Android Security Essentials Exam dumps
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Android Security Essentials
Android Essentials exam
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Android 12, which launched on the Pixel 6 series, was one of Google’s biggest efforts in years. It introduced a host of new features that paved the way for Android 13. It introduced the Material You design language, revised notification features, and plenty more, giving Android a fresh new feel.
Each OEM will release its versions of Android 12 with their respective skins at different times. Be sure to visit our update tracker for more info on when your phone might receive its update. If you have a newer phone running Android 12, our Android 13 update tracker details when your device will see the latest version of the OS.
Read on for an extensive look at the features introduced in Android 12.
Material You and other new design elements
Android 12’s big story is its massive redesign. The new design, Material You, blends multiple elements together into a single cohesive design language that works across the entire OS. Let’s take a dive into each piece individually.
Color extraction
Color extraction is the base coat of paint in the new redesign. Basically, the OS natively extracts the colors from your wallpaper and uses them to theme your OS. You can see how it looks in the screenshot above. In short, you set a wallpaper, Android 12 extracts the colors, and then your OS has hints of color from it.
The color changes take place all over the OS, including the Settings, Quick Settings tiles, and any app with Material You support. On Pixel devices, examples include the dialer, contacts app, and calculator. It even works with widgets as well, as shown in the video at the top of the article. We will see more as developers begin adding support.
Users can override the color extraction and choose a color if they want to. It looks quite nice, even if the OS tends to favor light, pastel colors over vibrant colors. Of course, the Styles & Wallpapers app on Pixel devices was revamped to house all of these new changes.
Widget emphasis
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Android 12 puts a much larger emphasis on widgets than many previous versions of Android. The widget selector was completely overhauled for easier scrolling and viewing. Additionally, widgets have a few new APIs to Boost performance, work with Material You theming, and even new widgets in Android 12 natively.
The new APIs help developers Boost how widgets look and function. Hopefully, it encourages developers to update widgets since many look the same as they did years and years ago. Plus, with Material You theming, it’ll be easier to personalize widgets and make them look better with your home screen. This is the biggest emphasis Google has put on widgets since resizable widgets became a thing in Android Honeycomb.
Quick Settings tiles
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
The Quick Settings received a rather large overhaul as well. The smaller toggles are gone, replaced by larger, rounded rectangle buttons. These new tiles work like previous toggles where you tap to turn them on and off. There are also new tiles for camera and microphone access (more on that later), Google Pay, alerts, and smart home stuff.
A few of the tiles work differently. For instance, the Internet tile always opens a prompt now and houses both mobile and Wi-Fi data information. By and large, it is just an aesthetic change. On the plus side, the larger tiles are much easier to read and house more information. Of course, that comes at the cost of space. Users who use toggles heavily will no doubt need multiple pages.
Settings
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
The Settings menu not only saw a redesign but also a few minor changes. For the redesign, it borrows heavily from Samsung’s One UI with large headers that take up a ton of space. It makes the top settings on any given page easier to reach on taller phones. The new design, codenamed Silky Home, required ADB to access in early developer previews but comes stock on Android 12.
The only other noteworthy change is the addition of Safety & Emergency to the main Settings page. It lets you define stuff like an emergency contact and some other stuff without the need to dive into the settings further.
Notifications and other changes
Android 12 has a bunch of smaller changes. The list includes animations to make things smoother, a new always-on display that changes based on whether or not you have notifications, slightly updated notifications, and other little bits to make the OS feel more fluid, alive, and responsive. These changes are present across the OS in a bunch of different ways. There is also a new charging animation when you plug in your phone that looks quite nice.
Notifications also got some love from Google this year. Not only did they get a subtle design update to fit better with Android 12’s aesthetics, but under-the-hood changes help apps launch faster when opening from a notification along with other improvements to make them look and feel better.
New features
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Android 12 also ships with some new features. There are no knockout punches, but most of the new features added some quality of life improvements that we appreciate nonetheless. Here is a quick roundup of those Android 12 features.
Scrolling screenshots
Scrolling screenshots existed long before Android 12, but official support is definitely welcome. This feature was added in the third beta build and stayed. It’s a fairly simple task. Take a screenshot as normal and then click the Capture More button to get a full scrolling screenshot. You can crop from there if you want to. In addition, the screenshot edit section was improved with new features like adding text and other stuff.
Read more: Hands-on with Android 12’s scrolling screenshot feature
AppSearch
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
The feature works offline and has an endless supply of potential uses. You can even search for music and the search will return results from your streaming app of choice. Google says that AppSearch should return results faster than using in-device search while also using fewer resources.
Improved auto-rotate
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
For years, auto-rotate was decided by your phone’s accelerometer. It detects when your phone is flipped on its side and then the screen does the same. Android 12 introduces face detection for auto-rotate. Basically, your phone looks at your face and only rotates if it notices your phone has changed orientation. Thus, you can do things like lay in bed on your side and the phone won’t rotate.
Easier Wi-Fi sharing
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
This one is a pretty minor new feature. The QR code method is still available like previous versions of Android. However, there is now a small button below that lets you use Nearby Share to send your Wi-Fi credentials to someone else’s phone. It’s faster when sharing with multiple people and doesn’t require you to hold your phone up for everyone to scan.
One-handed mode
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Android 12 includes a native one-handed mode. It’s available in the Settings by going to System and then Gestures. The mode shrinks everything down to half size. It looks a lot like multi-window mode, except the top half of the screen is blank. The one-handed mode makes it easier to reach basically anything one-handed on taller phones.
Rich content insertion
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
This minor but fun feature is new to Android 12. It’s an API for developers that lets their apps move media between apps. You’ll be able to do something like copy and paste an image from one app to another. It should also work with marked-up text (bold, italic, etc.), videos, audio files, and more. It would help cut out the middle man of sharing images from one app to another.
Audio selection in the media player
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
The media player present in the Quick Settings lets you easily change your audio source. You simply click the button and a list appears with all the currently connected devices. For instance, you can switch from your Bluetooth speaker to your phone speaker at the press of a button.
