Users often encounter confusion when it comes to operating system names for mobile devices. The query “what is another name for Android” does not arise out of nowhere, because over the years of development of the platform it has acquired many names, nicknames and technical designations. In everyday life you can hear everything: from “green robot” to specific versions like “Cake” or “Cake”. Understanding this nomenclature is critically important when searching for compatible software or firmware.
Let's understand the terminology so that you can freely navigate smartphone specifications and discussions on forums. We'll look at both the official marketing names and the internal codenames used by Google developers. Knowing these differences will help you more accurately formulate queries in search engines and understand which version of the system is installed on your device.
Official versions and their “sweet” names
For a long time Google he adhered to the tradition of naming major operating system updates after various desserts and sweets. This practice began with version 1.5 and continued until the release Android 10. Each such name became part of the cultural code of the community and was often used more often than a dry numerical index.
For example, version 4.4 is widely known as KitKat, and 5.0 - as Lollipop. These names made it easier for users to remember the evolution of the platform. However, it is worth noting that starting with the tenth version, the company abandoned the public use of dessert names in marketing, although internal code names remained.
If you are looking for firmware by the name of a dessert, make sure that it matches the digital version, since the names may be duplicated in unofficial assemblies.
Below is a table of correspondence between digital versions and their legendary “sweet” names, which are still often found in technical documentation:
| Android version | Codename (Dessert) | Release year |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 - 4.3 | Jelly Bean | 2012 |
| 4.4 | KitKat | 2013 |
| 5.0 - 5.1 | Lollipop | 2014 |
| 6.0 | Marshmallow | 2015 |
| 7.0 - 7.1 | Nougat | 2016 |
| 8.0 - 8.1 | Oreo | 2017 |
| 9.0 | Pie | 2018 |
Why were the names hidden?
Starting with Android 10, Google decided to make names more inclusive and global, since not all users in different countries are familiar with specific types of Western desserts.
Technical designations and letter code names
In addition to tasty names, each major update has a strict letter designation in alphabetical order. This internal standard development is used by programmers and in system files. If you look at the source code or documentation for developers, you will come across exactly these designations.
The system is built simply: the first letter of the name of the dessert corresponds to the letter of the version. Android C is Cupcake, Android D is Donut, and so on until Android Q (Quince Tart), which became the last with a letter index before switching to numbers. Knowing this sequence allows you to instantly determine which version is newer, even without knowing the exact numbers.
⚠️ Attention: In the phone settings, the letter designation is usually hidden from the average user. To see it, you often need to activate developer mode or use special commands via ADB.
After version 9 (Pie), which corresponded to the letter P, the next version should have been called Android Q. Indeed, in beta tests she appeared under this name. However, the final release received simply a digital name Android 10, breaking the long chain of letter designations in the public field. However, in the core of the system and among enthusiasts, the connection with the letters can still be traced.
Alternative names from manufacturers (Shells)
Often users ask what the android is called, meaning not the system itself, but its appearance on a specific smartphone. Device manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others) do not use “pure” Android, but install their own ones on top of it. These shells have their own names, which many mistakenly mistake for the name of the operating system itself. graphical shells. These shells have their own names, which many mistakenly mistake for the name of the operating system itself.
For example, owners of Samsung phones will say that they have One UI, although technically it is still the same Android. Xiaomi users will talk about MIUI or new HyperOS. These names denote an interface add-on, a set of pre-installed applications and unique functions, but the core remains the same.
- 🤖 One UI - a proprietary shell from Samsung, known for its ergonomics for large screens.
- 🔴 MIUI / HyperOS - a deeply redesigned system from Xiaomi with extensive functionality.
- 🔵 ColorOS - a shell from OPPO and OnePlus, offering smooth animation and style.
- 🟢 Funtouch OS / OriginOS - solutions from Vivo with an emphasis on the visual component.
It is important to distinguish between these concepts when searching for solutions to problems. An error in the menu Settings may be specific to Shellsand not to the base system. Therefore, in forums they often clarify: “is the bug in Android or in MIUI?” These are fundamentally different levels of software.
AOSP Project and “Clean” Android
Among developers and enthusiasts you can often hear the term AOSP. This is an abbreviation for Android Open Source Project. This is the name given to the source code of the operating system, which is made publicly available. This is, in fact, a “bare” Android without any additions from Google or phone manufacturers.
Devices that run on pure AOSP or with minimal changes are often called “stock”. A classic example is the smartphones of the line Google Pixel and earlier Nexus. They demonstrate the reference view of the system as conceived by Google engineers.
Many custom firmwares, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experienceare also based on AOSP. Their users appreciate the absence of unnecessary software (bloatware) and high speed. If you see a mention of AOSP, know: we are talking about a version of the system as close as possible to the original.
⚠️ Attention: AOSP-based firmware may not have pre-installed Google services (GMS). Before installing such a system, make sure that you can implement services manually if you need them for the applications to work.
Slang names and nicknames in the community
Popular rumor has given rise to many unofficial names that reflect the attitude of users to certain versions or features of the system. These terms are often ironic or describe specific problems.
The most famous nickname is, of course, the “Green Robot,” which refers to the system’s logo. But there are also more specific terms. For example, early versions of the system were sometimes called “slow” until the advent of the project Project Butter (in version 4.1), which significantly improved the smoothness of the interface.
☑️ How to find the exact name of the version
The expression “firewood” is also used when it comes to poorly optimized drivers or unstable beta versions of firmware. If someone says “installed firewood on Android,” this means that the device is not working correctly due to a software glitch. Understanding such slang helps you quickly find solutions on specialized resources.
Android Go and lite versions
The direction Android Go (formerly Android Go Edition) deserves special mention. This is a special version of the operating system optimized for devices with low RAM (usually up to 2 GB). It is often called “lite android.”
The goal of this edition is to ensure smooth operation on budget hardware. It comes pre-installed with lightweight versions of applications (for example, Google Go, Maps Go), which consume less resources. Visually, the system is almost no different from the full version, but under the hood there is a different memory management mechanism.
When buying an inexpensive smartphone, it is important to check which version is installed. The inscription Android Go Edition in the settings will tell you that this is a system that is reduced in capabilities, but optimized. It is not intended for powerful flagships and is not installed.
Android Go is not a separate OS, but a configuration of standard Android with optimizations for weak hardware and a set of lightweight applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it true that Android was named after robots from movies?
No, this is a common myth. Company founder Andy Rubin confirmed that the names were chosen solely in honor of sweets in alphabetical order. The robot logo appeared later and is not directly related to the names of the versions.
What is the difference between Android One and regular Android?
Android One is Google's app for manufacturers to ensure a clean system without unnecessary skins and timely security updates. Technically, this is the same Android, but with strict requirements for software from the vendor.
Is it possible to rename your Android in the settings?
It is impossible to officially change the name of the operating system in the menu Settings → About phone without obtaining root access and editing the system file build.prop. However, you can change the name of the device itself, which is visible over Bluetooth or on a Wi-Fi network.
Why don't versions after 9 have dessert names?
Google does not officially name versions after 9 after sweets for marketing purposes to make it easier to understand for a global audience. However, within the company, code names (Red Velvet Cake for 11, Snow Cone for 12) continue to be used.
Is Huawei's HarmonyOS a variant of Android?
Early versions HarmonyOS for smartphones were based on the Android kernel and supported APK files. However, new versions of the system are gradually moving to their own kernel and abandoning compatibility with Android applications, becoming a completely independent OS.