In the modern world of mobile technologies, the term “Android” has become almost a household word, often losing its original technical meaning. When the average person is asked which phone is called Android, he will most likely point to any device that is not an iPhone. However, behind this simple question lies a complex ecosystem that unites dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of device models and billions of users around the world. Understanding the essence of this operating system is critical for any user who wants to choose a gadget wisely and effectively use its capabilities.
In fact, Android is a smartphone that runs the operating system of the same name, developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. This is not just a software shell, but the foundation on which all processes of human interaction with a device are built. Unlike closed systems, where hardware and software are tightly coupled, Android offers flexibility, allowing you to install the operating system on devices with completely different “stuffing”. That is why the answer to the question “which phone is called Android” can vary from a budget device costing several thousand rubles to a flagship folding smartphone costing hundreds of thousands.
In this article we will analyze in detail the architecture of the platform, consider the key differences from competitors and find out why this particular system has captured more than 70% of the world market. You'll learn how manufacturers adapt pure code to their needs and why two phones running the same version of Android can look and work differently. Immersion in technical details will help you stop being just a user and become an expert in choosing your own equipment.
The essence of the operating system and the difference from iOS
To understand which phone is called Android, you need to go back to the origins of the software. Operating system (OS) is a set of apps that manages the smartphone hardware and provides an interface for launching applications. In the case of Android, the system kernel is a modified version of the Linux kernel, which ensures high stability and security of processes. This is a fundamental difference that allows the system to work on processors with different architectures, be it Qualcomm, MediaTek or Samsung Exynos.
The main difference from iOS, which is installed exclusively on Apple devices, is the openness of the code. The project AOSP (Android Open Source Project) allows any electronics manufacturer to take the basic version of the system, modify it and install it on their phone. That is why Samsung, Xiaomi, Sony, and Honor can be called Android. In the iOS world, there is no such opportunity: Apple completely controls both software and hardware, creating a “closed garden” where all applications are optimized strictly for specific models.
⚠️ Attention: Openness of code carries not only advantages, but also risks of fragmentation. Different manufacturers release security updates at different rates. Always check the model's support policy before purchasing, as some brands may leave the phone without updates a year after release.
In addition, the philosophy of installing applications in these systems is diametrically opposite. If iOS forces the user to go through the App Store with strict moderation, then Android allows you to install apps from third-party sources. This gives freedom, but requires greater digital hygiene from the user. The key identifier of the system is the presence of Google services (GMS), which are pre-installed on certified devices and provide maps, mail, the Play Store and contact synchronization.
Main manufacturers and brands of devices
When we talk about which phone is called Android, we inevitably face a huge variety of brands. The market is oversaturated with offers, and each manufacturer tries to stand out with a unique design or software features. The company Samsungremains the market leader for many years, whose Galaxy line sets the tone in the industry. Their One UI shell is considered one of the most thoughtful and functional, offering users deep customization options.
Chinese manufacturers, such as Xiaomi (with sub-brands Redmi and POCO), Realme and Oppooffer aggressive pricing policies and advanced charging technologies. Their devices are often equipped with powerful processors, even in the mid-price segment. However, their software (MIUI, ColorOS, Realme UI) can be overloaded with advertising or unnecessary applications, which requires time for initial setup and “cleaning” after purchase.
Separately worth mentioning is the Google Pixel - reference smartphones on which Android looks exactly as the developers at Google intended. Pure Android devoid of unnecessary add-ons, gets updates first and demonstrates the best photo processing algorithms. Other brands, such as Sony and Motorola, also adhere to the philosophy of minimalism, approaching the stock user experience.
- 📱 Samsung: Market leader, best screens, long support, One UI shell.
- 🚀 Xiaomi/Redmi: Best price-performance ratio, fast charging, shell HyperOS/MIUI.
- 📸 Google Pixel: clean system, the best camera in automatic mode, exclusive AI functions.
- 🎨 OnePlus: focus on the speed and smoothness of the interface, OxygenOS shell.
When choosing a phone, pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the specific line. For example, Samsung's "A" series is the middle class, and the "S" series are flagships, and the difference in the quality of materials and speed of operation between them can be colossal.
Android versions and the problem of fragmentation
One of the most difficult topics for beginners to understand is system versioning. Which phone is called Android version 14 and which is called Android 10? Google releases major updates every year, naming them after sweets (though the company has moved away from publicly using names in marketing in recent years, the internal numbering remains the same). Each new version brings changes to the interface, new security features and optimization of the hardware.
The problem, known as fragmentation, is that the release of a new version of Android does not mean it will instantly appear on all phones. The device manufacturer must adapt the code to its processors, cameras and communication modules. This process takes months and sometimes years. As a result, there are simultaneously millions of devices on the market running different versions of the system, from Android 8 to Android 15.
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command in debugging mode allows you to find out the exact version of the system installed on a specific device. It is important for users to understand that older versions of Android may no longer support the latest versions of applications. Banks and instant messengers are gradually increasing the minimum requirements, cutting off owners of very old phones.
| Android version | Code name | Release year | Support status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 | Quince Tart | 2019 | Security (rarely) |
| Android 11 | Red Velvet Cake | 2020 | Limited |
| Android 12 | Snow Cone | 2021 | Current |
| Android 13 | Tiramisu | 2022 | Current |
| Android 14 | Upside Down Cake | 2023 | Current |
Why are versions named after sweets?