Overview suggestions
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
For Android 12, Google added overview suggestions to the accurate apps section. When you go into the accurate apps section, you’ll now see suggestions for things to do. For instance, if you have a browser open, your accurate apps may suggest that you copy the link to the page you have up for easier sharing.
Other minor additions
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
New under-the-hood features
Every version of Android comes with so many under-the-hood changes we can’t possibly list them all. Under-the-hood changes include mostly new APIs for developers that make apps better, but it’s stuff that you can’t really see in the OS itself. Here are some under-the-hood changes in Android 12.
Haptic feedback coupled with audio
You probably recognize this feature mostly from gaming consoles. You feel it when your controller shakes in response to an explosion on the screen. Android 12 comes with this ability natively. Game developers can make your phone vibrate when things happen on screen. There are some non-gaming uses for it as well, such as with movies or syncing vibration with custom ringtones.
App hibernation
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Android 12 comes with a new section in the Settings called unused apps. This new section houses apps that were put to sleep because you didn’t use them for a specific amount of time. Apps in this section have all of their permissions revoked and they’re basically just sitting there doing nothing until you open them again. You can also turn this functionality off on an app-by-app basis if you want to.
Game Mode APIs
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Android 12 includes Game Mode APIs for game developers. The new API lets developers include variable performance functions for easier optimization. For instance, a developer can have a mode that lowers performance but preserves battery or a mode that maxes out performance at the expense of the battery. The new API is also tied to Android’s upcoming Game Dashboard, an overlay with various utilities for gamers. The Game Dashboard is coming later this year.
Other, smaller changes
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
- HEVC media transcoding: Apps without HEVC support can have Android 12 transcode it into AVC — a more available video compression format.
- AVIF image support: AVIF is an image codec like PNG or JPEG. It promises the same quality as JPEG but won’t claim as much storage space on your device. It uses the AV1 codec, first introduced in Android 10.
- Multi-channel audio: Android 12 now supports MPEG-H in passthrough and offload modes. Audio mixers, resamplers, and effects now support up to 24 channels overall.
- Optimizations for large and funky displays: Basically, Android 12 includes better support for things like televisions, foldable, and tablets. Notably, Google is also working on another version of the OS focusing on this dubbed Android 12L. This version should be launched later this year.
- Universal splash screens: Material You added a lot of cohesion to the Android experience. Part of that includes a splash screen for every app automatically whether the developer supported it or not. Devs have the ability to tweak the splash screen if they want.
- Optimizations for apps: Some other optimizations for apps include Google blocking background apps from launching foreground services. There are also latency and workload distribution improvements that should also Boost performance.
- Picture-in-picture improvements: Some improvements to picture-in-picture mode include smoother transitions, improved controls depending on what content is in the picture.
- Project mainline improvements: Google announced that ART would make its way to Project Mainline and be available for update through the Play Store. There are other modules being added as well.
The list is even longer than this, believe it or not. You can learn more on the Android 12 developer page here.
Security and privacy improvements
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Google has calmed down a bit with security and privacy improvements in Android 12. Usually, Google has a ton of little tweaks. However, in accurate years, Google has opted for larger and more impactful changes.
Privacy Dashboard
The Privacy Dashboard was a big deal at Google I/O 2021. It is exactly what it says. You can access the dashboard from the settings and it shows you which apps used which permissions, when, and how often. The front of the dashboard houses a literal dashboard with a pie chart showing how many permissions were used. You can then click on any category and see a breakdown of which apps used the permission and exactly when.
From there, you can do a few things. You can ignore the data and just be aware of it. Another option is to click on an app in the dashboard where you’ll be taken to the part of the settings where you can disable the app’s permissions. We don’t think a lot of people will do that, but it’s very nice being able to see how and when all your apps use permissions.
Microphone and camera indicators
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Android 12 also includes indicators for camera and microphone use. Basically, a little microphone or camera indicator appears in the top right corner of your phone screen whenever an app accesses one of those things. A green dot persists after the initial indicator goes away to let you know that an app is still using it. It’s a quick and easy way to tell the user when the microphone or camera is active.
For added security, you can disable both the camera and microphone. Google added new toggles in the Quick Settings specifically for this purpose. You simply toggle one of them off to completely disable the camera or microphone. We tested it with the camera app and there is even a prompt that shows up if the camera permission is turned off.
Approximate location
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
Google added the approximate location permission to Android 12. The approximate location permission gives apps a general idea of where you are, but not a definite location. It helps hide the user’s exact location from apps that don’t really need it. You should be able to choose which permission you want in any app that asks for location.
An example of where this is useful is a weather app. Weather apps don’t need your exact street address to show you the local weather. It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or at the local grocery store, the weather forecast is the same. There are many other examples, but the approximate location will dramatically reduce the number of apps that know where you are.
Smaller security updates
Joe Hindy / Android Authority
- Restricted Netlink MAC: In Android 11, only privileged apps could access a device’s Netlink MAC address. In Android 12, Google now restricts all apps from memorizing it.
- Bluetooth permission changes: Apps can now scan for Bluetooth devices without needing to ask for your location.
- Device sensor restrictions: Device sensors that sense motion or movement now have refresh restrictions. For example, an app can only ping your accelerometer so often before Android 12 tells it to wait a minute.
- Android Compute Core: This is a new security feature in Android 12. We don’t know exactly how it works, but Google says it separates the cloud from on-device information when using things like Live Caption.
You can view more security and privacy changes from our roundup here or on the Android developer website here.
Don’t forget to check out our review here for more details and click here to check out the Android 12 Easter egg!
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Android Auto is one of the best apps you can get for your car. It’s already available on your Android phone, and if your car supports it, you have a quick way to access Google Maps and music apps, make and receive calls, and reply to messages (with your voice) while you’re out and about. Android Auto makes life much easier on the road. When it works. Unfortunately, one of the most common phone problems users complain about has to do with Android Auto. Here’s a look at some Android Auto problems and how to fix them.
Read more: What is Android Auto?
