Let’s understand the difference between Samsung and Android phones.
Simply put, Android provides the platform on which your Samsung phone runs apps and services.
The other one is Apple’s iOS, which runs on iPhones.
tinhkhuong/Shutterstock
More on that soon.
How Are Samsung Phones Different From Other Android Devices?
We’ve established that Android is an operating system, so how does Samsung fit into this?
Sharky Photography/Shutterstock
Samsung is a global electronics company that produces equipment like monitors, smart home appliances, and TVs.
It also manufactures and sells smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics gadgets.
In fact, many of Samsung’s software innovations have been adopted into the core Android experience.
Justin Duino/MakeUseOf
Are All Android Phones the Same?
No, all Android phones are not the same.
Samsung is just one of the many companies that use Android for its devices.
bodnar.photo/Shutterstock
Other major smartphone makers include Google, Sony, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.
Just like Samsung, all of these major smartphone manufacturers add their custom skin on top of Android.
Some Android skins are mostly about aesthetics, whereas some are focused on providing more functionality.
Zarif Ali/MakeUseOf
You canlearn all about Android skinsand why companies prefer them over stock Android.
The core, unaltered Android experience developed by Google is known as “stock Android.”
It used to be rare to find a phone that would offer the stock Android experience.
Samsung
Nowadays, it’s slightly more common, especially withGoogle’s Pixel phones rivaling Samsung’s offerings.
Do Samsung Phones Evolve With Android?
Android is an ever-evolving operating system.
Google rolls out a new major version each year.
As Android evolves, so does Samsung’s One UI.
Your Samsung phone won’t receive Android or One UI updates indefinitely.
Samsung typically supports its newer devices with these major updates for four years after release.
After that, your phone will only receive critical security updates, though even those will stop eventually.
Also, how quickly you get One UI updates depends on your location and phone carrier.
Does Samsung Make the Best Android Phones?
Google Pixel phones, with their stock Android experience, might be right up your alley.
