more stock-like skin for their smartphones, similar to Oxygen OS, but even lighter.

How do I know if I have the latest version of Android mobile?

To check and see what version of Android mobile you’re running, head into the Settings of your smartphone. Scroll down to “About Phone” and then scroll down to the section that shows the software status. Depending on the phone you’re using, you may have to tap on “Software Info” or something similar to get this information.

As of right now, the latest version of Android is Android 10. It was released on September 3, 2019. Chances are, your device is not running that version of Android though. Seeing as manufacturers are typically pretty slow (compared to iOS) in pushing updates to new versions of Android.

Google has started releasing developer previews of Android 11, available for Google Pixel smartphones. Android 11 is slated to be available for everyone starting in Q3 2020. Going by recent history, that likely means a late August/early September release.

Google usually releases a new version of Android each year. With the first beta coming out around February/March. Google will release a new beta almost every month (usually released in the first week of each month) until the final version is released around August/September. It has typically been released around mid-August, but Android 10 was a bit later. Releasing on September 3, 2019.

What are the most popular Android devices?

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus

The most popular Android smartphone right now is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus. It is also one of the more expensive smartphones. Coming in at a price of $1099.

Samsung is well-known for putting cutting-edge tech into its flagship smartphones, and that is the case with the Galaxy Note 10 Plus. It’s one of the most powerful smartphones on the market right now, with a huge and beautiful display to match it.

You can find out more about the Galaxy Note 10 Plus by reading our review.

Samsung Galaxy S10

The Samsung Galaxy S10 was the most popular smartphone until it released the Galaxy Note 10 Plus in August. It’s still pretty popular though, and it’s cheaper than the Galaxy Note 10 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S10

It doesn’t have as many features as the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, largely because it does not feature the S Pen. But still a very impressive smartphone. You can find the Galaxy S10 for around $899 on Amazon.

You can read more about the Samsung Galaxy S10 in our review.

Google Pixel 3a

Now, the Google Pixel 3a is actually pretty popular for a reason that does not apply to the Galaxy Note 10 Plus or Galaxy S10. It’s price tag. The Pixel 3a is actually a very affordable smartphone, coming in at under $479 (depending on the size you choose). But still offering the same performance and features of a flagship like the Pixel 3.

Google Pixel 3a & Pixel 3a XL

It has been very popular because you’re getting an amazing camera for about half the price of a flagship smartphone. You can find the Pixel 3a on Amazon for $399 (or $479 for the Pixel 3a XL).

You can read more about the Google Pixel 3a in our review.

AOSP (Android Open Source Project) vs Google’s Android mobile

There are actually two versions of Android mobile. There’s Android Open Source Project or AOSP, and then there’s Google’s Android.

Google’s Android includes GMS or Google Mobile Services. That’s what brings all of Google’s services into Android. Like the Play Store, Gmail, Chrome, etc. Manufacturers can use either version of Android, but Google’s version is the better bet.

The big reason for Google’s Android being better is because manufacturers get earlier access to the code, as well as help from Google in getting Android working on their smartphones and tablets. It also gets all of Google’s services, which are ubiquitous around the world. And if you’re looking to sell a smartphone, you’re going to need Google’s services, or its dead in the water. With the exception of selling it in China.

AOSP exists still, because Google wanted to make an open source mobile platform that anyone can use. And that is still true in 2019. Even though Google’s Android is the better version to use, as it has all the bells and whistles, anyone can use AOSP and not even need to use Google Mobile Services on their devices. Amazon is one of those that does use AOSP without Google’s apps and services.

Is Android the best fit for me?

To be honest, you likely already have a smartphone running Android. About 75-percent of smartphones around the world are running Android right now, meaning that you are very likely to be using one to read this article.

Is is the best fit for you? Well that really depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for the best software Google has to offer, then Android is going to be the best for you. Even though all of Google’s apps are also available on iOS, they don’t integrated into the phone as well as they do on Android.

iOS is really the only other choice when it comes to smartphone operating systems right now, even though there are others trying to take a slice of the market share.

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What is Android and what is an Android phone?

10th February 2014

Android is now a decade old and the most popular mobile operating system in the world. You’ll find it on mobile phones, tablets and even on TVs and in cars. So what actually is Android? Here’s all you need to know about Google’s mobile OS.

Here we’ll help you to understand what Android is, what it can actually do, what are the best Android devices you can get, how do you use Android apps and plenty more besides.

What is Android?

Android is a mobile operating system which is found on a variety of modern devices, the most popular being smartphones. On top of that, you’ll also find Android on tablets, TV streaming boxes and other portable gadgets.