Editor’s note: Some of these steps were put together using a Pixel 7 Pro running Android 13. Some steps might be different depending on your hardware and software.
Does my phone, stereo, or car support Android Auto?
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Let’s start with the basics. Not all phones, cars, or stereos support Android Auto. There are also location restrictions, so you won’t be able to use Android Auto from unsupported countries.
Android Auto requires that your phone runs at least Android 8.0, and that’s for a wired connection. Those wanting to use Android Auto wirelessly will need an active data plan, 5GHz Wi-Fi support, and at least Android 11. There are some exceptions. Google and Samsung phones can get away with Android 10. Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, and Note 8 handsets can do with Android 9.0.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store. For any phone with Android 10 or newer, Android Auto is already baked into your phone’s Settings menu.
Let’s move on to cars and stereos. You can check the car and third-party stereo compatibility on Google’s official list. The list of vehicles shows the oldest model that supports Android Auto, and it’s safe to assume that accurate cars from these manufacturers support the service. Most accurate releases also support Android Auto Wireless. But it’s best to check with the seller first to ensure the vehicle you are interested in supports the service.
Unfortunately, if the car or stereo doesn’t support Android Auto, you won’t be able to use it on just your phone. Google removed the Android Auto for phone screens feature with Android 12. You can still download and install the app on older devices. But with any phone running Android 12, you will have to rely on the Google Assistant Driving mode.
Android Auto availability also depends on your location. The app is available in 46 countries, and not all of them support Google Assistant while using Android Auto. You can find the complete list of supported countries here. Scroll down to the FAQ and look for Is the Android Auto app available in my country?
Similarly, if you live in an unsupported country, there isn’t much you can do other than wait (very patiently).
The classic solution of turning it off and back on!
It’s one of the most common troubleshooting tips: restart it! I’ve found the same applies to Android Auto not working. First, try unplugging your phone and plugging it back in. This often fixes the problem. If that doesn’t work, turn the phone off and back. Lastly, you can try turning the car off and on again.
How to restart your Android phone:
- Press the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously.
- Tap on Restart.
Android Auto is not working on recently purchased phones
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Phone makers make it easy to transfer files, apps, and settings from an old phone to a new device with apps like OnePlus Switch, Samsung Smart Switch, and more. Users say that using these methods to set up their new phones often causes problems with Android Auto. There are a couple of solutions we can recommend.
Uninstall and update the Android Auto app:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for Android Auto.
- Tap on the Android Auto app page.
- Hit the Uninstall button and confirm the action by tapping on Uninstall again. Let the process finish.
- Tap on Update.
- Try using Android Auto again.
Clear the Android Auto app cache and storage:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go into Apps.
- Tap on See all apps.
- Find and select Android Auto. In newer devices, the app is moved to the system and might appear as com.google.android.projection.gearhead.
- Go into Storage & cache.
- Tap on Clear storage and Clear cache.
Check Android Auto app settings
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
The Android Auto app has various settings that might be deactivated, which can stop the app from working when connected to a car.
Check the Android Auto settings are correct:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go into Connected devices.
- Tap on Connection preferences.
- Hit Android Auto.
- Select Start Android automatically and pick Always.
- Toggle on Start Android Auto while locked.
- Enable Wireless Android Auto if your car and phone support it. If it doesn’t, or you want to use a wired connection, disable this setting instead.
- Tap on Previously connected cars at the top of the settings and ensure your vehicle isn’t accidentally on the Rejected cars list. Enable Add new cars to Android Auto. However, in some cases, if you plan to use the same car every time, users say that disabling this setting helps fix connection problems.
Android Auto problems with the USB cable
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
A lot of Android Auto connection problems occur because of a faulty cable. If you see frequent disconnections or Android Auto isn’t loading at all, the cable might be the problem.
Potential solutions:
- Google recommends using a cable under 1 meter (3 feet) long. It’s also best to use the cable that comes with the phone. If you use a third-party cable, make sure it is USB-IF certified.
- Check the cable to see if it works with another phone or car. If not, it’s likely a faulty cable that you will need to replace.
- A March 2023 Android Auto update (version 7.5.121104) added a USB startup diagnostics tool to tell you if you are using a suitable cable. After connecting the phone to your car, open the Android Auto Settings, tap on Connection help, and go to USB startup diagnostic.
- It could be a settings issue. The phone should automatically recognize when you are trying to use Android Auto. If it only charges the phone when you plug it into your car, open the notification drawer. Tap on USB settings and select Data transfer/Android Auto.
Problems with Android Auto Wireless
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
You don’t have to worry about carrying a cable around if your car supports Android Auto Wireless (check with your car manufacturer). However, plenty of users face problems with connecting to the wireless feature.
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go into Connected devices.
- Select Connection preferences.
- Hit Bluetooth.
- Toggle Use Bluetooth on.
If you are facing problems with Android Auto Wireless, users say that setting up a wired connection first seems to do the trick. Plug the phone in with a cable and set up Android Auto. Once the connection is established, Android Auto should work the next time wirelessly. Turn off your car, unplug the phone, and try to use Android Auto Wireless.
Blurry, pixelated, or blank screen
Some users say that while Android Auto seems to connect and the Google Assistant works as expected, they see a blurry, pixelated, or blank screen.
How to increase the Android Auto video resolution:
- Open the Android Auto app.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap on the Version section to display the Version and permission info.
- Tap on this section multiple times continuously.
- You’ll be asked if you want to allow development settings. Hit OK.
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Open Developer settings.
- Go to Video resolution.
- Set the resolution to the highest option available.
Fixed/known Android Auto problems
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
With a mix and match of phones, cars, and third-party stereos, it’s difficult to pinpoint what is causing Android Auto problems and offer solutions beyond general troubleshooting. Google continuously updates Android Auto and fixes issues as they come up. You should also report any problems you face to let Google know.
Recent fixed problems (January 2023)
- Amazon Music plays the wrong song.
- Unable to navigate/scroll when using Google Maps.
- Android Auto uses phone speaker for calls instead car speaker.
