Android is the mobile operating system used by the majority of smartphones sold globally. It competes with Apple's iOS as the operating system of choice for most people.
Unlike iOS, which is only available on iPhones, Android can be found on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and televisions. What's more, it's used by multiple brands including Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi and of course its creator, Google. As a result of Android’s flexibility and adaptability, you can find Android phones at every price point, with features such as fast charging, high-resolution displays, and multiple cameras.
As Apple does with iOS, Google releases new Android versions on a yearly basis, though different Android manufacturers will often bundle it with their own features and brand it as something different. For example, Android 13 made its debut as OneUI 5 on Samsung phones and ColorOS 13 on Oppo phones.
Android 14 is expected to release on Google Pixel phones towards the end of 2023 and could focus on generative AI, with other smartphone brands following shortly.
Latest about Android

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL review: more expensive, very familiar, and still great to use
By Jason Cipriani Published
I tested the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, and it's a familiar-feeling phone that still offers the ultimate Pixel experience.

Google Pixel 11 Pro review: more of the same, and that's okay
By Jason Cipriani Published
The Google Pixel 11 Pro brings small tweaks, familiar tricks, and a bigger price tag than its predecessor.

5 new features coming to Android — from Motion Assist to Guided Vision
By James Rogerson Published
Five new features are rolling out across various Android services, including Google Messages, Gemini Live, and more.

The Poco F9 Ultra comes with the same chip as its predecessor — and Poco's reasoning makes perfect sense
By Axel Metz Published
In a briefing for the Poco F9 Ultra, Xiaomi sub-brand Poco explained why its new flagship phone doesn’t come with a chipset upgrade.

Google Messages adds chat themes and custom wallpaper support
By James Rogerson Published
You can now set custom wallpapers and themes in Google Messages, and it's easy to do so.

Google Messages bug that's driving users crazy is finally on Google's radar
By David Nield Published
A significant number of users are having trouble getting their group chats to behave in Google Messages.

I took the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 on vacation, and it proved me wrong in so many ways
By Tom Bedford Published
After testing the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on vacation, I've come to love its passport-shaped form factor.

Google has sneaked a mysterious new app onto your Android phone
By James Rogerson Published
Android Pulse is a new app that might already be on your phone, and while you can't interact with it, it's likely doing some good.
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