Android is basically a piece of software which allows your hardware to function. The Android OS gives you access to apps, including many of Google’s own creation. These allow you to look for information on the web, play music and videos, check your location on a map, take photos using your device’s camera and plenty more besides.

Without Android, none of this would be possible.

Android phones are highly customisable, so they can be altered to suit your personal tastes and needs. For instance, you can set your own wallpaper, themes and launchers, which completely change the look of your device’s interface. You can download new applications to do all sorts of things like check your Facebook and Twitter feeds, manage your bank account, order pizza and play games.

How to get started with Android

Check out our guide on how to set up an Android phone, for an idea of what you’ll need to do to get started. One of your first tasks will be to create a Google Account (or sign in with an existing one). This gives you email functionality and also provides a great way to backup your contacts, save your files online and so on.

The benefit of this is that if you lose your phone, all of your numbers and important data will be saved. The next time you get an Android phone (or other device) and sign in with your Google Account, all of your contacts and numbers will be displayed in your new phone’s address book immediately. No need to transfer them over or back them up anywhere else.

In fact, you can sync your personal info across all kinds of Android devices. This includes favourite websites, calendar entries and purchased apps. This is all backed up seamlessly, in the background.

What apps can I get on an Android phone?

There are millions of apps and games available to download from the Google Play store (formerly Android Market). There are camera apps that allow you to take pictures with artistic effects and music players which allow you to stream songs from the web or create playlists. You can customise the appearance of your Android handset with a number of wallpapers based on pictures you’ve taken yourself or downloaded from the internet too.

An example of a widget on the home screen of an Android phone. This one lets you access music playback from Spotify without having to open the application.

There are also various on-screen widgets to download which allow access to, and the alteration of, settings on your phone, without the need to dive through menus as you would on non-Android devices. You can pretty much create your own system of shortcuts and menus to better suit how you uniquely use your phone.

You can also download a huge range of games for your Android phone to keep you entertained on the go. Here are our favourite Android games of all time.

Asphalt Overdrive is a simple to play, tricky to master racing game.

How can I download apps onto an Android phone?

The majority of apps can be downloaded from the Google Play store (the equivalent of Apple’s App Store), which includes a mix of free as well as ‘premium’ apps that you have to pay for. Some apps have ‘lite’ versions which are free, in the hopes you’ll enjoy them enough to upgrade to the full premium version. Others – like Pokémon GO – are free but include adverts or the ability to make in-app purchases.

The same account that lets you backup your contacts can also have financial details added to it, giving you the ability to purchase content from the Google Play store directly. You can pay either by debit or credit card and initial setup takes less than five minutes from a computer.

Although there are well over a million apps available to Android users in the Google Play Store, some developers choose to make their apps available to download from their own sites or alternative app stores. In order to download them, you have to change some settings on your phone before visiting these sites on your Android device’s web browser. By downloading apps outside of the Google Play Store, you do run the risk of attack in the form of data theft or by leaving yourself more susceptible to viruses, so be careful if you choose this route.

Should you upgrade or change your Android phone; log into your Google account and you’ll be able to download your previously owned apps again, without being charged. In recent years, Google has expanded Google Play to offer more than just apps, with books, magazines, music and movies available for purchase and download in much the same way too.

Who actually makes Android phones?

Any handset maker is free to make an Android phone if they want to. The likes of Motorola, HTC, Samsung and Sony, Acer, Alcatel, Asus, Huawei, LG and ZTE have all made Android phones (and tablets). Blackberry has put out several Android phones since 2015, including the Priv and the KEYOne. And Nokia is enjoying a resurgence in 2017, thanks in large part to its new Nokia 3, 5 and 6 phones which run Android OS.

Does Google make any Android phones?

Although Google owns the OS (Android), the company has not made any of the smartphones on which it runs in-house (it did make the Android-powered Pixel C tablet in 2015). However, it has partnered with various handset manufacturers over the years to make its own-brand smartphones under the ‘Nexus’ name.

[From left to right] Google Nexus One (HTC), Google Nexus S (Samsung), Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Google Nexus 4 (LG), Google Nexus 5 (LG), Google Nexus 6 (Motorola), Google Nexus 5X (LG), Google Nexus 6P (Huawei), Google Pixel (HTC), Google Pixel XL (HTC)

Google’s Nexus phones were typically the first to receive new updates and were considered to be the flagship Android phones, even though some other Android devices sported larger screens, better cameras and more powerful hardware.

In 2016, Google shelved the Nexus brand name and replaced by launching two new phones called the Pixel and Pixel XL. For all intents and purposes, these new phones enjoy all the same benefits as the Nexus devices did and are essentially the spiritual successors to the Nexus line.

