What is an Android phone?

What is Android?

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 personalize it in a way that suits your life.

All Samsung Galaxy smartphones run on Android from the premium Galaxy S26 Ultra to the iconic Galaxy Z Flip8, all the way through to the reliable Galaxy A37. Each delivers a one-of-a-kind experience with Android at its core and Galaxy innovation in every touch.

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 Fold8, all the way through to the reliable Galaxy A57 for everyday performance, every Galaxy phone gives you an exceptional Android experience - fast, intuitive, and seriously smart.

What are the main features of Android phones?

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 for a long time? Explore the best Samsung phones for battery life.

2. Personalized 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: Explore a wide range of apps for productivity, entertainment, creativity and more on the Google Play Store.

4. Google connectivity: Android works beautifully with Gemini¹, Maps, Drive, YouTube, Chrome, and more, all fully integrated into Galaxy devices.

What are the advantages of Android phones?

Here’s why 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. For example, with the Galaxy Z Fold8, 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 S26 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 phone for you.

5. Smart control & productivity: Control your smart home with Samsung SmartThings², track your fitness with Galaxy Watch9, or get more done with Galaxy Tab and S Pen productivity.

6. Enhanced security: With Samsung Knox, regular security updates, and features like ultrasonic fingerprint ID and facial recognition, your data is protected. Learn more about Samsung Knox and how it protects your devices and data.

7. Switching is effortless: You can move your content from any device (yes, including iPhone). It’s quick, easy, and secure. Discover how Smart Switch³ makes switching to Galaxy seamless by securely transferring your photos, contacts, and apps in just a few easy steps.

¹ Gemini requires an internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language and device model. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC.
² SmartThings requires a Wi-Fi or other wireless network connection, a Samsung Account and compatible devices. Available features may vary by product and region.
³Transferable data may vary depending on the device operating system, OS version and connection method.