If you've ever wondered what's inside your phone that allows you to take photos, open WhatsApp, use GPS, or watch YouTube videos, the answer lies in... Android, the operating system that makes everything possibleIt's not a phone brand or a specific model, but the software layer you see on the screen and interact with every time you touch the touchscreen.
Today, Android is practically everywhere: in budget and high-end phones, tablets, watches, cars, televisions, and even point-of-sale terminals. What began as a modest venture ended up becoming the dominant mobile platform in the worldwith billions of active devices and a huge community of developers and manufacturers behind it.
What is Android and how does it work in general terms?
Android is a mobile operating system based on the Linux kernel and open source software componentsIt was originally designed for phones with keyboards and small screens, but today it's primarily designed for touchscreen devices: smartphones, tablets, smartwatches with Wear OS, cars with Android Auto or Android Automotive and televisions with Android TV or Google TV.
Unlike other closed systems such as iOS or the defunct Windows Phone, Android is developed openly through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP)whose code is primarily released under the Apache license. This allows manufacturers, operators, and the community to inspect, modify, and adapt the system to their own hardware and needs.
Building on this open foundation, each brand adds its own layer of customization to differentiate itself. This is how well-known interfaces like Samsung's One UI, Xiaomi's MIUI/HyperOS, or OPPO's ColorOSThese custom ROMs modify the design, add extra features, or include their own apps. Meanwhile, the community maintains alternative ROMs like LineageOS, GrapheneOS, and many others, designed for those who want more control or to extend the life of their device.
Since Android 12, Google has focused heavily on the Material You (Material 3) design, which allows The system automatically adapts its colors to the wallpaper.Changing menu colors, icons, and widgets to maintain a consistent and highly customizable aesthetic.
Today, Android is the most used mobile operating system on the planet, with a share above 70% globally and with peaks close to 95% in markets like India or a large majority in countries like Brazil. iOS maintains its advantage in wealthier markets like the United States and Canada, but in terms of user numbers, Android wins by a landslide, exceeding 3.600 billion people.
History of Android: from unknown startup to market dominator
Android began as a small company called Android Inc., founded in 2003 in Palo Alto, California. Its co-founders included Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears and Chris WhiteThey were working on mobile software when nobody could have imagined the explosion of smartphones as we know it.
In July 2005, Google acquired Android Inc. and brought the entire team to its offices. For a time, the project was kept largely secret, and only Google was known to be involved. I was preparing something related to mobile telephonyThis sparked rumors about a possible "Google Phone." Meanwhile, in parallel, Android's famous green mascot, Andy, was also designed by Irina Blok.
On November 5, 2007, Google and a large group of partners announced the creation of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA)A consortium of hardware, software, and telecommunications companies committed to promoting open standards in mobile devices. That same day, Android was officially launched as a platform based on Linux 2.6.
The first commercial mobile phone with Android was the HTC Dream (also known as T-Mobile G1), released in October 2008. It came with Android 1.0 Apple Pie and a slide-out physical keyboard, reflecting the initial idea of ​​a system designed to be handled with keys and a cursor rather than touch gestures.
From there, Google began to collaborate closely with various manufacturers to launch flagship devices, such as the family Nexus (Nexus One, Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9…). These devices used to be the first to feature each new version of Android and served as a base for other brands to adapt their custom interfaces.
In February 2011, Android 3.0 Honeycomb, a tablet-focused version, was released, and shortly after, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich unified the experience across phones and tablets. Over the years, the platform was step by step consolidating its position as a world sales leader, surpassing iOS and other systems like Symbian or BlackBerry.
Evolution of Android versions and names
One of the best-known quirks of Android is its codename system. Up until Android 9, each stable version was named after a... dessert or sweet in alphabetical orderwhich offered a lot of possibilities when it came to following its evolution:
- Android 1.0 Apple Pie (2008), followed by 1.1 Banana Bread.
- Cupcake (1.5), Donut (1.6), Eclair (2.0-2.1) y Froyo (2.2) They laid the foundations for expansion.
