What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?

If you are not tech-savvy, you can easily get confused about different operating systems, manufacturers, device models, and specifications. One such example is that people consider “Samsung” and “Android” to be synonymous, which is not entirely correct. Let’s find out the difference between Samsung and Android phones through the following article!

Samsung phones running Android operating system

Android is a mobile operating system, while Samsung makes phones and tablets that run on Android. Simply put, Android provides the platform for your Samsung phone to run apps and services.

Just like Windows and macOS are desktop operating systems, Android is one of the two main operating systems for mobile devices. The other is Apple's iOS, which runs on the iPhone.

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?
Update Android OS on Samsung Phones

However, other smartphone operating systems still exist. Some are no longer available and are no longer being developed, including Windows Mobile, BlackBerry OS, and Tizen.

Note that Android is not a company and does not make smartphones, just like Windows is not a company and Microsoft is.

Manufacturers often bundle Google Mobile Services (GMS) with Android, providing Google-licensed interfaces and apps like Google Search and Google Chrome. However, Android and GMS are not inherently linked; phones can run Android but still use proprietary apps and interfaces.

Google owns and develops Android, but the operating system itself is open source and free for other developers to use and customize.

How are Samsung phones different from other Android devices?

Now that we’ve established that Android is an operating system, how does Samsung customize it? Samsung is a global electronics company that manufactures devices like displays, smart home appliances, and TVs. It also manufactures and sells smartphones, tablets, and other consumer electronics.

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?
Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung sells its smartphones under the “Galaxy” brand, which is divided into product lines like the Galaxy Z (foldable devices) and the Galaxy S (high-end, high-performance devices). Although Samsung has experimented with other mobile operating systems, all Samsung Galaxy smartphones currently run the Android operating system.

One thing that sets Samsung phones apart from other Android phones is One UI (formerly known as Samsung Experience and TouchWiz). One UI is a custom “skin” or software layer that Samsung adds on top of Android to make its Galaxy devices stand out from the crowd.

One UI is considered one of the best Android skins because it has many features, customization options, and Samsung apps and services that Android doesn't offer. Some of these features include Edge Panels, Modes and Routines, Secure Folder, and the Bixby voice assistant. In fact, many of Samsung's software innovations have been baked into the core Android experience.

Are all Android phones the same?

No, all Android phones are not the same. Samsung is just one of many companies that use Android for their devices. Other major smartphone manufacturers include Google, Sony, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo.

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?
Various smartphones are displayed in the store.

Just like Samsung, all of these major smartphone manufacturers add their own custom skins on top of Android. This helps them differentiate their devices, stand out from the competition, and offer something unique to their customers.

Some Android skins are primarily about aesthetics, while others focus on providing more functionality. You can learn all about Android skins and why companies prefer them over Stock Android .

The core, unmodified Android experience developed by Google is called “Stock Android.” It used to be rare to find a phone that offered the Stock Android experience. These days, it’s a bit more common, especially with Google’s Pixel phones competing with Samsung’s offerings.

Do Samsung phones evolve with Android?

Android is an ever-evolving operating system. Google releases a new major version every year. For a long time, Android named its versions after desserts (Nougat, Oreo, Pie), but now it's naming them numerically, like Android 13 and Android 14 .

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?
Galaxy AI Live Translate during phone calls on S24 Ultra

As Android evolves, so does Samsung’s One UI. Samsung generally releases a new major version of One UI for every major Android update, but the company also releases minor updates during that cycle. For example, the One UI 6 update has many features built on Android 14, but the newer One UI 6.1 update unlocks Galaxy AI features on older Samsung phones.

Your Samsung phone won’t get Android or One UI updates indefinitely. Samsung typically supports its new devices with these major updates for four years after they’re released. After that, your phone will only get important security updates, though those updates will eventually stop.

It's worth noting that Samsung is improving on the software support front, promising seven years of Android updates and major security updates for the entire Galaxy S24 lineup.

However, since Samsung phones use a custom interface, they won't get updates as quickly as Google Pixel phones running stock Android. Also, how quickly you get the One UI update depends on your location and phone carrier.

