What is the difference between a phone and a smartphone and an android. What is android and why is it needed. What changes has the lock screen

In this article, we will tell you about five basic facts and how a smartphone differs from a phone.

Almost everyone knows what a cell phone is. This is a small device that you can hold in your hands, and which allows you to make calls from anywhere in the world. However, adding the word “smartphone” can lead the inexperienced user to confusion. In fact, highlighting the two terms doesn't really matter if we call the Galaxy S9 a mobile phone and the iPhone X a smartphone.

However, here are some tips to help you understand why some people use the word “cell phones” and others use “smartphones,” and why a smartphone is sometimes called a cell phone, but not vice versa.

What to choose a phone or smartphone?

Mobile technology is one of the fastest growing areas in consumer electronics, making it difficult to define terms such as cell phone and smartphone. However, most people use mobile phones mainly for phone calls, while smartphones are considered as Internet devices, and for voice calls are used to a lesser extent.

The choice between a standard cell phone or smartphone comes down to whether calls or convenient access to the Internet and access to multimedia files are important to you.

Smartphone features are part of the computer’s capabilities.

You can imagine a smartphone as a miniature computer that can also make and receive calls. Most smartphones have a virtual store of thousands of applications that turn your phone into something much smarter than a regular cell phone.

Smartphone applications include graphical editors, navigation maps, and many other useful options. Some smartphones take this one step further and provide you with a built-in virtual assistant, for example, such as Siri from Apple iPhone, which everyone can agree with, this feature makes the phone much smarter and more technologically advanced.

A smartphone can function like a cell phone, but not all mobile phones can repeat this. In other words, a smartphone can make calls like a mobile phone, which in turn does not have the same add-ons and applications, such as Apple’s Siri assistant or Google voice assistant.

5 basic facts: What is the difference between a smartphone and a phone?

operating system

The operating system on smartphones is much like what is installed on your personal computer at home or at work. For example, your computer most likely runs Windows or MacOS, or perhaps Linux or some other desktop OS. However, the mobile operating system may be, for example, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry OS or WebOS.

The difference in the operating system of a cell phone compared to the operating system of a smartphone, again, is determined by the ease of use of the software. IPhone and Android phones are generally perceived massively as relatively easy to use by most users.

When it comes to a mobile phone (which is not “smart”), the operating system is usually very light and simple, with minimal menus and virtually no additional options and applications.

Microprocessor and memory

Mobile phones, compared to smartphones, have incredible processing power, usually faster, more efficient microprocessors and a large amount of memory. Demanding applications, such as photography, video and games, require more productive and faster processors.

Some models have dozens of gigabytes of memory to store large music and video libraries, as well as databases and applications. Mobile phone processors, on the other hand, are simpler and more suitable for smaller requirements, such as phone calls and basic applications.

Programs

Cell phones and smartphones have applications - programs that make the phone more useful. Cell phone applications include games, contact managers, and text messaging programs. Smartphone apps are much more complex, as they take advantage of a faster phone processor, more memory, and an Internet connection.

There are over a million smartphone apps from the most basic to advanced. In addition to more complex versions of applications, smartphones already have installed with the operating system, a number of useful applications, a music player, a photo editor, an advanced calculator, social networks and other programs, there are too many to mention.

Dimensions and screen size

Smartphones usually have larger displays than their older brothers. The large screen gives applications more space for graphics and allows you to enjoy movies, videos and other media. The smartphone is controlled by the touch screen.

The screen on a mobile phone is mainly used to view phone numbers and text messages, although many can play simple games, open meeting calendars and contact lists.

Internet and network connections

The main network connection of the cell phone is for voice calls, although many of them have a Bluetooth data channel and support for hands-free calls.

The smartphone has these network connections, plus 3G / 4G and Wi-Fi data. Some have a technology called Near-Field Communications that allows you to use your phone as an intelligent credit card. Internet access is provided using cellular data, where the cell tower is located. Wi-Fi Internet access is usually free, although the range of services is limited to homes and businesses that provide it.

Brief facts from the history of mobile phones

IBM developed the first smartphone in 1992 under the name Simon. The smartphone was introduced as a concept device in Las Vegas at an exhibition in the computer industry known as COMDEX.

What are the biggest differences for you? Do you use old phone models in your daily affairs and why? Write your answers in the comment and share this article on social networks.

Video: Five benefits of a push-button phone from a smartphone

The reason for creating this article was one random experiment. Having entered the query in the search engine "what is better than a smartphone or ..." as the first clue from Google the following phrase fell out: "What is better than a smartphone or Android."

