operating system

Android is a so-called open source operating system for smartphones, tablets, netbooks and some media players and is based on the Linux kernel. The development was initiated by the Google subsidiary Open Handset Alliance. Android is still inextricably linked to Google. A special feature of the operating system is the naming of each new version after a well-known dessert. Thus, the last four versions are called KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat, the latter should be officially published in late 2016. Each manufacturer uses for his mobile phone models and adapted to the respective devices Android versions and own pre-installed apps. However, there is also the possibility of one Android phone to dub with a different version. This process is called Rooten, in which so-called ROMs on the Smartphonebe installed. Useful is this option if an older one mobilewill no longer receive an update for the latest version of Android, but should still receive it.

functionality

Like all smartphones, Android phones are highly functional and contain various technologies for receiving, processing, displaying and forwarding data. This includes:

– wireless and transmission technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC and LTE)
– Display technologies (LCD, AMOLED, IPS and Retina)
– processors (dual or quad core)
– Lithium-ion batteries
– front and back cameras (resolutions up to 24 megapixels possible)
– Speaker
– SIM card slots (single, dual or triple)
– SIMlock
– Mini USB and jack connection
– Slots for external memory cards

Thanks to the high functionality of the operating system, Android phones are perfectly adapted to a wide range of tasks, in addition to classic telephoning and message writing. Through the use of apps every area of ​​life has a wealth of uses available, so the Android phone can be optimized for almost every requirement. As a Smart Office, e-mails can be retrieved, texts written or market analyzes carried out. Telephone and video conferences are also possible. However, Android smartphones are for most users the leisure activity and an all-rounder in everyday life. Game apps like Candycrush or the recently released Pokémon Go are just as popular as shopping apps, fitness apps or apps for online banking or tax consulting.

Manufacturer

Samsung and Sony are among the best-known producers of Android smartphones, but Motorola, HTC, Huawei and LG also have their market shares. In addition to these manufacturers, which are already very well-known by other electrical branches, more and more low-cost suppliers – mostly from China – are also entering the market. Wiko is one of the best known in Germany. A special feature are the Nexus phones dar. These smartphones are sold directly by Google but produced by other manufacturers such as Motorola, LG or or Samsung.

Market shares and prices

The Android operating system is gaining more and more market share and thus slowly displaces the competition (iOS and Windows 10). In Germany, these shares are fairly constant between 70 and 80 percent. It is not expected that this trend will change soon. This is mainly due to the high functionality of Android phones and the ability to customize them system.

Depending on the phone model, other prices result. These depend on the manufacturer, the series and the specific equipment. The price-relevant features include:

– Display size (normal or compact version)
– Internal memory (16 or 32 GB)
– Battery power
– Cores and processors
– Update capability to next Android version

Flagship ships with top equipment like the Sony Xperia Z5 or the Samsung GalaxyS6 Edge move after market launch in the 600 Euro range. The mid-range models like the Sony Xperia M5 or the Samsung Galaxy J7, however, only cost around 275 euros.

Tips to buy

Nowadays it is difficult to decide between the different models. Too similar are the functions and the technical equipment, qualitatively different is usually only the design. Therefore, many are choosing based on their brand preference rather than their actual claims. Before buying, the following critical points should still be considered:

– Android version and smartphone model
– Technical characteristics

The operating system is being continuously developed and the mobile phone manufacturers are also releasing new system updates at regular intervals. The older a smartphone model is, the lower the likelihood of new updates and the more often system and appfects can occur. In addition, with too old versions of Android some apps can not be used.

New mobile phone models, especially the flagships, always have the latest technology, from the camera sensor to chips for wireless connections. Last may be particularly critical factors for the functionality of the Android phones, as well as mobile operators to put more and more new technology. Some outdated reception chips are already no longer able to receive and process certain signals. What matters is what claims to the Android phone related to the camera and image quality, the storage capacity as well as the performance in games.