- “App isn’t compatible” error on Pixel 7 devices.
- Missing weather icon on the top right of the car display.
- “Looking for Android Auto” notification on Android 13.
- Navigation doesn’t start via voice command.
- Google Assistant doesn’t make outgoing calls.
- Connectivity issue on Samsung Galaxy Z.
Known issues
- Screen turns black when saying “Hey Google.”
- Assistant does not read incoming messages.
- Pandora app automatically starts on connection.
- Android Auto randomly disconnects on Pixel 7 phones.
- Can’t connect to Samsung S22 Ultra.
- Android Auto does not connect post Android 13 update.
- Android Auto does not connect post MIUI 13 update.
- No sound from Google Assistant.
How to send feedback/bug reports
Open the Android Auto settings page and tap on the three vertical dots at the top right corner. Go to Help and feedback > Send feedback. You can also post your problems on the Android Auto community page.
- iPhones and Android-powered smartphones have competed for market share since 2008 with Google’s Android OS launch.
- iOS and Android devices offer a robust and nearly identical app selection, though apps tend to debut on iOS first.
- The deciding factors between iOS and Android devices for business are a user’s preference and investment in the broader Apple or Google ecosystem.
- This article is for business phone users who are deciding between an iPhone and an Android phone for professional use.
Apple introduced the iPhone and its underpinning iOS in 2007, and the first Android device hit the market in 2008. Ever since, Apple and Google have been in constant competition for your pocket and wallet.
Both companies have leveraged their international, multibillion-dollar brands to sell their devices and become indispensable in users’ personal and professional lives. Deciding between iOS and Android for business use means addressing personal preferences, brand loyalties and device capabilities.
We’ll break down each ecosystem’s security features, hardware, cost and software differences to help you decide which platform is better for your mobile business device.
FYI: If you’re issuing smartphones to employees, you should choose a business smartphone data plan that accommodates your business’s data needs and budget.
When you’re choosing an iPhone or Android phone for business use, consider the following factors:
- Your current tech ecosystem
- How you’ll use the device
- Hardware
- Security
- App selection
- User interface
- Price
Tech ecosystem factors to consider when choosing iOS or Android
Comparing iOS and Android devices is similar to comparing Macs and PCs. Unless you must perform a specific task that only one operating system can accomplish, your current tech ecosystem may be a deciding factor.
In addition to iPhones and Android phones, respectively, Apple and Google control a broad range of online resources and tools. If you’re already enmeshed in one company’s products, it makes sense to stick with that operating system for your smartphone, since they tend to integrate seamlessly.
For example, if you have a Mac and an Apple Watch and use Apple’s iCloud to store documents and images, an iPhone may be the right business smartphone choice. On the other hand, if you sync your calendars on Google Calendar, use an Android-based business smartwatch, and rely on Google Play Music to get your tunes, an Android phone may suit you best.
Usage considerations for iOS vs. Android
How you intend to use your smartphone may factor into your device choice. For example, if you’re a freelance videographer who purchased a high-end iMac to render videos, an iPhone would be an excellent addition to your tech tools.
However, if you work with a Chromebook and need an affordable device that facilitates your constant multitasking, you’ll likely be pleased with an Android phone.
Did you know?: As of April 2023, iPhones made up nearly 58% of U.S. smartphones, compared with 42% for Android devices. However, Android dominates the worldwide market, with almost 72% of the global market share, compared with iOS’ 28%.
Hardware factors to consider when choosing between iOS and Android
When Apple and Google first started selling phones, the hardware designs were drastically different. iPhones were sleek, while early Android devices sported a more functional look.
However, these days, iPhones and Android phones have similar looks and options, including larger, high-definition screens. Both offer excellent battery life and capacity; it’s now standard to find iOS and Android flagship and budget phones sporting batteries with more than 2,000 milliamp-hours (mAh), which can allow for an entire day of use or more without needing a charge.
Here’s a look at each company’s top-of-the-line offerings:
- Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max. If you want a flagship device with all the bells and whistles, consider the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This stunner runs iOS 15 and sports 6GB of RAM, a 4,352-mAh battery, a 6.7-inch OLED screen and three 12-megapixel rear cameras.
- Google’s Pixel 6 Pro. Over in the Android camp, it’s a little harder to pick out a flagship device, since so many manufacturers use the Android OS. If you want to go with Google’s top device, that would be the Pixel 6 Pro. The Pixel 6 Pro runs Android 12 on a 6.7-inch OLED screen. The Pixel 6 Pro has 12GB of RAM, three rear cameras – 50 megapixels wide, 12 megapixels ultrawide and 48 megapixels telephoto – and a 5,003-mAh battery.
Also consider these hardware factors:
- Storage. One advantage Android phones have over iPhones is the potential to expand storage. While many new devices have hard drives that start at 128GB, some Android smartphones allow users to increase the phone’s storage by adding microSD cards. While it’s not a hugely important feature, it’s still a noteworthy option.
- Gaming capacity. Because smartphones are now ubiquitous and the parts have gotten cheaper over time, even midlevel phones can handle today’s games. With Google Tensor CPUs in Google’s Pixel line and the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13, those devices represent the top of the line for sheer processing power.
Tip: If you have a retail business, you can turn your iPad into a POS system by adding a credit card reader and a POS app to process payments and manage sales.
iOS and Android security measures to consider
Strong security is crucial for keeping your work phone locked down. So which platform is more secure: Android or iOS? The answer isn’t so clear-cut.
iOS device security overview
There are two main advantages of iOS security:
- Apple’s control of the ecosystem. Apple tightly controls the entire ecosystem, including the hardware, firmware and software. The company closely screens every app in its App Store, significantly reducing the danger of buggy or malicious apps.
- Legacy support. iOS devices have excellent legacy support; older iPhones get firmware and security updates years after their release. This means your device is guaranteed to run the latest software with the latest security fixes.