This indicates that such a request is popular, and is often requested by users through a search engine.

The bottom line is that such a wording of the request is initially incorrect. Yes, Android and smartphone are two completely different concepts. But these two elements complement each other, creating a single functioning "organism" - a working smartphone.

Android is an operating system (hereinafter “OS”) installed in the internal memory of the smartphone. Thanks to the OS, the user can interact with the smartphone through a graphical interface. In other words, it is a software shell, without which it is impossible to use a mobile device. For example, make calls, type and receive SMS, use applications to access the Internet, view photos / videos, listen to music, and so on. A special OS is also installed on computers and laptops so that an ordinary user can comfortably work with them.

What else are the operating systems in the smartphone

In addition to Android, there are about a dozen OS. Some of them gain popularity and become famous. And some stop their further development for various reasons. Vivid examples of no longer supported software platforms: Nokia’s well-known Symbian for smartphones, as well as the ambitious project MeeGo. And here is a list of current operating systems that are widely used, or are at the stage of active development and promotion:

• iOS
• BlackBerry OS
• Sailfish OS;
• Firefox OS
• Ubuntu Touch
• Tizen

There are also alternative options that are based on Android. They can not be attributed to the number of separate operating systems, it is rather substantially redesigned firmware. The most famous and popular among them are Cyanogen OS, Flyme OS, and MIUI.

Which is better: Android, iOS or Windows

As you can see, there are quite a few mobile OSs. However, it is Android, iOS, and Windows that are considered dominant in the market. But which of these software platforms is better?

The most versatile and widespread mobile OS at the moment. Many smartphone manufacturers install it on their devices. The reason for this is the availability and openness of the system for modifications. These and other factors significantly influenced the number of games and programs for Android smartphones in the Google Play app store. There is the widest selection of software for every taste, which attracts users.

iOS This platform is used only in devices from Apple - iPhone. Since the developer of the OS and the manufacturer of smartphones are one and the same company, Apple managed to optimize the software component for stable operation on all its devices. iPhone is often touted as a benchmark of quality among other smartphones. In fact, some devices from other manufacturers are no worse than the iPhone, but may be cheaper and have better technical characteristics.

Windows Mobile  The mobile version of Windows used in smartphones has a good optimization. Usually, this OS is less demanding on the hardware resources of the device (processor, RAM) than Android. Therefore, the interface and applications work quite fast, even on relatively weak hardware. At the same time, Windows 10 Mobile has a rather meager app store. There are fewer games and programs available for this platform than for Android and iOS. Perhaps in the future the situation will change, as the store is gradually filling up.

As a result, any system has its advantages and disadvantages, and which is better - everyone should choose for themselves. Returning to the question “what is better than a smartphone or Android”, I would like to remind once again that the smartphone and the Android operating system work together and cannot be full-fledged products separately.

An interesting question ... In general, a smartphone is a phone with some computer functions, plus touch control.

Android is an operating system for a smartphone / phone (such as Windows or Linux for a computer), under which most programs, applications, games and other lotions are made and configured.

What and how is different .. Decide for yourself.

A smartphone is, in a simple sense, a mobile device in the form of a phone with a touch screen and computer applications, if I may say so. Running on software, so that you can easily understand, under the name Androidquot ;. Android is a kind of electronic machine, a humanoid robot, because you watched the movie: Star Wars. Android is an open operating system for electronic books, digital players, netbooks, tablets, including smartphones.

A smartphone is an invention of the twentieth century and its predecessor is a cell phone - which are almost no longer produced. So a smartphone is the same as a phone.

Android (Android) is an operating system created just for smartphones.

So these two names are combined in one device.

From simple polyphonic mobile phones, we have now grown to the most modern, touch-based smartphones that we didn’t even dream of about ten years ago. So, fashion and a convenient interface plus high-speed Internet - all this is in modern gadgets.

But Android is a special operating system built into this very smartphone for its functionality.



This is like asking: what is the difference between a pan and a soup? 🙂

Smartphone  - a smart phone, such a small computer with phone functions, with its own operating system (Symbian, Windows Mobile, iOS, Android itself, and all sorts of different ones).

Android  - humanoid robot. You did not specify which Android you are interested in :). But if you still had in mind the operating system for smartphones, then they differ: the first is the gadget, hardware; and the second is the operating system, software.

In more detail (as you ask) what these two concepts are, you can paint several pages of text. But this is already on special forums ...

It’s not even right to figure out how best to highlight these differences, because the question is posed about completely different things.

Smartphone  - This is a phone, but not the same mobile phone with buttons, but with a touch screen and computer applications and various functions. Such a phone works on the Android platform.

