Being the industry leader in mobile operating systems, Android is undoubtedly the most widely used OS for smartphones worldwide. Android was originally developed by Android Inc., which Google later acquired. It was primarily designed for touch-screen smartphones and tablets. The Android operating system was unveiled in 2007, and the first Android device was released in September of the same year.
Android 10 was released on September 3, 2019, and it is the current Android version that is widely used worldwide.
There is no doubt that Android is the most popular OS in this space when it comes to market share for mobile operating systems.
According to a recent research, Android holds a market share of 86+% for smartphones. Its ingenuity, convenience, and ease of use suggest that it won’t see a decline in market share.
However, it is never a good idea to allow one particular model, product, or individual to enjoy total hegemony in any market or society. Understanding other participants in the mobile OS market as alternatives to Android is therefore essential in this situation.
If you were seeking for some of the greatest Android OS alternatives, this piece has information for you. We’ll discuss the top 5 alternatives to Android so you can get the most in-depth analysis possible.
List Of Top 6 Mobile Operating Systems 2024
1. Android OS
It is currently the most popular operating system for smartphones and other mobile devices. It was first introduced in September 2008 under the name “Astro,” and then an improved version, Bender & Cupcake, was released. Later on, though, Google decided to use the name “Android” for their regularly released new versions. These are the most recent updates to the Android OS: Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat or Lollipop, and now Marshmallow. It was created by Google Inc. and is written in C, C++, Java, and runs on the Linux kernel.
As it is a member of the Google family, it has made a significant impact on the mobile OS market, as is shown in the above chart. It’s an open-source operating system that enables developers to create in any way they see fit. Instead, it’s now much simpler to create any Android app using online tools, which also don’t require in-depth programming knowledge. And because of this, millions of the newest Android apps are created every day and made available for download in the App Store [Official app: Google Play store]. The Android OS is the market leader and the most popular OS with large numbers of users, which places it at the top of the list of the best operating systems for mobile phones due to its versatility in apps and productivity in the OS, including the availability of FREE apps.
2. IOS
One of the better alternatives to the Android OS is iOS, which has a ton of functionality.
Additionally, it is Android’s most potent rival. iOS has the unique distinction of being the default operating system for everyone who loves using iPhones because it is associated with Apple Smartphones.
iPhones and iPod Touches are run on iOS. Prior to the introduction of iPad OS, it also powered the iPad.
With iOS, you can sign in using your Apple ID, giving you a quick method to access websites and apps that respect your privacy. Some of the most impressive features it offers include HomeKit Secure video, Siri Shortcuts, Audio Sharing with AirPods, a redesigned Maps app, smarter photo apps, and others.
Because iOS is linked to Apple products, it has hefty price tags.
Therefore, iOS is undoubtedly the greatest mobile operating system for you if you want a cutting-edge system and don’t care about cost. Now let’s examine some of iOS’s benefits and drawbacks.
Pros:
- Delightful User Interface
- Smooth activity
- Timely Updates
- Incredible nature of applications
Cons:
- Locked down OS
- iPhones are expensive
3. SIRIN OS
By choosing SIRIN OS as your Android substitute, you will be introduced to the only mobile operating system that is thought to be extremely secure for storing and using cryptocurrencies.
Finney is a blockchain smartphone created by SIRIN Labs that competes with their own SIRIN OS. The business also provides FINNEYTM users with an intuitive Android experience. Access to the Play Store and related apps will be available.
Along with improved security, you’ll also get a built-in cold wallet that you can access via the Safe Screen.
By providing blockchain and wallet security, it excels at enabling you to have a familiar experience outside of the Android OS. SIRIN OS is entirely built on the blockchain and is secure enough to serve as your blockchain wallet. If you want a cutting-edge phone that also offers blockchain services, you should choose this one.
Among SIRIN OS’s most prominent benefits and drawbacks are:
Pros
- Highly secure because of blockchain innovation
- Permits access to Google Play Store
- Simple to use
Cons
- Phone is costly
- Very new when it comes to technology
4. KaiOS
KaiOS is really popular right now, and that’s because it’s the finest operating system for low-cost phones.
The company asserts that it will deliver the best smartphones to the most affordable models.
It includes the skillful integration of WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps, and 300+ more apps available on the KaiStore, so you may access these crucial apps on your budget-friendly phones as well.
You can find, receive, and share information that is important to you by choosing these phones. Phones with KaiOS-powered can feature wifi, GPS, Bluetooth, and cameras.
You may also use voice commands to navigate, launch apps, and type thanks to Google Assistant’s advantages. Let’s examine some of the most significant benefits and drawbacks of this Android option.
Pros:
- Lightweight OS
- Supports Web-based applications
- Constantly refreshed
- Cost-effective devices
Cons:
- Not applicable to primary Smartphone market
5. Ubuntu Touch
The UBports group is creating a mobile edition of the Ubuntu operating system as a substitute for Android.
Ubuntu Touch is being developed for touchscreen gadgets like tablets and smartphones.
The significant benefit of Ubuntu Touch is that it is an open-source operating system that may be used by any manufacturer of mobile devices, democratizing the operating system market.
With this one, you will have access to everything you require, including all the various applications for communication, music, messaging, navigation, games, and other reasons. Privacy is protected in this way. Several of Ubuntu Touch’s main benefits and drawbacks include:
Pros:
- Open-source operating system.
- Accompanies all the essential applications.
- Can work as a desktop as well.
Cons:
- Not as effective in supporting third party app as Android is.
- Relies upon our commitment and contribution to continue working.
6. Tizen
The operating system used by Tizen is thought to be very suitable for meeting the unique requirements of several industries, including Tizen IVI (in-vehicle infotainment), Tizen TV, Tizen Mobile, and Tizen Wearable.
The Linux Foundation supports this Linux-based mobile operating system, which is primarily used by Samsung Electronics.
Tizen was initially intended to replace MeeGo for various types of mobile devices as an HTML5-based platform. The previous Linux-based OS of Samsun Bada was incorporated into Tizen with the release of Tizen.
It is currently the OS of choice for wearable technology, smart TVs, appliances, vehicles, and consumer goods (TVs, DVRs, gaming consoles, etc.)
Pros:
- Extraordinary HTML5 support
- Instinctive motions
Cons:
- Third-party application support is negligible