Android device security overview
The Android platform suffers from device fragmentation; there are dozens of devices from different manufacturers. This leads to some potential problems:
- Slower upgrades. Each device ships with a specific Android version, and it’s usually not the latest and greatest. Many devices eventually get upgraded to the latest Android version, but it can take months after the software upgrade launches and may vary among carriers.
- Potential security holes. Android’s upgrade model means security patches must be dispatched across a much wider range of hardware and software. That could leave a greater potential for security holes to go unchecked. On the plus side, Android’s open-source nature means security holes are generally discovered and patched rapidly. And as of Android 10 (released in 2019), Google began offering an OS-level option for encryption on some devices.
Over the years, Google has taken steps to make its apps more secure:
- App permissions. Apps now ask for individual permissions – say, to access your phone’s camera – only when those functions are needed. This way, you don’t have to approve a slew of permissions before installing the app.
- Automatic updates. Apps have been able to update automatically in the background since Android Nougat, released in 2016.
Daily security on both platforms
For daily security options, you’ll find biometric sensors on all modern iPhone models and most Android phones. A fingerprint reader or face scanner is a nice perk for workers who want to keep their smartphone locked down without fussing with a password or PIN every time they power on their devices.
Which platform is more secure?
Android and iOS take very different approaches to security, so which is better? The answer is that both platforms offer strong security most of the time. Occasionally, security vulnerabilities are discovered in one or the other, making that platform a bit less secure until the problem is fixed. Overall, though, business users should feel comfortable using either platform.
Tip: Looking to keep work messages secure? Check out the five best free secure messaging apps for business that work for both iOS and Android.
iOS and Android app factors to consider
There was a time when iOS had this category in the bag, with Apple’s App Store renowned for its app quality and selection. However, the Google Play store has come a long way and boasts a robust app selection. Additionally, nearly every major app has iOS and Android versions.
Here are a few app factors to consider:
- App availability. Apps still tend to arrive at Apple’s App Store first because developers can easily tailor their apps to iPhones and iPads, as the hardware is more controlled. Android app development, by contrast, has to take a wide range of screen resolutions and technical specifications into account because the platform is available to any manufacturer.
- App quality. There was a time when any app developer had easy access to upload their apps to the Google Play store, which often led to subpar or potentially dangerous apps making their way onto phones. Bad actors found it easier to install malware on Android phones than on more closely controlled iPhones. Google has worked to fix this issue by checking apps for malware before approval, but bad and poorly developed apps still exist.
- Business app availability. Most importantly for small business owners, most of the major productivity applications – such as Microsoft’s excellent OneNote, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint – are available on both platforms. The App Store also boasts myriad iPhone business apps, including iPhone business contact management apps, while Google Play offers Android business apps, Android apps for IT professionals, Android email apps and more.
iOS and Android user interface aspects to consider
If the user interface is important to you, you’ll be pleased to know that both systems are highly user-friendly. Previously, iOS may have eked out a slight edge over Android, but accurate versions of Google’s operating system have improved significantly. In most cases, your phone will be snappy in response to your screen gestures and taps.
- When to choose iOS: If you want a more straightforward and consistent experience across multiple devices, iOS is the right choice.
- When to choose Android: If you want a more customizable experience aimed at “power users,” Android is more your speed. Android users can customize nearly everything about their user experience and can organize their apps screens more freely. They can also transform the operating system’s look with different launchers. You can also choose new default apps for specific functions – something Apple and its suite of programs don’t allow.
Both platforms also incorporate helpful voice-activated personal assistants:
- Siri on iOS. Apple’s assistant lets you save notes and reminders, draft emails and fetch driving directions, among dozens of other tasks.
- Google Assistant. Google Assistant (called Google Now on older versions of Android) offers a similar feature set as well as integration with smart home gadgets like the Echo Dot and IFTTT.
Ultimately, which platform offers the best user interface is a matter of personal preference.
Did you know?: In addition to Siri and Google Assistant, AI assistants include Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa. You can download Cortana for Android and iOS, while Alexa is available on Amazon’s devices.
Budget factors to consider in iOS vs. Android
Price is perhaps one of the most significant considerations in the choice between an iPhone and an Android phone.
- High-end device costs: With Android phones, you have myriad options at a range of prices. On the higher end, Google’s Pixel 6 Pro starts at $899, which is a substantial sum but less expensive than the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s $1,099 price tag.
- Low-end device costs: The lower-end iPhone 13 mini costs $699, while budget-conscious purchasers can pick up the large and function-rich Moto G Stylus for $299. Luckily, prior generations of iOS and Android phones are still serviceable and usually cost several hundred dollars less.
Remember that Android also has a massive range of smartphones available from a broad swath of manufacturers, so prices vary wildly. On the other hand, in Apple’s strictly controlled ecosystem, there’s no competition on device prices.
Choosing the right device for your business
When you’re choosing a smartphone, determine how the device makes you feel and how helpful it will be to you in your small business.
The iOS-powered iPhone is an excellent choice for Apple fans who use Mac computers because the devices integrate seamlessly. Plus, iPhones are extremely polished and easy-to-use devices with strong security and a wide app selection.
Android, on the other hand, is a good pick for users who want more hardware options. Android phones come in more shapes and sizes than iPhones, so you can purchase precisely the device you need. Plus, budget-priced Android phones are more affordable than any iOS-powered device on the market.
Andrew Martins and Brett Nuckles contributed to the writing and reporting in this article.
This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
Android phones feature the latest cutting-edge technology in phones. The best Android phones are often equipped with the most advanced features and hardware that mobile tech can offer, with Apple often following Android's lead. From powerful phones like Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra with its stunning zoom camera, to more affordable models like the budget-friendly Pixel 6A, there's an Android phone out there for everyone. And to help you find the one that's right for you, we've rounded up the best Android phones 2023 has to offer so far.
If you've got deep pockets and a passion for latest and greatest tech around, then you can even look toward Samsung's folding models, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4. Those bending displays will certainly draw a few curious looks when you're out and about.
But all those choices can also make the shopping for the best Android phone 2023 has to offer an overwhelming and confusing experience, which is why I've rounded up my favorite Android devices. These powerful Android phones all have generally great cameras, screens, battery life or all of the above. I also considered features such as 5G and wireless charging.