Now I have a mobile phone-smartphone on this Android system and how to distinguish a phone from its internal device, does it work on the world?

Android  - This is a special operating system designed for smartphones and other mobile gadgets, as well as Windows for a computer.

Make a conclusion by comparing these two concepts: the phone and its system. And my answer to the question, will be like this - To everyone.

Android is an operating system for smartphones and tablets. It is installed immediately, at the time of manufacture, and not as in a conventional computer.

A smartphone is the device itself, not only Android can be installed on it, but Windows mobile for example. When there was no Android, then smartphones existed with completely different operating systems.

Everyone, these are completely different concepts and you can not compare them.

A smartphone is a mobile phone running on an open operating system.

Android is the operating system on which the smartphone runs.

The analogue is PC and Windows.

A smartphone is essentially a phone, usually a touchscreen — that is, without buttons. Android is the operating system for these very smartphones.

Therefore, an android and a smartphone are completely different things that are combined in one device.

People use something, but learn terminology - do not bother.

A smartphone is a mobile phone with an operating system (you can install applications on your smartphone whatever you want, but not on a simple mobile phone). And Android is one of the varieties of smartphone operating systems. Here is such a difference.

But people are often too lazy to say a long I have a new smartphone running the Android operating system, they say - I have a brand new android ;. But it's not right.

A smartphone is a device (gadget) that runs on software called Android - It is specially designed for mobile devices - phones, smartphones, tablets. These are two different words and concepts.

What is better android or iphone? We will look for answers to this eternal question in today's article.

Buying the most fashionable gadget, many are guided by their personal motivation - someone chooses by value, someone by design, functionality, brand. And someone according to all these criteria at the same time. Modern smartphones and tablets have different software (software), the most popular of them: Android, iPhone (iOS platform), Windows OS. The latter is not so popular among our compatriots, most often users prefer Android and iOS.

Clear comparison

For everyone who cares about the design of a smartphone, you can find many developments of manufacturers with the Android system. There certainly is where the soul can take a walk - a variety of diagonal displays, the number of speakers, body material, protection from shock and moisture, etc.

Speaking about the iPhone, here the sleek design has not changed dramatically for a very long time. The shape of the case is the same, the back cover up to version 4 was rounded, but then “leveled”. The sides of the case with version 4 also became more even. But hereafter, no significant difference was apparently noticed. Only the diagonal of the display increased, the material of the case and the color scheme changed. As before, this smartphone retained a universal design that looks harmonious with both a successful businessman and a glamorous diva.

Photo: Model iPhone 5S
  Photo: Android smartphone model

This is not to say that the iPhone is more beautiful, and other smartphone manufacturers (Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Moto, HTC and others) have not finalized the model. Among the range of smartphone designs you can find a very decent model. Therefore, we do not single out a leader in this paragraph.

Assembly and parts

Since iPhones have been improving their internal component for a long time, the quality of parts and assemblies is at their best. Many manufacturers using the Android operating system are more chasing the number and variety of models than the build quality. Rarely come out models that adequately represent the gadgets of their class. But their cost is much higher than other common models (often on a par with iPhones).

Do not even compare, for example, iPhone 7 and Lenovo K5. Of course, here the "apple" smartphone wins by the build quality at times. But the price is also different at times (almost 5 times). But Samsung S7 could compete with him on the criterion of quality parts and assembly. And the price of Samsung is slightly inferior to the price of iPhone.

According to statistics, iPhones last much longer than devices with an Android system. Selling an iPhone is much easier and more profitable than smartphones with android. This is due not only to build quality, but also to software.

And yet, the build quality of the "apple" must be given credit. In this, he succeeds in front of competitors with the Android OS. Therefore, figuring out what is better than an android or iPhone in terms of build quality, we prefer the latter.

Software, Applications

Before proceeding to this comparison, it is worth noting that only iPhones use the iOS operating system, but many devices from different companies use an android. Therefore, a comparison will occur precisely of these two platforms, rather than specific models of smartphones.

1. Platform protection.  iOS is a fairly closed platform that has no alternatives. IPhones and software for them are released by one manufacturer, so it’s easier to control device compatibility than an android. Android is open to all sorts of updates that are not suitable for all devices. This may affect system performance and stability.

2. Apple App Store very reverently selects applications that can get to the device. Therefore, they work more stably on iPhones than on the android system. Only a small percentage of malware and applications can get on the iPhone. The store for android is more clogged with all this and the chance to "pick up" spam and viruses on it is much higher. iOS does not support the Adobe Flash multimedia platform, which provides for viewing flash videos and flash applications online on Internet resources. It is Adob \u200b\u200bFlash (according to unconfirmed reports) that can lead to the ingress of "harmful" into the system and increased energy consumption. According to rumors, it will soon be abandoned and this will equalize the capabilities of these two platforms.

