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
Xiaomi 17T review: a supremely capable Android phone with a decent price tag
The Xiaomi 17T has prestigious Leica lenses and an impressive spec — but can it deliver at this price point?
Motorola Edge 70 Fusion review: amazing value in a stylish package
The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion defies its budget price by offering a premium design, a good-looking display, and a huge battery.
Leica says generative AI ‘makes perfect sense’ for smartphones, but admits it's unlikely to come to Leica M cameras
At a roundtable attended by TechRadar, Leica shared its thoughts on the relationship between photography and generative AI.
I took over 500 photos on the ‘telephoto master’ Xiaomi 17T Pro — here are my favorite zoom shots
The Xiaomi 17T Pro has launched with a Leica-tuned 5x telephoto camera, and I went to Vienna to put this zoom lens to the test.
Xiaomi 17T Pro review: small but meaningful improvements
The Xiaomi 17T Pro isn't a game-changing update, but it's still one of the best phones in its class.
Honor 600 review: I was blown away by this phone’s blazing display, epic battery life, and occasionally uncanny AI
I tested Honor’s AI-packed mid-range phone and was impressed (and occasionally unnerved) by its powerful features.
Android phones come with two built-in tools for freeing up storage space – here's how to use them
Seeing 'memory full' errors? You can do something about them without the need for any third-party apps.
I've given my old Android phones a second life — here are 7 ways you can do the same
If you're thinking about buying a new Android phone, you don't have to throw away your old one — here are seven ways you can give an older mobile new life.
