One of the greatest technology shifts this century has been the rapid adoption of smartphones and their associated operating systems. According to statistics, at least 1.34 billion smartphone sold in 2022 alone. While it is forecast that in 2028, around 136 million tablets are expected to be shipped.
In this article, we take a look at the impact of modern Android devices more than 13 years since they were first introduced. We will look into how Android has won over its biggest competitor and why you should consider getting a rugged Android tablet or handheld for your business’ next digital device upgrade.
Are there any upcoming developments or trends in the world of Android technology that consumers should be aware of?
Consumers should keep an eye on the rise of foldable smartphones in the Android market. These devices offer larger screens without compromising portability, providing a unique user experience. Additionally, advancements in 5G technology are expected to revolutionize connectivity and speed on Android devices.
The Impact of Android Devices on Society
The emergence of computing and communication for mobile devices has greatly changed the course of how people live. Not only that, it has had an evolutionary effect on how every industry functions. When smartphones were initially introduced in the early 90s, many believed that these devices were mainly for business use because of their high cost. However, when Apple introduced the first modern smartphone in 2007, it became a regular consumer product.
The rise of smartphone popularity became more apparent with the introduction of Android. Android empowers a wide range of devices allowing consumers to enjoy an easier life. From a simple GPS to a digital assistant that can answer questions – Android powers them all.
Android phones and others continue to have a huge impact on society. According to BM Magazine UK, smartphones are the most important technology trend since the inception of the internet in the 90s. Some of the best android phones are the top-selling devices around the world – a testament to their success.
How Android Phones and Tablets Changed Lives
Through its open-source system, Android promises to create a technology that is useful for everyone. In a little over a decade, it is very obvious that Android revolutionised society. According to the research survey done, more than 65% of people who use devices rely on smartphones more than other products like laptops. Smartphones are used for reading the news or taking photos.
Impact on Business
An Android phone or any other android device has a huge impact on how businesses deliver their products and services. Aside from just relying on smartphones to streamline operations, collect data, or communicate. It also created a new and very competitive industry – the app development sector. It also increased the value of several other sectors like the internet provider industry, eCommerce, and more.
Impact on Education
The delivery of education was also revolutionized by smartphones. They have in a lot of ways, improved the quality of education, especially with the improvement of Internet access worldwide. The Internet together with smartphones has allowed students to access information that was never possible before. In 2020, students can simply pull out their Android phones to access data or information halfway around the globe.
Impact on Health
Android smartphones have transformed how healthcare providers provide their services. Smartphones have led the way in the rapid growth of medical software applications. Healthcare providers now rely on smartphones to communicate, and access hospital information, and various clinical software. Android Smartphones also offer a variety of unique apps to help improve health. A typical consumer, for example, may download apps to track exercise, diet and more.
Social Impact of Android Smartphones
The way people get together, communicate, and build relationships has drastically changed thanks to the widespread use of smartphones. Smartphones have fuelled the growth of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They allowed the reintegration of people with special needs, the elderly, and others with disabilities into society.
Psychological Impact
In the fast-paced world that many consumers face today, time management is crucial. Smartphones allow for easy scheduling of things to do. This is why millions of people rely on their Android Smartphones to manage their busy lives.
Important Statistics On Android Smartphones
While there is an extremely huge market for smartphones, two names remain the top choices for most consumers – Android or Apple iOS. Android remains the most popular mobile operating system in the world. It is the mobile platform for the digital giant Google. Unlike Apple IOS, Android is not tied to any hardware maker, which helps boost its growth exponentially.
Source: StatCounter Global Stats – OS Market Share
Smartphone vendors have been suffering from the events of the past couple of years, including the pandemic and the economic downturn. However, they all appear to be recovering, as shown by the recent increase in shipments. Noticeably, within the current Top 5 Vendors, the majority of the underlying operating systems are Android based.
Android Facts
The early intentions of the company were to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras , and this was the basis of its pitch to investors in April 2004.It was unveiled in November 2007, with the first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream , being launched in September 2008
- Android Developer: Google
- Creators: Rich Miner, Andy Rubin, Nick Sears, and Chris White
- Launch Year: 2008
- Website: www.android.com
Versions
Source: Wikipedia – Android
Why is Android More Popular Than IOS?
IOS or Apple was the first company to introduce the modern smartphone to consumers. The iconic introduction of Apple Founder Steve Jobs still plays fresh in the minds of millions of smartphone users today.
What are the main differences between Android and iOS operating systems?
The main differences between Android and iOS operating systems lie in their customization options, app availability, device compatibility, and user interface. Here are some key distinctions:
1. Customization: Android offers more flexibility and customization options compared to iOS. Users can personalize their devices by changing themes, widgets, and launchers on Android, while iOS has a more standardized look and feel.
2. App Availability: The Google Play Store on Android typically has a wider selection of apps compared to the Apple App Store on iOS. However, iOS apps are often optimized for the platform, leading to higher quality and consistency.
3. Device Compatibility: Android is an open-source platform used by various manufacturers, resulting in a wide range of devices with different specifications and price points. In contrast, iOS is exclusive to Apple devices, providing a more uniform user experience across iPhones and iPads.