3. Games  became quite popular on smartphones. On iPhones with the iOS platform and on gadgets with android, there are a large number of games. True, in both cases there is a problem of fragmentation (the application / game extensions do not match the display and performance extensions).

4. Navigation capabilities. In both cases, the device has GPS navigation, which works exactly by connecting the device to the Internet. Here, the android platform succeeded before iOS. For iPhones, maps are a fairly new phenomenon. Therefore, they are not so perfect than Google Maps, which are often used by owners of android.

5. Convenience of the interface.  Android is a bit more difficult to grasp than an iPhone on an iOS system. It’s much more convenient and easier to understand. But at the same time, the "apples" do not have as many functions for changing themes, wallpapers, widgets as an android. Therefore, lovers to adjust everything to their needs will be delighted with the latter.

According to everything, we can conclude that iOS for iPhone is more adapted, protected and reliable than Android for smartphones.

Batteries

The iPhone maker has underestimated the power consumption of its smartphone and awarded the 7 Plus version with a 2900 mAh lithium-ion battery. For this type of smartphone with a 5.5 ’’ display, this is clearly a shortage. According to the latest reviews of the 7th iPhone, with moderate use, it loses its charge a little more than a day. And if you use it regularly, then you will have to recharge the device much more often. Life is measured in battery life. In normal use, it will last up to 3 years.

Smartphones on android have a variety of batteries. Here, for example, Lenovo P2 with a 5.5 "display has a battery capacity of 5000 mAh, and Meizu M3 with 6" - 4100 mAh. These are already more real indicators that are necessary for full-fledged OS and display maintenance. The service life in this case is no different from an iPhone. But not all smartphone models have such a significant capacity, so you can’t say for sure on this parameter that an android or an iPhone is better.

Display

If you take into account the number of devices that have Android software, then among them you can find a wide variety in the diagonals of displays, the number of colors, screen resolution. In iPhones, this assortment is more scarce. Only the latest versions have increased in size. Before that, there were 3.5 ”and 4” formats, at that time smartphones with androids were produced 1-1.5 ’’ more.

Also, the popular Samsung brand has released a smartphone - s7 edge, which for the first time uses the side bends of the display instead of their borders. Among the buyers of this gadget you can find only positive reviews. Many even say that it is much cooler than the last iPhone.

As for the display, I must say that you can find much better characteristics in smartphones with android, since the choice of manufacturers and models allows.

Accessories & Parts

In this matter, without further ado, you can immediately give primacy to iPhones. Due to the relatively small model range, accessories are produced for them in very large volumes. If you lose or damage the headset, finding a new original one is not a problem. The same applies to the charger. The abundance of covers, pads, bumpers is simply surprising.

This can not be said about Android smartphones, which, due to the wide range of models, do not have so many accessories. The recharging sockets in them have the same format, the headset jack is also standard 3.5 mm. Moreover, non-original options are suitable. But if it comes to a commonplace bumper or protective film, then it is not always possible to find them for the desired model. Manufacturers of such accessories simply do not keep pace with the pace of release of new android devices.

Also, if the smartphone breaks down, on the iPhone you can find any detail without problems. Almost all repairmen and service centers undertake its repair. This does not boast devices on the android. To find, for example, a display on some Meizu is almost impossible. This makes rare smartphone models almost disposable. Broke - threw it away. Only the popular ones that were put on sale in a decent volume have a chance at least for Chinese parts.

Connectors and SIM Cards

What a shame having 2 SIM cards in use, to know that when buying an iPhone, you will have to forget about one of them. Or buy another phone. Nowadays, this is absolutely not practical.

Among smartphones on the Android platform, it is rarely possible to find instances that have only 1 SIM card slot.

Although not everyone needs the use of several sims, one is enough. In this case, these devices are in equal conditions and it’s impossible to say that it’s better to use an android or iPhone.

Connectors for the charger in iPhones and smartphones on another platform are fundamentally different. There is a unique Lightning connector for “apples”, and in smartphones on android another, very common micro USB. For a headset, in both cases the socket is the same.

This is not to say that somewhere is better, but somewhere worse is the connector. Therefore, here they are on an equal footing.

Camera and speakers

As for the camera in iPhones, here it has amazing characteristics. Especially when it comes to the latest models. Even the 12 megapixel camera of the iPhone surpasses many Android options from different manufacturers. Unless only Sony can create healthy competition and not all models of this manufacturer.