Read on to see my top picks for the best Android phones and check out the best tips on how to buy a new phone, too. CNET's team updates this list periodically as we review new products.
Like:
• S Pen is included with the phone and there's a slot for storing it
• Great low-light photography
• Closer zoom than most competing phones
• Distinct design
Don't like:
• Expensive
• Cameras are mostly the same as on the Galaxy S21 Ultra
• Battery life isn't as long as the S21 Ultra
The $1,200 Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the most expensive Android phones out there, but for good reason. It has a giant 6.8-inch display, an S Pen stylus you can store inside the phone (just like the Galaxy Note), and a four-lens camera with a zoom range that's hard to beat. Samsung also improved the way all of its new Galaxy phones take photos in low light, which is especially important on a photography-oriented phone like the Ultra.
The only downsides? The S22 Ultra's sky-high price and relatively short battery life. Still, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the best phone for people who want the biggest screen and one of the best cameras available in a smartphone. You just have to be willing to pay a higher price for those perks.
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Like:
• Refreshed design looks great
• Superb cameras
• Clean and enjoyable interface
Don't like:
• Battery life could be better
Google's latest flagship phone, the Pixel 7 Pro, isn't a huge overhaul from the already excellent Pixel 6 Pro Google launched last year. But it's taken that winning formula and made some key tweaks to almost every element, resulting in a superb phone that's bliss to use. The refreshed camera can take stunning images too, earning its spot among the best flagship phones around. It typically sells for $899, but Google currently has it on sale for $150 off.
Like:
• Bright screen
• Good balance of screen size and comfort
• Better camera with improved color and contrast
• Attractive design
Don't like:
• $1,000 is still expensive for a phone
• Battery life isn't as long as the iPhone 13 Pro's
• No new built-in camera modes
• Fast charging requires a special $50 adapter
The $1,000 Galaxy S22 Plus has the right balance of size, performance and camera performance for most people. The 6.6-inch screen provides plenty of space for those who prefer larger-sized phones but feel like the Ultra might be too overwhelming (and expensive). The upgrade to a 50-megapixel camera also makes a huge difference compared to last year's Galaxy S21 lineup, especially when it comes to color and contrast in photos.
My biggest complaint is that the battery life was just mediocre, although it did outlast the regular Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22 Ultra during CNET's battery test. It also would have been nice to see new features that take advantage of the S22's improved camera, especially since the S22 Plus is more expensive than several phones on this list. Still, the Galaxy S22 Plus has everything most people need in a new phone.
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Like:
• Sleek design
• Great value
• Main camera is Google's best
Don't like:
• Battery life is good but not great
• Not as much Android version support as Samsung
At around $600, the Google Pixel 7 offers a great way to put some of Google's best tech in your pocket without emptying your bank balance in the process. It undercuts the fully-specced 7 Pro model by some way, but still packs the same Tensor G2 processor, a glorious screen and a great main camera.
Like the 7 Pro, it's had a refreshed design which looks classy and stylish, while its Android 13 software is clutter-free and easy to use. The battery life could be better, but with careful use you'll get through a day on a charge. It lacks the telephoto zoom and a couple of the other bells and whistles of the 7 Pro, but if you're after a solid everyday phone at a decent price, then the base Pixel 7 is a great option.
Like:
• Improved camera with better low-light photography
• Elegant design
• Great size for people who prefer smaller phones
Don't like:
• Battery life could be better
Finding a smaller-sized Android phone is no easy task these days. Most phones come with screens that are at least 6.4 inches or larger, leaving people who prefer petite phones with few options. The $800 Galaxy S22 checks that box. It has everything we loved about the Galaxy S22 Plus -- an eye-catching design, an excellent camera system with a 50-megapixel main lens and a sharp screen -- but in a more pocket-friendly size.
Still, the Galaxy S22 falls short in the same area as its pricier siblings: battery life. I was able to get through a full day with the S22's refresh rate set to adaptive, which cranks it up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling, but only barely. That said, the S22's battery life might be enough for some people, especially those who spend most of their day at home or in the office with a charger nearby. The Galaxy S22 is otherwise a solid choice for any Android user, but especially those looking for a smaller-sized phone.
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Like:
• Nice screen
• Speedy performance
• IP67 water-resistant
• Affordable price
Don't like:
• No wireless charging
The next-gen Pixel 6a is available now, and if you want 5G on the cheap the smartphone is a solid choice. This Pixel phone has a high-end chipset, great rear cameras, a good display, and average battery life. It is one of the cheapest good 5G smartphones you can buy right now.
Like:
• Classy design
• Powerful performance
• All-day battery life
• Vibrant screen
Don't like:
• Disappointing camera
• Waterproof rating restricted to T-Mobile-exclusive models
• Lacks 80-watt fast charging in the US
The OnePlus 10 Pro earned a good score in our review thanks to its slick design, its powerful performance and its price tag, which undercuts its main rivals. It needs a few improvements -- most notably to the camera, which is good, but not great -- but this flagship offers a great overall experience. If you're after a top-end 5G phone that's a bit different to your friends' iPhones and Galaxy phones then it's a solid option to consider.
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Like:
• 120Hz cover screen
• Water resistance
• Enhanced tablet experience
• Software improvements for multitasking and Flex Mode
Don't like:
• $1,800 is still expensive
Foldable phones haven't really hit the mainstream, remaining instead only in the reach of those willing to spend top dollar on the latest in mobile innovation. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best folding phone around, offering top-notch performance, a great camera setup and a variety of tweaks to its folding technology that make this Android smartphone more desirable than its predecessor.
Likes:
- Better battery life than before
- Still the best flip phone to get into foldables
- Water resistance
Dislikes:
- Same cameras as the Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is an iterative update but it packs a punch for the $1,000 price tag. With a better battery life thanks to a more power efficient processor and a bigger battery, the Flip is finally worth investing in as a flagship device.
