Knowing the Different Mobile Device Operating Systems

The operating system of a mobile device is the foundation for applications and functions that run on the device and allow users to interact with it. When choosing a mobile device, it is important to consider the type of apps you’ll be using, the user experience, security and privacy features, and compatibility with other devices and services. Choosing the right mobile device operating system can greatly impact the overall experience you have with your device. This article will discuss some of the different operating systems that are commonly used on mobile devices.

Designed by Freepik

1. Android Operating System

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google, which was first released in 2008.

  • User experience: Android OS offers an intuitive user interface, with a range of user-friendly features such as quick access menus and split-screen multi-tasking while offering extensive customization capabilities, allowing users to personalize their device and tailor the experience to their needs. in addition, apps are also easy to install and use, with a simple interface that makes navigation straightforward.
  • Customization: One of the key features of this OS is its customization capability. It is an open-source platform, which means that device manufacturers can modify and tailor the software to their specific needs. This allows them to create a unique user experience that is different from other Android devices. When it comes to the users, they can also customize the interface by adding widgets and live wallpapers to their home screen, rearranging app icons and changing the layout of the home screen.
  • App availability: The Google Play Store which is regulary updated, is home to more than 2 million apps, meaning that whatever users need from communication tools to productivity applications or entertainment options, they can find something suitable on Android OS.
  • Performance: Android devices are equipped with powerful processors that provide robust performance for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming media content. Furthermore, resources are managed intelligently so that battery life is maximized and background processes don’t slow down performance over time.
  • Security: It has built in security features such as application sandboxing, which isolates apps from each other so they can’t interfere with each other’s functions or data; encryption measures which protect data stored on the device; and verified boot which ensures any changes made while the device is off are not malicious in nature before it boots back up again.
  • Connectivity: Android provides a comprehensive set of connectivity options including support for Wi-Fi networks in addition to 4G/LTE cellular networks, Bluetooth devices, USB, NFC tags for quick payments or sharing data between devices, Near Field Communication (NFC) for contactless payments at supported merchants, Chromecast to wirelessly stream audio and video content from their Android device to a Chromecast-enabled TV or other device, and Android Auto to connect their Android device to a compatible car infotainment system for safe and convenient use while driving.
  • Development environment: Android Studio is the primary development tool for Android app development. It uses Kotlin programming language which is interoperable with the traditional language used for android which is Java, Layout Editor in Android Studio as a visual development tool, and Android Emulator for testing apps on a virtual Android device.
  • Updates and Support: Official technical support is available through Google if you run into any difficulties while using your device, but Google provides regular software updates across its range of devices to make sure features are up-to-date while bug fixes are applied when necessary. Also, security patches are done to ensure any vulnerabilities discovered after release are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
  • Hardware compatibility: One major benefit offered by Android OS is its compatibility across different hardware platforms due its open source nature – this means that manufacturers have greater flexibility when creating phones compared with other mobile operating systems where strict rules have been put into place regarding what kind of hardware components must be used often leading to much higher costs associated with production.

2. iOS

iOS is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. and is exclusively used on their iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. It was first released in 2007 and has since undergone many updates and iterations.