4. User Interface: Android’s user interface is known for its versatility and ability to be customized, whereas iOS prioritizes simplicity and ease of use with a consistent design language across all Apple devices.
Ultimately, the choice between Android and iOS comes down to personal preference based on factors such as design aesthetics, app preferences, device features, and ecosystem integration.
Are there any upcoming developments or trends in the world of Android technology that consumers should be aware of?
Consumers should keep an eye on the rise of foldable smartphones in the Android market. These devices offer larger screens without compromising portability, providing a unique user experience. Additionally, advancements in 5G technology are expected to revolutionize connectivity and speed on Android devices.
Smartphone Manufacturers Use Android for Their Products
Smartphone hardware makers prefer to use Android for their products. This is probably one of the biggest reasons why Android remains to be very popular. iOS can only be used on Apple-made iPhones and iPads. In contrast, any manufacturer can marry their hardware to an Android operating system.
The reason behind this preference is the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) which was launched by Google and several other software companies, mobile operators, and hardware manufacturers. The OHA was made essentially to compete with the launch of the iPhone which back then dominated the market. This led to Android being the choice operating system and allowed open-source licenses to mobile phone manufacturers.
This also meant that those who have an older featured mobile operating system switched to Android. Furthermore, many local brands and startup companies relied on Android OS. In recent years, there was a huge boom in the Indian and Chinese smartphone markets. These manufacturers also used Android which further boosted their sales.
In 2020, Android and iOS continue to dominate the market. A few mobile operating systems have tried to compete with these smaller operating systems including Blackberry OS, Windows OS, BADA, Open WebOS, Palm OS, and Maemo. Many of these smaller companies, however, failed to gain significant traction in the smartphone market. Soon they eventually moved to Android.
Wide Range of Prices
Compared to iOS, Android offers a very wide price range for its devices. Consequently, Android became the top choice for most developing countries, where smartphone use continues to rise. Developing countries have weaker dollar exchange rates but usually have a larger young working population who can afford to buy budget smartphones that use Android.
In countries like the United States, 57% of smartphone users have iOS devices as announced by a report in 2018. This is a stark contrast to most developing countries where iPhones continue to be an exclusive brand. Some of the biggest countries in the world India and China – account for about a third of the world’s population use Android.
Android is More Flexible
To compete, iOS eventually allowed an open-source system with some third-party devices. Nevertheless, Android is still an obvious leader in this area. This means it makes various devices work together seamlessly. For example, if you have a Google Home Speaker, a Fossil Android Smartwatch, a Samsung Android TV, and a Huawei Phone, they will all work together with no problem.
This wide range of devices makes it a better choice for more consumers. They can choose whatever brand they want without worrying if it will work for day-to-day use like data transfer. This is not the case with iOS, since you will have to purchase Apple Devices to make them work together.
Advanced Features of Android Smartphones
As Android continues to dominate the market, it will be helpful to look at some of its best features. This will help you understand why it is still the best choice for many consumers.
Android can be up to 90% more affordable than an iOS device and does not sacrifice quality. You can expect comparable features (sometimes even better) to iOS. For its latest version, Google has formally improved Android 10. For example, they have now given immense importance to protecting the privacy of Android users.
Dark Mode
For some time, Google has been experimenting with applying a system-wide dark mode. This project was realized with Android 10. You can easily activate dark mode using a quick-tile setting. You can also do this using the battery-saver option. Additionally, dark mode is also available on apps like Google Photos, Podcasts, and Search.
Smart Reply
Smart Reply is a feature that takes text prediction to a new level. Android’s latest version allows users to enjoy “smart” suggested responses in a variety of messaging apps like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. It is a great way to save time when users only need to send short responses. According to Google, the suggestions used are entirely created using on-device machine learning. This means your privacy is protected and relevant information is not stored on Google servers.
Better Sharing Menu
Android has received numerous complaints about the slow functionality of its sharing options. Google has improved this feature in Android 10. The slightly revamped feature meant it is faster and easier to use. Now, when users need to share something such as a web page or a photo, the share menu will look different. When sharing a webpage the top will be the URL and a copy icon that will allow you to copy the link to the clipboard. Below the webpage, the link is the typical share icons for various apps on the device.
The Focus Mode
Focus mode is another prominent feature that Android 10 implemented. This feature is an extension of the Digital Wellbeing suite. Focus mode grays out other apps that may distract you. It will also hide their notifications so you can concentrate on whatever you are doing better. In addition, Digital well-being is also improved with integrated parental controls.
Easy Access to Settings
Android has always been superior to its competitors when it comes to accessing its settings. For example, it is very easy to toggle Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other connectivity choices. Android 10 made this even easier while you are using apps.
Google added the settings panel which can be accessed by apps. For example, when your Android Smartphone is in airplane mode and you use a browser, the app will then open the settings panel and tell you to activate your Wi-Fi or data connection.
Numerous other noteworthy features simply show how superior Android is.