At a whopping $1,800 list price, the Sony Xperia Pro isn't for everyone. But if you're a photographer or videographer looking for professional-level camera phone features, you can't go wrong. The Xperia Pro is essentially four products in one: a phone, a camera monitor, a speedy photo file transfer device and a 5G machine suitable for broadcasting and livestreaming.
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Like:
• Flashing design
• Solid performance
• Affordable price
Don't like:
• Cameras are only okay
• Not yet available in the US
The Nothing Phone 1's affordable price, its solid performance and its good-enough camera setup already makes it a solid option to consider if you're looking for an Android phone on a budget. But this phone takes the pizzazz up a notch with its suite of flashing LED lights on the rear which certainly makes it stand out against its competitors.
It's a great phone that we enjoyed reviewing, but there is a downside; As of right now, there's no plans to launch the phone in the US. UK shoppers can pick it up right now, but those of you in the US will have to simply keep your fingers crossed.
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More phone and Android recommendations
Installing one of the best Android antivirus apps on your smartphone or tablet can not only help protect you from malicious apps and other types of malware but can also help keep you safe from becoming a victim of identity theft.
Besides excellent malware detection and prevention, the best Android antivirus apps also include useful privacy and anti-theft features. While most of these apps have a free service tier so you can test them out first, some are entirely free and others like Google Play Protect come pre-installed.
Some of the best Android antivirus apps on this list can even backup your contacts and other important data, track your devices using GPS and take a picture of a thief using your smartphone or tablet’s camera.
We’ve rounded up the best offerings available from the biggest names in the mobile antivirus business – Avast, Bitdefender, Lookout, McAfee, Norton and even Google itself – and rated their Android apps based on ease of setup, interface, usability, extra features and of course, their ability to protect your devices from the latest threats.
The best Android antivirus app you can get
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Bitdefender's Android security app has nearly flawless malware protection, a very light performance impact, Android Wear watch integration, a VPN client and a malicious-website blocker that works with most Android browsers.
It also has robust privacy-protection tools, including an app lock, a Wi-Fi scanner, anti-theft features and data-breach notifications. A newly added feature, Scam Alert, flags possibly malicious links in SMS text messages, messaging apps and screen notifications.
Bitdefender Mobile Security offers a 14-day trial period, but this is not a freemium app. The separate Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Android app (which is indeed totally free) only scans for malware.
The built-in VPN client gives you only 200MB of free data per data — just enough to check your email while traveling. If you want more data, you'll have to pay $7 monthly or $50 yearly.
But at $15 per year, Bitdefender Mobile Security is well worth the expense. It's our choice for the best Android antivirus app.
Read our full Bitdefender Mobile Security review.
Norton Mobile Security, aka Norton 360, offers the best malware protection of any of the Android antivirus apps we tested. Unfortunately, it no longer has anti-theft functions, nor its contacts backups and Link Guard malicious-link blocker.
Norton also killed Norton Mobile Security's free tier, which was the best among all the Android antivirus apps we'd recently tested. That's been replaced with a security-only app for one device that costs $15 a year.
For $50 a year, a medium-priced tier called Norton 360 for Mobile adds unlimited VPN service and "dark web" monitoring of your personal information. The most expensive plan, Norton 360 Deluxe, $105 per year, is actually part of Norton's antivirus lineup and lets you protect up to five Android, Windows, Mac or iOS devices.
All of these subscriptions can be paid for right through the Norton app, which has a 14-day free trial period.
Norton's killer feature is the unique App Advisor, which checks apps on your device for heavy data usage and unusual behavior. It also checks apps in the Google Play store for security and privacy risks even before you install them.
Read our full Norton Mobile Security review.
Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus is one of the most full-featured of the best Android antivirus apps, offering everything from a privacy adviser to a system optimizer to a customizable blacklist.
While Avast's malware protection is good, it's far from perfect. Some of Avast's anti-theft functions didn't work for us, and its call-blocking feature didn't work at all. (It's since been removed.) And the free version's ads and constant nags to upgrade are annoying and intrusive.
Those ads go away if you pay for either of Avast Mobile Security's paid tiers, Premium ($2 monthly or $20 yearly) or Ultimate ($7 monthly or $40 yearly). Users of either paid plan also get additional anti-theft features, an app locker and tech support.
The built-in client for Avast's SecureLine VPN is just a tease, and the only way to use it is to pay for an Ultimate tier. Since the stand-alone price for SecureLine is $60 per year, paying an extra $20 on top of the premium Android antivirus tier for unlimited VPN data is not a bad deal.
Read our full Avast Mobile Security review.
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus, also known as Kaspersky Internet Security for Android, offers nearly-perfect malware protection, a small system impact and a call blocker that actually works.
There are no ads in the free version, and not much nagging to upgrade to the paid plan. Free users get call filtering, Android Wear support and a strong set of anti-theft functions, but you have to scan each new app manually.
Paying users get automatic scans of new apps, an app lock and blocking of known phishing websites. And that's about it. There's no Wi-Fi network scanner and none of the privacy tools that other Android antivirus apps now offer.
If you're just looking for malware protection, you can't really go wrong with Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus's free tier. But while the paid version is inexpensive, it feels stripped-down, and you can get more from Bitdefender's rival paid app for $5 less.
Read our full Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus review.
Lookout Mobile Security, now rebranded as Lookout Security and Antivirus or Lookout Personal, was one of the first Android antivirus apps, and for a long time the best. Its ease of use, clean interface and lack of ads explain its continued popularity.
But Lookout's costs can rack up quickly. The free tier is bare-bones; it just scans for malware and locates lost phones.
The premium tier charges $30 per year, even though some of its features — malicious website blocking, Wi-Fi network scanning — come free with other Android antivirus apps. An unlimited VPN and a data-breach notification service make the premium price worthwhile.
At $100 per year, the "premium plus" plan is actually a fairly inexpensive identity-protection service that offers many of the same benefits you'd get from LifeLock or IdentityForce. It might well be worth the expense.