  • User experience: Apple places a strong emphasis on user experience and that is evident with their design with iOS devices. They are easy to use and navigate. IOS uses clear, concise text and icons, has a minimalist design, and has multi-touch gestures such as swiping, tapping, and pinch-to-zoom to control the device. In addition, it has Siri, its voice controlled personal assistant that can perform a variety of tasks.
  • Customization: Users can choose from multiple themes and wallpapers, setting up their devices according to their preference while enjoying a range of preset fonts, ringtones, and notification sounds. iOS 14 introduced the ability to add widgets to the home screen, allowing users to view important information at a glance. They can also create custom app icons using iCloud or third-party tools, allowing them to easily differentiate between apps.
  • App availability: iOS offers access to millions of apps in the App Store ranging from games to productivity tools. With over 2 million apps available, iOS users will have plenty of choices in which some are even exclusive to app store and not available on other platforms. Additionally, apps are reviewed by Apple before they are accepted into the store to ensure that they meet the company’s standards for quality, security, and user experience.
  • Performance: This OS is optimized for both power and performance as a result of the tight integration between hardware and software components which helps ensure lag free usage with minimal battery drain. In addition, iOS allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously, and the platform’s hardware and software are designed to support this with efficient resource management.
  • Security: Apple has prioritized security since day one with iOS featuring built-in encryption technologies. Aside from the biometric authentication such as the touch and face ID, it also has Secure Enclave, a dedicated chip that is isolated from the rest of the system and cannot be accessed by any other part of the device, that provides an extra layer of security for sensitive data. Another is App Sandbox, a fetaure that restricts the resources that an app can access and limits the actions it can perform.
  • Connectivity: With wide range supports for various wireless standards such as Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), iOS devices are able to communicate with other compatible devices enabling various applications including file sharing and wireless printing among others. AirPlay for wireless streaming for audio and video content from iOS device to an Apple TV or other AirPlay-enabled device, AirDrop to easily share files, photos, and other content between iOS devices or between an iOS device and a Mac computer, and it also supports Near Field Communication (NFC).
  • Development environment: Xcode is the primary development tool for iOS app development which includes a suite of tools for developing, testing, and debugging apps, as well as for managing app assets and deploying apps to the App Store. It uses Swift programming language, Interface Builder as a visual development tool, and also iOS Simulator for testing apps on a virtual iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
  • Updates & Support: iOS releases new versions of the OS with new features and improvements that are available to all compatible devices and can be downloaded and installed over-the-air. iOS devices receive updates for a longer period than most Android devices, with some devices receiving updates for up to 5 years. IOS also releases regular security updates to protect users from the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Apple designs its own chips, including the A-series and M-series chips, which are optimized for iOS and offer high performance and energy efficiency. These chips are used in Apple devices to provide a seamless user experience and support advanced features like augmented reality and machine learning. IOS also supports a feature called Continuity, which allows users to seamlessly transition between Apple devices while working on the same task.

3. Harmony OS

Harmony OS is a mobile device operating system developed by Huawei, a Chinese multinational technology company. It was first released in 2019 and is designed to run on devices such as smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart home devices, and more.

  • User experience: HarmonyOS supports distributed app functionality, which allows apps to be run across multiple devices, such as a phone and a tablet, and to continue functioning seamlessly as the user switches between devices. With HarmonyOS’s Super Device feature, a smartphone can act as a central control hub for multiple devices and it also provides native support for multi-window display, allowing users to use multiple apps side-by-side and to move content seamlessly between different windows.
  • Customization: HarmonyOS allows users to customize the appearance of their devices with a wide range of themes and provides users with the ability to customize the layout of their home screen, including the arrangement of icons, widgets, and other elements. It also includes a system-wide dark mode that can be enabled in the settings menu which can help reduce eye strain and improve battery life, especially on devices with OLED displays. Moreover, HarmonyOS supports an always-on display mode that allows users to customize what information is displayed on the screen when the device is in standby mode.
  • App availability: The AppGallery is Huawei’s official app store and also utilizes Petal Search, a tool that allows users to search for apps from multiple sources, including AppGallery and other third-party app stores. HarmonyOS also offers Quick App, a feature that allows users to access a wide range of apps without having to download and install them.
  • Performance: HarmonyOS is built on a distributed architecture that allows Huawei devices to deliver high performance and efficiency, even on devices with limited resources. It provides a seamless user experience across multiple devices, with features like cross-device file sharing, screen sharing, and device control. Furthermore, it uses a resource scheduling engine that dynamically allocates system resourcesnto optimize performance and power consumption and it also features a lightweight microkernel architecture that reduces the size of the kernel and minimizes system overhead to allow faster boot times and more efficient use of system resources.
  • Security: HarmonyOS uses a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) to provide a secure area within the device’s hardware for sensitive operations. It uses a secure boot process to ensure that the system has not been tampered with during startup, uses hardware-based encryption to secure user data, (more secure than software-based encryption methods), provides users with granular control over app permissions, and it includes a built-in antivirus system that detects and removes malware from the system.
  • Connectivity: HarmonyOS allows users to share files between devices, even if the devices are running different operating systems.It enables users to collaborate across devices, with features like screen sharing, multi-device control, and multi-screen interaction, which allows users to transfer content between different screens. It also provides seamless connectivity to IoT devices, with features like plug-and-play and device virtualization and is already optimized for 5G networks.
  • Development Environment: HarmonyOS provides a multi-device integrated development environment (IDE) that allows developers to create apps and services for a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, and IoT devices. It also provides a software development kit (SDK) that includes a range of tools and resources for developers, including APIs, sample code, and documentation and it also supports cross-platform development. HarmonyOS provides a development environment called DevEco Studio that includes visual interface builder, code editor, and debugging tools, as well as support for emulators and physical devices.
  • Updates and Support: HarmonyOS provides long-term support for mobile devices, with a commitment to providing software updates and security patches for at least five years. It provides seamless upgrades and provides customer support for mobile devices, with a range of resources and tools to help users troubleshoot issues and get the most out of their device.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Harmony Os is designed for cross-device compatibility, supports multi-device collaboration, and is compatible with Iot devices. HarmonyOS also supports virtualization, which means that it can run multiple operating systems and applications on the same hardware platform and legacy applications and operating systems on newer hardware. Also, HarmonyOS provides hardware acceleration for a wide range of hardware platforms and devices, including GPUs, AI accelerators, and other specialized hardware.