- They followed Gingerbread (2.3), Honeycomb (3.x), Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0), Jelly Bean (4.1-4.3) y KitKat (4.4).
- Then they arrived Lollipop (5.x), Marshmallow (6.0), Nougat (7.x), Oreo (8.x) y At (9.0).
Starting with Android 10, Google decided to simplify the names for the public and simply use Numbers: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16Although internally there are still some sweet references during development. Each version brings new features, performance improvements, and security changes, as well as a new API level for developers.
According to the most recent distribution data (April 2025), the most used versions are Android 14 (33,44%)followed by Android 13, 12, 11, and 15, while older versions like Pie, Oreo, and Lollipop are now relegated to very small percentages. Even so, the reality is that many versions coexist at the same time, which fuels the famous fragmentation.
Internal architecture and main components
Internally, Android is organized in layers. At the base is the Linux kernelThis kernel handles the lower-level system tasks: security, memory management, process scheduling, device drivers (display, memory, modem, sensors), network stack, etc. This kernel acts as an abstraction layer between the actual hardware and the rest of the system.
Above we found the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)HAL provides stable interfaces so Android can communicate with hardware uniformly, regardless of the manufacturer. Thanks to HAL, an app that uses the camera or GPS can function the same way on a Samsung or a Xiaomi, even if the internal chips are different.
Above the HAL are located the native libraries in C/C++which include components such as SurfaceFlinger or Surface Manager (graphical interface management), the multimedia framework (formerly OpenCore, now modern systems), the SQLite database, the 2D/3D graphics libraries with OpenGL ES or Vulkan, the WebKit/Chromium rendering engine for the browser, the SSL/TLS security libraries and the lightweight Bionic library.
The next layer is the Android runtimeUp to Android 4.4.3, apps ran on the Dalvik virtual machine, which used just-in-time (JIT) compilation to convert Java bytecode (previously transformed into .dex format) to native code at runtime. Android 4.4 introduced ART (Android Runtime), and from version 5.0 onward, it became the sole runtime environment, employing ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation at application installation time to improve performance and reduce battery consumption.
Above them are the application framework and system servicesActivity manager, notification system, power management, package management (PackageManager), location services, account synchronization, etc. All of this is what exposes APIs so that developers can create applications that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the system.
The most visible layer is that of applicationsHere we have both the core apps (phone, SMS, contacts, browser, maps, email, camera, etc.) and all those developed by third parties. They all run in isolation in their own process and with their own system user, following a permissions model that Android is tightening with each version to improve security and privacy.
Main technical features and functionalities
Android has accumulated a huge list of features over the years. In terms of device design, the system is ready for adapt to different screen resolutions and densitiesFrom small panels to 4K screens on televisions, including foldable or connected monitors.
Regarding storage, Android uses SQLite as an integrated lightweight database to manage local application data. For the end user, this translates into being able to save contacts, chats, preferences, files, and any other type of information that apps want to persist, without having to install external database engines.
In terms of connectivity, Android stands out for its broad support of mobile and network technologies: GSM/EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, EV‑DO, UMTS, HSDPA, HSPA+, LTE, 5G, Wi‑Fi, via bluetoothNFC, WiMAX and other variations, depending on the device's hardware. This allows you to use your mobile phone as a hotspot (tethering) or connect wearables, headphones, controllers, or cars via Bluetooth.
At the multimedia level, the system supports a good collection of formats: WebM, H.263, H.264, MPEG-4 SP, AMR, AAC, HE-AAC, MP3, MIDI, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMPAmong others. It also manages streaming via RTP/RTSP and HTML5, and for many years integrated support for Flash through the Adobe plugin (now largely obsolete).
It also excels in integrating additional hardware: photo and video cameras, capacitive touchscreens with multi-touch, GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, light, proximity, pressure or temperature sensorsGamepads, NFC cards, and 2D/3D GPU graphics acceleration are all exposed through APIs so that apps can take advantage of them relatively easily.