Does Samsung make the best Android phone?

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?
Play racing games on Samsung S23 Ultra

Now that you know the difference between Samsung and Android, should you buy a Samsung phone that uses Android? That comes down to personal preference, although there are good reasons why Samsung sells the majority of Android phones. According to Statcounter, Samsung holds 23.69% of the global smartphone market share at the time of writing, second only to Apple.

There are plenty of Samsung phones to suit every budget; if you can afford it, try to opt for the Galaxy S series which benefits from the best hardware, although the Galaxy A series is more affordable without sacrificing too many features.

However, if you're not a big fan of Samsung's custom One UI interface, consider checking out other manufacturers. The Google Pixel phones, with their stock Android experience, might be for you. Alternatively, you could ditch Android altogether and go with an iPhone — Apple develops both hardware and software with all the quality you'd expect from the company.

The Galaxy S series was launched in 2010, with the first phone in the series selling over 20 million units. Although Samsung stumbled along the way, the company has since picked itself back up and is never afraid to innovate. Whether you want a flat screen, a curved screen, or a foldable phone, Samsung has something for you.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

The cost of replacing the screen of the Galaxy S25 series will be cheaper than the Galaxy S24

The cost of replacing the screen of the Galaxy S25 series will be cheaper than the Galaxy S24

Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 Ultra with Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, which is said to be more resistant to drops than the Armor glass on the S24 Ultra. But that's not all: replacement parts for repairing the screen are also significantly cheaper than previous generations.

Why you shouldnt ditch Samsung Internet for Google Chrome?

Why you shouldnt ditch Samsung Internet for Google Chrome?

Some people decide to go with the default Internet browser that Samsung provides on Galaxy devices. It's simple, customizable, private, and packed with useful features.

Which smartphone manufacturer has the best Android updates?

Which smartphone manufacturer has the best Android updates?

There are many Android manufacturers, but not all of them pay attention to software updates. Although the situation has improved over the past decade, not all smartphone manufacturers provide great software support.

Samsung partners with OpenAI to develop AI TV, promising many interesting features

Samsung partners with OpenAI to develop AI TV, promising many interesting features

Samsung Electronics is reportedly collaborating with OpenAI on an ambitious joint project to develop AI TVs that incorporate industry-leading artificial intelligence technologies.

Samsung is bringing a great video-recording feature from Pixel phones to the Galaxy

Samsung is bringing a great video-recording feature from Pixel phones to the Galaxy

The quality of video captured through smartphone cameras in general has improved dramatically over the past few years.

Samsung is about to launch a phone rental service

Samsung is about to launch a phone rental service

You want to buy Samsung Galaxy S25 but your budget is not too much. Or you simply want to try out the experience of Samsung's flagship smartphone.

List of Samsung Galaxy smartphones that will stop software support in 2025

List of Samsung Galaxy smartphones that will stop software support in 2025

Samsung is one of the smartphone manufacturers that offers the longest software support period for its devices, especially its flagships.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10: Configuration, expected release date

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10: Configuration, expected release date

The Galaxy Tab S10 is sure to be one of the top products on the market when it launches.

10 Cool Tips and Tricks to Use Samsung One UI 3.0

10 Cool Tips and Tricks to Use Samsung One UI 3.0

The latest One UI 3.0 (based on Android 11) is now available on flagship Galaxy S and Note devices, packing a host of new features and improvements.

Samsung launches 3D Eclipsa Audio sound technology, competing directly with Dolby Atmos

Samsung launches 3D Eclipsa Audio sound technology, competing directly with Dolby Atmos

Samsung Electronics has announced plans to integrate Eclipsa Audio, a brand new 3D audio technology, developed through a partnership with Google, into its 2025 lineup of TVs and soundbars.

Why You Shouldnt Rush to Upgrade to Samsungs Vision AI

Why You Shouldnt Rush to Upgrade to Samsungs Vision AI

While the buzz around Vision AI is undeniable, many are still not convinced it's time to upgrade.