4. KaiOS

It was first introduced in 2017 and is based on the Firefox OS project, which was discontinued in 2016. KaiOS Technologies, took the code from Firefox OS and built upon it to create KaiOS.

  • User experience: KaiOS is designed to run on low specification devices. The home screen is designed to be clean and simple, with easy-to-read text and large icons for key applications. The navigation is primarily based on physical buttons and arrow keys, which are common features on many low-end mobile devices. KaiOS also includes a range of accessibility features, including text-to-speech, screen magnification, and support for physical buttons. These features make it easier for users with disabilities to use KaiOS devices.
  • Customization: KaiOS devices allow users to change the device’s theme which they can choose from a pre-installed themes, these includes the background, color schemes, and font. Ringtones can also be changed by selecting from a range of pre-installed ringtones or by using a custom audio file stored on the device. There is no option for custom themes and no support for third-party app launchers, so users cannot install custom widgets or other add-ons. Users can adjust the display settings on their KaiOS device, including the screen timeout and the level of screen brightness. However, there are no options to adjust the screen resolution or other advanced display settings.
  • App availability: The KaiStore is the primary app store for KaiOS devices and it has a range of apps that are optimized for use on low-specification devices. For social media Apps, the most popular ones are available but are also optimized for use on low-specification devices, so it provides users with access to key features like messaging, video playback, and social networking. Third party apps are also limited to weather apps, email, and news. Games are also limited to simple ones like snake and sudoku. Currently, KaiOS is working to expand the number of apps available on the platform, and the company has launched a number of initiatives to encourage app development.
  • Performance: KaiOS is a lightweight operating system that is optimized to use minimal system resources, which helps to improve performance and reduce lag. It has a sophisticated memory management system which prioritizes the memory usage of different apps and processes. KaiOS devices have a fast boot time and are designed to be energy efficient.
  • Security: The operating system includes a range of security features, such as secure boot, data encryption, and secure storage. Also, apps on KaiOS are required to go through a rigorous certification process before they can be listed on the KaiStore to ensure that they are free of malware and other security vulnerabilities. Additionally, these are also sandboxed and KaiOS devices receive over-the-air (OTA) updates that include security patches and bug fixes. Lastly, devices include a range of device locking features, such as PIN codes and biometric authentication.
  • Connectivity: Many KaiOS devices support 4G/LTE, WiFi, bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and USB connectivity. It also supports support GPS (Global Positioning System) for location and direction.
  • Development Environment: KaiOS uses web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for app development which means that developers can use the same web development skills they already have to create apps for KaiOS. The KaiOS Developer Portal provides documentation, tools, and resources to help developers create apps for the platform and it includes tutorials, sample code, and a developer forum. There is also a simulator, KaiOS Simulator, that allows developers to test their apps without the need for a physical device. When developers monetize their apps in the app store, they keep 70% of the revenue generated by their apps and KaiOS takes the remaining 30%.
  • Updates and support: There are over-the-air updates, which are downloaded and installed automatically that include bug fixes, security patches, and new features. KaiOS provides support for older devices and provides customer support through its website, which also has a help center and a community forum. And also provides accessibility features to ensure that users with disabilities can use their devices comfortably and effectively.
  • Hardware Compatibility: KaiOS is designed to run on devices with low hardware specifications, including devices with as little as 256MB of RAM and 512MB of storage. It is is compatible with a wide range of chipsets, including those from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Spreadtrum. Moreover, it suports dual-sim devices and is designed to work on both touch and non-touch devices.