Apps, Google Play and development ecosystem
One of the pillars of Android's success is its app ecosystem. From its inception, Google provided a Free Android SDK so that anyone could develop in Java (nowadays also in Kotlin) on the system's framework. Initially, the recommended IDE was Eclipse with the ADT plugin, but over time, another IDE became dominant. Android Studio as the official environment.
The applications are packaged in APK filesThese include the code, resources, and permissions manifest. These APKs can be installed from the official store or from other sources (known as "installing from unknown sources"), which offers a lot of flexibility, but also opens the door to security risks if you're not careful about what you download.
The official store is Google Play (formerly Android Market), the platform for distributing apps, games, books, movies, and other content. It comes pre-installed on the vast majority of devices with Google services and allows free and paid downloadsPayment methods include credit cards, PayPal, and gift cards. Google typically takes a 30% cut of the app or in-app purchase price, returning the remaining 70% to the developers.
Besides Google Play, there are alternative stores such as Amazon Appstore, F‑Droid or SlideMEF-Droid, in particular, focuses on free and open-source software, offering a fully audited catalog. Many Chinese brands, meanwhile, include their own app stores alongside Google Play or even instead of it in markets where Google services are unavailable.
Google Pay (formerly Android Pay) lets you use your mobile phone as contactless payment system provided the device has NFC and the merchant accepts contactless payments. Android has also boosted the use of enterprise apps, productivity tools, and MDM solutions for managing fleets of corporate mobile devices.
Security, privacy and potential risks
Being such a massive and relatively open platform, Android has become prime target for malware and attacksIt is possible to install apps from outside the official store, and there are many unreliable third-party stores, which has facilitated the appearance of malicious software that usually sneaks in mainly through these unofficial channels.
Studies by security companies have shown that, in terms of recorded vulnerabilities, Android is not necessarily the most insecure system While it's relatively easy to target compared to other platforms, Google does experience a significantly higher volume of attacks due to its market share. To mitigate this, Google is constantly adding layers of protection: app scanning (Play Protect), more granular permissions, restrictions on background access, full device encryption, stricter sandboxes, and more.
There has also been controversy surrounding privacy practices and data collection. Some devices have been found to have exhibited unusual behavior. They store location information when using wireless network services.acting as a positioning cache. Furthermore, leaks in 2013 and 2014 showed that agencies such as the NSA and GCHQ had exploited Android data, intercepting information from popular apps and services for mass surveillance.
Today, both Google and other major players in the sector are trying to strengthen encrypted communication, limit tracking between apps, and provide more control options to the user regarding location, microphone, camera, and background data usage permissions. Even so, those who are particularly protective of their privacy often resort to Security-oriented ROMs or certified devices with reinforced protection.
Fragmentation, updates, and manufacturer support
One of the most criticized aspects of Android since almost the beginning is the ecosystem fragmentationVarious manufacturers release dozens of models each year, with different processors, cameras, resolutions, and customization layers, and not all of them are updated at the same pace or for the same amount of time.
There were attempts by Google to reach an agreement with the manufacturers on a commitment to at least 18 months of updatesBut it never really took hold. Many low-end or mid-range devices still only receive one or two major updates, and sometimes not even all the monthly security patches.
To partially alleviate this problem, Google has been extracting more and more functionalities from the base system and bringing them to Google Play services There are now apps that update separately from the Play Store. Applications like Maps, Gboard keyboard, YouTube, Drive, or even parts of the interface itself are updated independently of the main Android version installed.
This strategy reduces the impact of not having the latest system version, but it doesn't eliminate the underlying problem: the prolonged coexistence of many older versions that don't always receive all the critical patches. For the user, this translates into... an uneven experience depending on brand and rangeand in which to renew or format the mobile It is usually the only safe way to stay up to date if the manufacturer stops providing support.
To partially alleviate this problem, Google has been extracting more and more functionalities from the base system and bringing them to Google Play services There are now apps that update separately from the Play Store. Applications like Maps, Gboard keyboard, YouTube, Drive, or even parts of the interface itself are updated independently of the main Android version installed.