Samsung reveals patent for foldable display for handheld gaming device

Samsung reveals patent for foldable display for handheld gaming device

Samsung is considered a pioneer in popularizing folding screen technology on smartphones with two smartphone lines, the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip.

Will Samsung launch a cheap Galaxy Z Flip7 FE model?

Will Samsung launch a cheap Galaxy Z Flip7 FE model?

There are rumors that the Korean tech giant is likely to launch a budget version of the Galaxy Z Flip7, called the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE.

How to reduce shutter lag on Samsung phones

How to reduce shutter lag on Samsung phones

Samsung phones, especially budget and mid-range ones, are notorious for shutter lag. Slow shutter speeds can cause blurry images and make it harder to capture moving objects.

IPhone Has Hidden Trackpad: Have You Tried It?

IPhone Has Hidden Trackpad: Have You Tried It?

Compared to a computer, where you have a mouse to make precise selections, tapping in the right place on an iPhone (or iPad) is much harder. That is, until you learn about the hidden trackpad that's been right under your finger all along.

White wallpaper, beautiful white wallpaper

White wallpaper, beautiful white wallpaper

This is a collection of white wallpapers, white background images for all screen resolutions. If you like white, please refer to this album.

9 iPhone Privacy Settings You Should Turn On Right Now

9 iPhone Privacy Settings You Should Turn On Right Now

Apple does a better job than most companies when it comes to privacy. But not all of the default settings on the iPhone are in the user's best interest.

How to fix Apple CarPlay not working error

How to fix Apple CarPlay not working error

There are many reasons why Apple CarPlay may not work, stop working, or work incorrectly.

The OnePlus 13 has a great feature that more Android phones really need

The OnePlus 13 has a great feature that more Android phones really need

The phone that many people love right now is the OnePlus 13, because in addition to superior hardware, it also possesses a feature that has been around for decades: the infrared sensor (IR Blaster).

The Best Google Play Store Alternatives

The Best Google Play Store Alternatives

Google Play is convenient, safe, and works well for most people. But there's a whole world of alternative app stores out there—some that offer openness, some that prioritize privacy, and some that are just a fun change of pace.

How to fix black Android phone screen

How to fix black Android phone screen

Android black screen really makes users very uncomfortable. If you can not turn on the device, the screen is always black and unresponsive, maybe you should try some of the following solutions with Quantrimang.

Never Forget Missed Calls on iPhone with This Feature

Never Forget Missed Calls on iPhone with This Feature

iOS 26 introduces a super simple feature to set call reminders for missed calls, helping you minimize the possibility of forgetting to call back important calls.

How to change DNS on iPhone, Android phones

How to change DNS on iPhone, Android phones

Changing DNS on iPhone or changing DNS on Android will help you maintain a stable connection, increase network connection speed and access blocked websites.

Instructions for joining shared albums on iPhone

Instructions for joining shared albums on iPhone

When you send a collaborative album on iPhone to someone else, they'll need to agree to join it. There are several ways to accept invitations to share an album on iPhone, as shown below.

How to find lost AirPods

How to find lost AirPods

Because AirPods are small and light, they can sometimes be easy to lose. The good news is that before you start tearing your house apart looking for your missing earbuds, you can track them using your iPhone.

4 iPhone Features That Dont Work in Some Countries

4 iPhone Features That Dont Work in Some Countries

Did you know that depending on the region where your iPhone is manufactured, it may have differences compared to iPhones sold in other countries?

Change These 6 Settings to Stop New Android Apps from Tracking You!

Change These 6 Settings to Stop New Android Apps from Tracking You!

If you haven't checked your privacy settings in a while, now is the time to prevent future tracking before it starts.

How to text using iMessage on Android devices

How to text using iMessage on Android devices

There is a way to enjoy iMessage (one of the best features of the Apple ecosystem) without having to give up your Android phone.

2 ways to separate audio from video on iPhone

2 ways to separate audio from video on iPhone

In addition to using video editing apps to separate audio from video on iPhone, there are many other ways to do it, such as using shortcuts.