- Dynamic Depth Format – For depth editing of images
- Improved Files App – So your files are saved all in one area
- Overhauled Permissions – Privacy features that grant specific permissions to users
- Gesture Navigation – Users can get around with an intuitive gesture feature
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is a convenient feature that allows you to charge your phone without plugging it in. Some Android phones come with built-in wireless charging capabilities, while others require a special case. Aside from wireless charging, fast charging is also a crucial feature to look into. Many phones do not have a reliable charging speed which can delay work productivity.
Dual Camera System
If you’re someone who loves to capture photos with your phone, consider getting a phone with a dual camera system. Dual camera systems typically include a regular camera and a telephoto camera, which allows you to zoom in and capture more details.
How To Choose The Right Android Device
Thanks to the powerful open-source platform of Android, hardware makers around the world launch new models regularly. Most manufacturers add improvements such as better screen resolution, lighter devices, faster charging, and more. In the end, all of these devices use Android 10 which is the most reliable operating system in the market today.
When it comes to choosing the best Android phone for your needs, there are several factors to consider, including battery life, camera quality, processing power, and overall design.
Decide on Screen Quality and Size
It is easy to get confused with the wide range of Android Smartphones in the market. One of the ways to make your choice easier is to consider screen quality and size. Android phones can range from 4.5 to 7.2 inches. Depending on your needs you have a lot of options to choose from. Make sure it is a good size and quality as you will be spending a lot of time staring at your smartphone’s screen.
The best recommended Android Smartphone screen size is 1920 x 1080 pixels. If your phone has an 18:9 aspect ratio pick out 2160 x 1080 pixels. In short, anything that has 1080 pixels or higher will provide sharp and crisp images.
Battery Life
One of the most important features to consider when buying an Android phone is its battery life. You want a phone that will last you all day without needing to be charged.
Technology
As explained above, Android phones can come with a wide range of technology. So you need to make sure that you take into consideration the kind of hardware that a manufacturer brings. For example, if you need to take a lot of photos, you may want to consider those with high megapixels for the camera.
Android Smartphones is used for multiple purposes from browsing social media to paying for purchases.
Google Assistant
If you’re looking for an Android phone that can help you with daily tasks and make your life easier, consider getting a phone with Google Assistant. Google Assistant is a virtual assistant that can help you with everything from sending text messages to setting reminders and answering questions.
Android Smartphone Performance
The performance of your Android smartphone is determined by two things: the RAM and processor. Choosing a good processor is important as a newer one will mean faster performance and better power efficiency. In 2020 the top Android processor was Qualcomm Snapdragon 865. There is an ongoing debate on how much RAM a great smartphone should have, though it is recommended to have at least 4GB.
Pen Stylus
If you’re someone who likes to take notes or draw on your phone, consider getting a phone with a pen stylus. Other Android phones come with an integrated s pen stylus. For business purposes, the stylus can be a great addition.
Calls Through Your Devices
While it may seem obvious, one of the most important functions of any phone is making phone calls. Some Android phones have better call quality than others, so if this is important to you, consider getting a phone with excellent call quality.
Headphone Jack
Some people still prefer to use wired headphones with their phones. The Google Pixel 6 is one of the few phones that still has a headphone jack, making it a great option for people who want to use wired headphones.
Software Updates
Software updates are essential for keeping your phone up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Rugged Devices for Work Purposes
In addition to their ruggedness, our Android handheld devices blend the versatility of the Android operating system with rugged construction, making them perfect for tough industrial, outdoor, and field environments.
| SX40 | SX56 | SX50 | SX51 | SX65 | SX5L | SX55 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
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| Screen Size | 4″ | 5.7″ | 5″ | 5.5″ | 6.5″ | 5″ | 5.7″ |
| Specification | 4GB + 64GB | 4GB + 64GB | 6GB + 128GB | 6GB + 128GB | 8GB + 128GB | 4GB + 64GB | 4GB + 64GB |
| Android Version | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 14 (Upgradable) | 10 | 11 |
| Battery | User swappable | Fixed | User swappable | User swappable | User swappable | Hot Swappable | Fixed |
| Run time at full brightness | 8 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours | 16 hours | 18 hours | 8 hours | |
| Barcode | 2D | 2D | 2D | 2D | 2D | 2D ultra long range | None |
| Extra Features | 25-Button Keypad | Fingerprint Sensor | Front NFC | ||||
| Accessories | Pistol Grip, Desk Dock | Desk Dock | Hand Strap, Pistol Grip, Desk Dock, Multi-dock, Vehicle Mount | Hand Strap, Pistol Grip, Desk Dock, Multi-dock, Vehicle Mount | Hand Strap, Pistol Grip, Desk Dock, Multi-dock, Multi-battery charger | Pistol Grip, Desk Dock | Desk Dock |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP68 | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IP54 | IP68 |
EQUIP YOUR BUSINESS WITH OUR RUGGED HANDHELD SOLUTIONS
At Conker, we specialise in rugged technology solutions that cater to the demanding needs of modern industries. Our selection of rugged Android handhelds and PDAs combines durability with advanced functionality, ensuring that your business stays productive in any environment. Browse our collection and find the perfect rugged device for your operations.
For all of your Rugged Android Handled needs get in touch with Conker here.