Design, visual identity and user experience
Android has changed not only on the inside, but also on the outside. The famous green robotThe Android logo, with the hexadecimal color #3DDC84 according to Android's branding guidelines, has become an easily recognizable icon. The typography used in the logo has evolved: initially the Droid font was used, then Norad for the logo, and later Roboto became the system font.
Android 5.0 Lollipop brought a complete redesign based on Material DesignFocused on surfaces, shadows, and fluid animations, Google Sans appeared in the branding in 2018 with Android 9 Pie, and the interface was refined with a more minimalist look. In 2023, Google updated the logo again, switching from lowercase "android" to capitalized "Android," maintaining the essence of the robot but modernizing the lines and shapes.
In everyday use, this translates into home screens with widgets and shortcuts, a notification panel with quick settings, gesture navigation, and virtual buttons. a fairly familiar experience even if you change brandsHowever, each manufacturer applies its own style: rounded or square icons, more or less cluttered menus, pre-installed apps… some love it for the variety, while others find it chaotic.
Where Android is used: beyond mobile
Although the classic image of Android is that of the smartphone, the system has expanded to many other types of devices. Its main hardware platform remains the ARM architecture, ideal for reduced energy consumption, but there is also support for x86 through projects such as Android-x86 or the specific versions for televisions.
Among the devices where we can find Android today are the Laptops with Android or ChromeOS operating systems that support Android appsTablets of all types, smart TVs, multimedia boxesSmartwatches, headphones, set-top boxes, cars with infotainment systems and a long list of connected gadgets.
In the wearables field, Wear OS (formerly Android Wear) brings the Android experience to watches that allow Receive notifications, control music, monitor physical activity and even answer calls or messages without taking your phone out of your pocket. With Android Auto and Android Automotive, the system has also been integrated into car dashboards, providing navigation, music, hands-free calling, and access to voice assistants.
In the commercial sphere, Android is used in point of sale (POS) terminalsInteractive kiosks, self-service machines, and order management systems in restaurants or fast-food chains. Some terminals, such as certain Musket series or industrial equipment, integrate Android to take advantage of the enormous catalog of apps and ease of development.
All of this has led to Android being seen not only as a mobile operating system, but as a generalist platform on which to build all kinds of solutions, from home entertainment to inventory control, home automation or remote business monitoring.
Advantages and disadvantages of Android compared to other systems
Among the main advantages, the following stand out: huge variety of devices and pricesThere are very cheap Android phones, mid-range models with great value for money, and true flagship phones costing over a thousand euros, making it easy for almost any user to find something that fits their budget and needs.
Another great asset is the customizationYou can change the launcher, install icon packs, customize the home screen to your liking, use all kinds of widgets, automate tasks with apps like Tasker, change the keyboard, adjust gestures... and if you're feeling adventurous, you can even unlock the bootloader, install custom ROMs, and explore every corner of the system.
The app catalog is also a strong point: on Google Play and other stores there are millions of apps and games It's suitable for virtually anything you can think of, with plenty of options to choose from. Plus, integration with Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Photos, Maps, YouTube, etc.) makes switching between devices and keeping your data synchronized incredibly easy.
On the less favorable side, in addition to the aforementioned fragmentation, the issue of security and malwareAlthough installing apps only from Google Play significantly reduces the risk, malicious app campaigns still manage to slip through occasionally, and the situation is even worse in third-party app stores. This forces users to be more vigilant about what they install.
There are also those who criticize the Uneven experience between brands and modelsboth in terms of performance and bloatware (pre-installed apps that cannot be easily uninstalled) And it's due to the update policy. A Pixel or a high-end Samsung phone usually has good support for years, while other, more affordable devices can get stuck on a version relatively quickly.
Looking back, Android has established itself as an incredibly versatile, open platform brimming with possibilities, but its less glamorous side involves managing a huge diversity of manufacturers, versions, and configurations; for those who want a flexible system, with Freedom to choose device, customize and experimentIt remains a very powerful option, provided that the importance of updates is taken into account, that apps are only installed from reliable sources, and that the model and brand are chosen carefully, considering medium-term support.