You can expect to see some new Pixel 2 phones in 2017.

Android updates

Google is constantly working on new versions of the Android software. These releases are infrequent; at the moment Google is releasing a big Android update once a year. Check out our handy, comprehensive guide to every Android version out there.

Versions usually come with a numerical code and a name that’s so far been themed after sweets and desserts, running in alphabetical order.

• Android 1.5 Cupcake
• Android 1.6 Donut
• Android 2.1 Eclair
• Android 2.2 Froyo
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread
• Android 3.2 Honeycomb – The first OS design specifically for tablets, launching on the Motorola Xoom
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: The first OS to run on smartphones and tablets, ending the 2.X naming convention.
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean: Launched on the Google Nexus 7 tablet by Asus
• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean: Arrived on the LG Nexus 4
• Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
• Android 4.4 KitKat: Launched on the LG Nexus 5
• Android 5.0 Lollipop: Launched on the Motorola Nexus 6 and HTC Nexus 9
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Launched on the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P
• Android 7.0 Nougat
• Android 7.1 Nougat: Launched on the HTC-made Google Pixel and Pixel XL
• Android 8.0 Oreo: Rumoured to be launching on the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2

The latest public version, Android Nougat, makes the OS even faster than ever with a feature called ‘instant apps’. It also offers improved battery life with Doze on-the-go and adds native VR support. Here’s what’s changed between the different Android versions.

When does Google announce new versions of Android?

As previously mentioned, Google tends to put out a fresh new version of Android once a year (although minor updates roll out constantly).

When it comes to Android, Google often releases a beta version in the first half of the year. This often coincides with Google I/O, a big developer event held annually around May. At Google I/O we usually find out more about the new Android update, including the best features and any UI improvements.

Like Android phones, Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes. These can range from the 7-inch screen of the Asus-made Google Nexus 7 to far larger displays, such as the 10-inch display found on the Nexus 10.

Somewhat confusingly, some older Android tablets; like the original Samsung Galaxy Tab, launched running Android 2.2 Froyo – a version of Android designed for phones, whilst Android 3.0 Honeycomb was the first release of the OS specifically for tablets.

Older Android tablets which didn’t run on 3.0 Honeycomb couldn’t benefit from things like the redesigned YouTube app, improved widgets and certain tablet-specific apps like SwiftKey for Tablets.

This fragmentation between Android phones and tablets was eliminated with the launch of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which was designed to operate on either type of device and scale accordingly. Android Jelly Bean introduced a number of improvements for both the smartphone and tablet experience over the likes of ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) and that trend continues with the latest release, Android 7.0 Nougat, which brings features like split screen support to the table.

Do Android updates cost anything?

Android updates are free to download and install. Updates bring a number of new features and changes to Android each time. Generally, with each update, the speed and overall performance of Android is improved upon.

Most of the high-end Android phones are scheduled to receive updates first. Most Android phones will have at least one update during their life cycle, with some having two. A life cycle is usually around 18 months, but depending on the phone this can be longer. These updates differ from app updates, which are smaller, incremental releases for individual applications installed on your Android device.

How do I update my Android device to add new features?

Android updates are normally received OTA (Over The Air), that is, sent directly to your Android phone without the need for a computer. Normally, once your Android phone or tablet is due to get an update, you’ll see a notification in the bar at the top of the screen. You’ll then be prompted to connect to WiFi to avoid incurring extra data charges – updates can be quite big and downloading them over a mobile data connection isn’t advised as it may result in expensive data charges.

Updates are generally one-stage processes and relatively straightforward, but in some cases, you may need to backup/save any media (photos, movies, music) or apps you’ve downloaded before updating.

When beta versions of Android are announced, you can download them early to any recent Google-branded phone (e.g. Nexus or Pixel handsets). Right now Android O is available to download in beta. Here’s how to update your Android phone, for everything you need to know.

How can I change the look and feel of my Android phone desktops?

Android phones from the likes of Huawei, LG and Samsung all sport a very different look and feel to the stock Android found on Google’s own Pixel phones. That’s because each manufacturer tends to add their own software overlay to Android, known as a ‘launcher’, which changes the design of the home screen, additional desktops, app logos and so on.

Luckily, if you feel like refreshing your Android phone’s software design, it’s incredibly easy to pull off. Just check out our guide to changing your Android launcher to learn how.

What is Android TV?

As the name kind of suggests, Android TV is based on the same Android software found on mobile phones but tweaked to work on TV streaming devices. For example, the Nvidia Shield TV runs off Android TV. This smart box connects to your telly and offers you full access to apps, games and the web. You can even perform searches for all kinds of content.

Check out our complete guide to Android TV for all that you need to know.

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