What is an Android phone?

The benefits of Android as the operating system
for your smartphone or tablet.

From intuitive design to cutting-edge innovation, Android phones are built to keep up with you. Whether you’re streaming, creating, or keeping on top of a busy day, an Android phone is designed to move at your pace.

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It’s customisable

Personalise your phone using themes, icons, fonts, keyboards and more.

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Multi-layered, military-grade security to keep your information safe.

What is an Android phone?

Put simply: an Android phone is a smartphone powered by the Android operating system. It’s fast, flexible, and open, meaning it works beautifully and lets you personalise it in a way that suits your life.

All Samsung Galaxy smartphones run on Android from the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra to the iconic Galaxy Z Flip6, all the way through to the reliable Galaxy A36. Each delivers a one-of-a-kind experience with Android at its core and Galaxy innovation in every touch.

What is the Android operating system?

Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system, created by Google and trusted by over 190 countries. It’s the software that powers your phone, enabling everything from smooth app switching and camera control to secure payments and smart notifications. It brings Samsung’s incredible features to life, including Galaxy AI, seamless Google integration, and powerful device-to-device connectivity.

What is the difference between Android and smartphones?

Here’s the deal: all Android phones are smartphones, but not all smartphones are Androids. If you’re not using an iPhone (which runs on iOS), chances are you’re already holding an Android. But not all Androids are created equal and Samsung Galaxy smartphones are designed to stand out.

Whether you choose the Galaxy Z Fold6 for next-level multitasking or the Galaxy A56 for unbeatable everyday performance, every Galaxy phone gives you a best-in-class Android experience - fast, intuitive, and seriously smart.

Why is it called Android?

The name “Android” comes from the original developers back in 2003. It was even a nickname for co-founder Andy Rubin, who had a thing for robots. Google acquired Android in 2005 with a vision to make mobile open and accessible to all. And the rest is history.

Since 2011, Android has been the world’s best-selling OS on smartphones, powering everything from Samsung Flagship models to foldable phones, and everything in between.

How do you know if a phone is an Android?

Quick check: if your phone isn’t an iPhone, it’s likely an Android. Android powers over 23,000 devices across 1,300+ brands, but Samsung is the world’s leading manufacturer of Android smartphones - and with good reason!

All Samsung Galaxy phones are built on Android, but with added intelligence, design, and innovation to give you more control, more choice, and more power in your pocket.

What are the main features of Android?

Here’s your quick low-down on Android and why it works so well with Galaxy smartphones:

1. Powerhouse operating system: It’s the brains behind your phone, enabling everything from calls and apps to security and battery life. Want a phone that lasts longer? Explore the best Samsung phones for battery life.
2. Personalised and customisable: It’s your phone, your way. From home screen widgets to wallpapers and layouts, make it yours with Android.
3. The Google Play Store: With over 3 million apps, it’s the world’s biggest app store. Social, productivity, creativity - you name it, Android has an app for it.
4. Google connectivity: Android works beautifully with Google Assistant, Maps, Drive, YouTube, Chrome, and more, all fully integrated into Galaxy devices.

What are the advantages of Android?

Here’s why more people choose Samsung for their Android experience:

1. Epic phones for all: From the ultra-powerful Galaxy S Series, to the innovative Galaxy Z Series, and the budget-friendly A Series, there's a Galaxy phone for every lifestyle and price point.
2. Built for multitasking: Galaxy devices are packed with epic features that enable you to multitask from a single device. Particularly with the Galaxy Z Fold6, you can watch a video, message a friend, and update your calendar all at once.
3. Mobile gaming: Android + Galaxy = immersive gaming. Check out the best Samsung phones for gaming in this helpful buying guide.
4. Epic mobile photography: The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s AI-enhanced quad camera system brings professional photography to your pocket, from ultra-wide landscapes to low-light portraits, even 8K video. Explore Samsung’s best camera phones in this helpful guide to find the best for you.
5. Smart control & productivity: Control your smart home with Samsung SmartThings, track your fitness with Galaxy Watch7, or get more done with Galaxy Tab and S Pen productivity.
6. Industry-leading security: With Samsung Knox, regular monthly Android updates, and features like ultrasonic fingerprint ID and facial recognition, your data stays safe. Learn more about Samsung Knox and how it protects your devices and data.
7. Switching is effortless: Use Samsung Smart Switch to move your content from any device (yes, even iPhone) it’s quick, easy, and secure. Discover how Smart Switch makes switching to Galaxy seamless by securely transferring your photos, contacts, and apps in just a few easy steps.