5. Tizen

Tizen OS is an open-source, Linux-based operating system designed for a variety of devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, wearables, and in-vehicle infotainment systems. It was co-developed by Samsung Electronics and the Linux Foundation, with the first version of the operating system released in 2012.

  • User experience: Tizen OS supports multitasking, which allows users to run multiple applications at the same time. It is designed to be easy to use, making it a good choice for users who are not familiar with smartphones, or who may be new to mobile devices. It also supports a range of gestures, and a range of smart features such as voice recognition and facial recognition.
  • Customization: Just like the others, Tizen OS supports themes so their is a wide variety of themes to choose from. It allows users to customize their home screen with widgets, shortcuts, and app icons. Also, it also supports customization of sound and notifications as well as the quick settings.
  • App availability: Tizen OS has its own app store called Tizen store. It offers a wide range of apps, including games, social media apps, productivity tools, and more. Tizen Os is also designed to be compatible with those that are developed for Android. In addition to mobile devices, Tizen OS also supports wearable devices like smartwatches so the Tizen Store offers many apps specifically designed for wearable devices, including fitness apps, productivity tools, and more.
  • Performance: Tizen OS is designed to have a fast boot time and smooth and responsive user interface as it uses a lightweight graphical user interface (GUI). It is also designed fro low resource consumption, memory managemnet, and multi-tasking.
  • Security: Tizen OS uses an application sandbox model and it includes a number of security enhancements designed to protect IoT devices that use the operating system such as secure boot, secure storage, and secure communications. Additionally, it includes a device management framework that allows IT administrators to manage devices in the enterprise. This framework has features for remote lock and wipe, VPN configuration, and device encryption. Finally, it receives regular security updates from Samsung and the Tizen Association.
  • Connectivity: The OS supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC as well as mobile data, multi-device integration, USB connectivity and cloud services.
  • Development Environment: Tizen Studio, the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Tizen OS provides a range of tools and features to help developers create, test, and deploy Tizen-based applications. Tizen Studio has an emulator for testing applications, as well as a range of development tools and APIs. Tizen OS is an open-source platform, which means that developers have access to the source code and can modify it as needed and is designed to support multi-platform development.
  • Updates and support: Over-the-air updates and long term support for its releases. It also provides resources and support for developers, including documentation, sample code, and forums. And Tizen OS is developed and maintained by Samsung, which means that devices running Tizen OS are backed by Samsung’s support and resources.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Tizen OS supports many processor architectures, including x86, ARM, and MIPS making the OS able to run on diffrent hardwares, from low-end budget devices to high-end flagship devDevelopment Environment: Tizen Studio, the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Tizen OS provides a range of tools and features to help developers create, test, and deploy Tizen-based applications. Tizen Studio has an emulator for testing applications, as well as a range of development tools and APIs. Tizen OS is an open-source platform, which means that developers have access to the source code and can modify it as needed and is designed to support multi-platform development.ices. It supports range of display resolutions and aspect ratios, from small wearables with tiny screens to large tablets with high-resolution display, range of sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and heart rate monitors and range of camera resolutions and features.

Other mobile device operating systems:

  • Windows: Windows Phone was Microsoft’s mobile device operating system that was introduced in 2010, however, in 2017, Microsoft officially announced the end of support for Windows Phone and would be focusing on bringing its services and apps to iOS and Android devices rather than continuing to develop Windows Phone as a mobile device operating system.
  • Blackberry OS: BlackBerry OS was a proprietary mobile device operating system developed by BlackBerry Limited, formerly known as Research In Motion (RIM) which was first introduced in 1999. However, due to several factors, BlackBerry OS was officially discontinued in 2020, marking the end of an era for the once-dominant mobile device manufacturer and the company began to shift its focus to developing software for other platforms, such as Android.

Author

You may also like...