You've no doubt encountered phrases like Android phone or Samsung phone as you search for a quality smartphone, and often they seem to be interchangeable. So what actually is the difference, or are Android and Samsung the same thing?
The answer:
Samsung is a brand that manufactures a range of smartphones, most notably the Galaxy line, which includes models such as the S23 and the Flip4.
Android is an operating system – or OS – that many smartphone brands use, including Samsung. The OS is essentially the phone's framework, much like Windows or macOS is for a computer. It's just like with laptops – Dell, Lenovo, and HP can all make laptops that run Windows, but none of them is "Windows" as Microsoft owns and makes the operating system.
Almost every Samsung phone is an Android, but not every Android is a Samsung phone.
Apple phones run on iOS, so they are not Android phones.
Why do Android phones often look different?
You may have noticed that you can look at two different Android phones, and despite the shared OS, the UI and overall feel are unalike. That's because Android is an open-source OS, meaning it can be used and modified by various companies in their technology.
Google originally developed the Android OS in its base form and allows other brands to use it. That's why a Google phone and a Samsung phone have distinct interfaces even though they share the same OS.
Samsung has its modifications called "One UI", and even Google has adjusted the basic Android OS with its "Pixel UI". Changing how the OS functions is not required, but most brands do so they can provide the phone with a more distinct identity and style. So, while they all share the same basic skeleton and structure, the additions separate them.
What other brands use Android?
As we have mentioned, Samsung uses Android as the OS for its phones, and it's no surprise that Google does, too, but they're not the only ones.
Other notable users of the Android OS include OnePlus and Motorola. The former has its OxygenOS, which is based on Android. On the other hand, Motorola tends to stick with the baseline Android OS, which likely helps keep costs down and allows it to make great budget smartphones.
Generally, you can expect any of these brands to use Android for their system. This has plenty of shared app compatibility, making it easy to swap from a Samsung to a Google phone. If you've ever moved away from an iPhone, you know the struggle of switching whole systems.
We always recommend that you double-check a phone's OS before buying it. There could always be a rare case where a brand experiments with another system or makes sweeping changes in a new line. Besides, it's important that you prioritise how a phone feels to use, and the OS and UI are crucial factors in that.
Kyle Purves is a Commercial Content Writer for What’s The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.
They’re well-versed in reviewing a variety of tech products, with a soft spot for speakers and earphones. They’re also no stranger to hunting down the best savings, always wanting to get the best deal possible. Outside of work, they can often be found playing through an RPG, listening to Japanese noise rock, or trying to catch up with their ever-expanding list of shows and anime to watch. If possible, they try to play Dungeons and Dragons a couple of times a week, but getting six adults to be free at the same time is easier said than done.
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