Tradition of naming versions Android in honor of desserts (Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, etc.) started with early versions and became a cult favorite. Although Google has stopped actively using these names in public marketing, code names are still used internally to identify builds.
Android Smartphone Specifications
Since Android runs on devices from hundreds of manufacturers, the range of specifications can be staggering. What phone is called Android in 2026-2026? This is a device that must have a certain minimum of resources for comfortable operation. The minimum required amount of random access memory (RAM) for basic tasks today is 4 GB, although 8 GB and higher are recommended for comfortable multitasking.
The processor base also varies. Top models are equipped with chipsets Snapdragon 8 Gen series or equivalents from MediaTek (Dimensity), which are not inferior in power to computers ten years ago. Budget phones can run on simple quad-core processors, which are only suitable for calls and instant messengers. The type of screen is also important: modern standards dictate the use of AMOLED or IPS matrices with a refresh rate 90 Hz or 120 Hz for smooth animations.
⚠️ Attention: Do not chase the maximum number of megapixels in the camera. On Android smartphones, photo quality is 90% dependent on software processing and matrix size, and not on the number in the model name. A phone with a 200 MP camera may take worse pictures than a flagship with 50 MP due to poor noise reduction algorithms.
An important aspect is the type of memory. Drive speed is critical to your system and applications. Standard UFS 3.1 or UFS 4.0 ensures instant launch of applications and fast system boot. Cheap models still have slow eMMC memory, which can negate the benefits of even a good processor, creating a performance bottleneck.
☑️ What to look for when choosing specifications
Security and personalization settings
The issue of security often comes up in discussions about how reliable the phone called Android is. Due to its open system, Android is more vulnerable to malware than iOS, but this is offset by powerful built-in security tools. The service Google Play Protect scans applications in real time, checking them for viruses and suspicious behavior. However, the responsibility for installing software from unknown sources lies entirely with the user.
Personalization is what people love about Android. You can completely change the appearance of the system by installing another launcher (desktop shell). Widgets of any size and shape, themes, icons, fonts - all this can be changed without the need to obtain superuser rights (root). This turns the smartphone into a truly personal device, reflecting the tastes of the owner.
For advanced configuration, there is a developer mode, accessed by repeatedly clicking on the build number in the menu Settings → About phone. There you can change the animation speed, the limit of background processes and enable USB debugging. These tools allow you to optimize the operation of your old phone or prepare it for connecting to a computer for in-depth diagnostics.
- 🔒 Biometrics: Support for unlocking by face and fingerprint (in the screen or under the button).
- 🛡️ Sandbox: Each application runs in an isolated space, not having access to data from other apps without permission.
- 🔐 Encryption: Data on disk is encrypted by default, which protects information if the device is lost.
- 👁️ Access control: Flexible a permissions system that allows you to deny an application access to the camera, microphone, or geolocation.
Security on Android is a joint effort between Google, the phone manufacturer, and the user himself. Installing applications only from trusted sources (Play Store) eliminates 99% of potential threats.
Common myths about Android
There are many legends around the platform that prevent users from objectively assessing which phone is called Android and whether it is worth buying. The first and most popular myth is that “Android is constantly slow.” This statement was true 7-8 years ago, when code optimization left much to be desired. Modern versions of the system work on devices with a performance reserve, and if there is sufficient memory, they workYears without lags.
The second myth concerns viruses. It is believed that there are “thousands of viruses” on Android. The reality is that virus software gets onto the device only when there is a direct user error (installing an APK file from a dubious site). If you use the official store and do not click on suspicious links in SMS, the risk of infection is minimal. The access rights system in Android prevents applications from just getting into system files.
The third myth: “The battery on Android runs out faster.” In fact, autonomy depends on the battery capacity and optimization of the specific device, and not on the name of the operating system. Many Android smartphones today are equipped with 5000 mAh batteries and support 120 W charging, charging fully in 20 minutes, which is significantly ahead of the competition.
Is it true that Android collects all data about the user?
Google does collect data for targeted advertising and improving services, but this is done as part of privacy policy with which the user agrees. However, unlike some other platforms, Android gives the user tools to manage this data. You can turn off location history, block ad trackers from accessing your device ID, and regularly delete activity data through your Google Account. The degree of privacy largely depends on your personal settings.
Do you need an antivirus on Android?
For an ordinary user who downloads applications only from Google Play, a separate antivirus is not needed. Built-in Google Play Protect handles basic protection. Installing third-party antiviruses often only wastes battery and processor resources, creating the illusion of security. An antivirus makes sense only if you often install software from unverified sources (APK files).
Is it possible to install Android on an iPhone?
No, technically it is impossible. The hardware architecture of Apple processors (ARM with proprietary components) and the closed bootloader do not allow the installation of a third-party operating system. There are attempts to emulate Android on iOS, but they are extremely slow and unsuitable for real use.
Why is the phone called Android if it has a different name?
The name given by the manufacturer (for example, Galaxy S24 or Redmi Note 13) is the trademark of the model. And “Android” is the name of the “engine” that is inside and makes the phone work. It's like a car: it has a model name (Ford Focus), but it runs on an internal combustion engine. So is the phone: it has its own name, but its “brain” is Android.
Will the phone stop working if you don’t update Android?
The phone itself will continue to work, make calls and send SMS. However, over time, new versions of applications (banks, social networks) will no longer open, and the browser will no longer display modern versions of sites correctly. In addition, the lack of security updates makes the device vulnerable to new viruses. It is recommended to update as long as the manufacturer provides support.