Android

Android is an open operating system based on the Linux kernel, developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance consortium. It is designed primarily for touch-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but its variants also power televisions (Android TV), watches (Wear OS) and cars (Android Auto).

In its modest beginnings it competed with the Nokia Symbian, Windows Phone OS and BlackBerry OS operating systems. Today Android holds a strong position in the mobile operating system market. It is an open-source system whose source code is based on the Linux kernel.

The Android architecture is designed so that users and developers can adapt it easily. That means you can change the look or organise widgets and apps without trouble. This is where it differs from iOS, where the option is considerably limited. One of Android's advantages is its integration and interoperability with the Google ecosystem — Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive and Google Photos. It also gives access to a wide range of games and applications in the Google Play store.

Advantages

Android allows deeper integration with hardware and customisation of features that are often restricted in closed systems (such as iOS).
The system runs on devices across all price ranges, which makes it an ideal platform for marketing.
The publishing process in Google Play is usually faster and less restrictive than in the competing App Store.
Android is often the first to bring support for new technologies such as foldable displays, 5G standards or advanced AR (augmented reality).

Disadvantages

Because of its openness and the option to install apps from unverified sources (outside Google Play), the system is more prone to malware.
Differences in processor performance and camera quality can mean an app does not behave identically on every device.
Statistically, in some regions Android users spend less on in-app purchases than iOS users.