Macro iPhone looks much clearer and with greater color reproduction. The same applies to backlit shooting. Portrait photography also looks very impressive. The noise level when shooting at sunrise, sunset, in a dim room is permissible small. Not all smartphones of well-known manufacturers that use the Android platform can boast of such characteristics.

Therefore, if you choose which is better than an android or iPhone, then the latter is a big plus.

Manufacturer Service

Arriving anywhere in the world, you can find a specialized service or store to service your iPhone. They are located in almost all major cities. The service is so good that the owners of this gadget have almost no problems with it - any issues are quickly resolved.

To service your smartphone on an android, you need to find a representative of a specific manufacturer. Let's say Samsung can also be found in almost every corner of the world. This also applies to LG customer service centers. Recently, Lenovo has been trying to improve the service.

Consequently, Apple cares more about customer service than other manufacturers.

Comparison Results

Choosing between two smartphone platforms, you need to drop all doubts and follow intuition. The times when you won’t surprise anyone with an iPhone have long come. And before choosing your smartphone, think about whether you want to surprise others or just use a reliable and functional phone, and for the right price. Do you want to be the most original? Buy a push-button telephone! And what, as an option ...

Dear readers! If you have any questions or have comments on the topic of the article - please leave them below.

On the shelves of stores there are a lot of gadgets on different versions of the Android OS: 4.4 KitKat, 5.0 Lolipop, 6.0 Marshmallow, etc. Therefore, when choosing a new device, the question arises: which version of Android is better. To determine the choice of the optimal and reliable system, we will consider the used versions of Android. We will also find out the main advantages and disadvantages of each assembly.

Android version classification and features

Google annually releases a new version of the Android OS. And since some manufacturers of smartphones are in no hurry to update, and some devices do not update at all, users use more than 10 versions of the Android platform. For convenience, assemblies are divided into three categories:

1. Deprecated: 4.4 KitKat and below.
2. Actual: 5.0 and 5.1 Lolipop, 6.0 Marshmallow.
3. New: 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat.

A reasonable question arises: which Android is better?

Deprecated Versions

Firmware installed on devices discontinued. Officially not supported: they do not receive system updates and security patches. Some applications from Google Play do not work, or are not optimized, or are loaded on android based at least 4.4. Which is explained not by the desire of developers to support old builds of the Android system.

Benefits:

1. The system is debugged and stable on the most popular devices with weak hardware.
2. Stable work in popular Google Play programs.

Disadvantages:

1. System update is not supported.
2. There are open vulnerabilities and security holes.
3. Some applications are not available for download from Google Play, or do not work correctly.
4. There may be conflicts with the operation of some wearable devices.

Current Android versions

Used in current devices and discontinued. Includes some improvements, innovations and improvements. Security signatures were also updated and vulnerabilities found were closed. Devices on Android 5.0, 5.1 and 6.0 work correctly with wearable gadgets. Applications on Google Play are optimized, a minimum of unsupported programs for downloading.

Benefits:

1. Security signatures have been updated to protect the device.
2. New features and capabilities have been introduced.
3. Correct operation of wearable devices, starting with android 5.0. Further support is also announced.
4. Most applications are optimized for stable operation on Lolipop and Marshmallow.
5. In version 6.0 of Marshmallow, the integration of a microSD card with the internal memory of the device is available.
6. The OS loads less RAM.

Disadvantages:

1. More hardware resources are required, which is why older devices are not stable.

New versions

Will appear on future devices, as well as in the form of updates on current and some discontinued products. The version offers new features, capabilities and a security update. Also recently discovered vulnerabilities were fixed. Correct work with wearable devices is provided. At the same time, the first time, applications may not work correctly due to insufficient optimization.

Benefits:

1. Closed recently discovered security holes.
2. Added new and improved old features.
3. Correct work with wearable devices.
4. Memory cards are used to store the application cache.

Disadvantages:

1. Due to the lack of optimization, the first time applications may not work properly.
2. Unstable operation of devices with weak or outdated hardware.

Conclusion

So which Android is better? Given all of the above, we believe that devices based on Android 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat are better, since this version of the OS has several advantages. At the same time, you will have to put up with insufficient application optimization for the first time, which will pay off in the future. It is also optimal to choose a device on 6.0 Marshmallow, since the transition to the next version is likely. In addition, do not forget that the newer the system, the higher the requirements for hardware resources. Therefore, a smartphone or tablet with outdated or weak hardware on the new version of Android does not work as efficiently.

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