The trouble is that Lookout doesn't often submit its app to third-partly lab evaluations, so we don't really know how well Lookout protects against malware. Its active scans are also slow and take on a hit on your phone's performance.
Read our full Lookout Security & Antivirus review.
Like Avast, McAfee offers (or used to offer) a ton of useful features, but its free version is also full of ads and upsell suggestions. The malware protection is decent, if not fantastic.
In the summer of 2021, McAfee Mobile Security phased out many of its most useful functions (opens in new tab), including its App Lock, Guest Mode, Anti-Theft, Memory Booster and Storage Cleaner features. It's not really clear why this was done, other than to "adjust our product portfolio."
You'll get some good stuff with the free version of McAfee Mobile Security, such as a way to track each app's data usage and a Wi-Fi security scanner.
You'll get even more with the "Standard" premium tier, including a URL screener, 24/7 tech support and no more ads. But it's a bit pricey at $30 per year considering that Bitdefender and Kaspersky give you the same features for less.
The top paid tier, "Plus," costs $80 per year and gives you the Standard features plus unlimited VPN access, but only for that single phone or tablet. You can get one of the best VPN services to cover all your devices for less.
Read our full McAfee Mobile Security review.
Google Play Protect comes built into every Android device that runs Google Play, and it would be great if it worked well. Unfortunately, Google Play Protect's dismal malware detection makes the strongest possible argument for using a third-party Android antivirus app.
We did like that Google Play Protect's interface is minimal, there are no ads and the system impact is light. Some of Android's other built-in features, including Find My Device and Chrome Safe Browsing, mirror what third-party antivirus apps do on the side.
Google Play Protect's best feature is that Google can use it to remotely disable dangerous apps. This stays the case whether you're running third-party antivirus software or not. We recommend you not disable Google Play Protect.
But overall, Google Play Protect is awful at protecting you from malicious apps. For your own sake, please use something else.
Read our full Google Play Protect review.
Best Android antivirus app comparison chart
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Avast Mobile Security | Bitdefender Mobile Security | Google Play Protect | Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus | Lookout Security & Antivirus | McAfee Mobile Security | Norton Mobile Security for Android |
| Price per year | Free; $12; $24 | $15 | Free | Free; $15 | Free; $30; $100 | Free; $30; $80 | $30 |
| Minimum Android support | 5.0 Lollipop | 5.0 Lollipop | 4.4 Kit Kat | 5.0 Lollipop | 5.0 Lollipop | 7.0 Nougat | 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Ads | Free version | No | No | No | No | Free version | No |
| App lock | Premium only | Yes | Yes | Premium only | No | Discontinued | No |
| Anti-theft | Partly premium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partly premium | Discontinued | No |
| App advisor | Yes | Yes | No | No | Partly premium | Yes | Yes |
| URL screener | Yes | Yes | Yes | Premium only | Premium only | Premium only | Yes |
| Wi-Fi scanner | Yes | Yes | No | No | Premium only | Yes | Yes |
| VPN | Costs extra | Unlimited data costs extra | No | No | Premium only | Costs extra | No |
| Wear OS support | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Why you should use an Android antivirus app
In order to keep your Android smartphone or tablet safe, you should keep its software updated to the latest version. This is because each new version of Android is more secure than its predecessor, and each monthly Android security update fixes newly found flaws.
However, unless you have a Google Pixel or Android One phone, you won’t get these updates and upgrades right away. Most device makers need extra time to make sure that changes to Android won’t break their devices or software.
The time between updates can be a couple of weeks though it can also take months. To make matters worse, some Android phones stop getting Android OS upgrades after two years and a few never receive monthly security patches at all.
This is where the best Android antivirus apps come in. They stop attacks that try to get around Android’s built-in defenses, especially those that Google has patched but your device doesn’t yet (or never will) have. They also stop new attacks that Google Play Protect won’t catch, even on Pixel devices.
How to choose the best Android antivirus app for you
Android antivirus apps typically come in three pricing schemes: fully free, fully paid and freemium.
Freemium apps let you choose between getting a limited set of features for free or upgrading to the premium version which gives you access to all of their features, similar to fully paid apps. Apps that offer a lot of features for free may also show you a lot of ads.
Some of the features included in the best Android antivirus apps might include anti-theft mechanisms, an “advisor” to help you examine and choose apps, a Wi-Fi network security scanner or an app lock that requires a passcode to open specific apps.
Both paid apps and premium tiers generally cost between $15 and $30 per year. However, some app makers try to limit the number of devices you can install their premium/paid versions on. Meanwhile, others tack on a super-premium tier that gives you unlimited access to a VPN or an identity theft protection service, often at a pretty good price.
Still though, the most important factor when deciding on which Android antivirus app to use is malware protection.
Norton and Bitdefender lead in this area while Kaspersky isn’t far behind. Avast is good but not great while the built-in Google Play Protect still needs some work. We’re not sure about both Lookout and 360 Security since neither company has submitted their apps to accurate lab tests.
How we tested the best Android antivirus apps
In order to gauge the security protection offered by each of the best Android antivirus apps, we used the latest bimonthly test results from the independent German lab AV-TEST (opens in new tab) which measures how well Android security apps can detect zero-day malware and other threats.
As some apps had scores that were inconsistent from one test to the next, we also looked back at the previous two years of results.
At the same time, we also used some results from the Austrian lab AV-Comparatives (opens in new tab) that tests nearly every Android antivirus app on the Play Store once a year including those that don’t work together with testing labs. However, these tests are less detailed.
To measure the impact antivirus apps have on an Android smartphone’s overall performance, we used the benchmarking app Geekbench 5 on a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 running Android 12. For each app, we ran Geekbench without an antivirus app first to establish a baseline before running it with one of the review apps installed as well as during each app’s full scan.
From here, we then took a closer look at the number and usefulness of each app’s features and evaluated which features are reserved for paid users. Additionally, we assessed each app’s user interface and installation process.
A good smartwatch can add some serious convenience to your day-to-day routine. If you already use an Android smartphone, it just makes sense to get an Android smartwatch as well. The Apple Watch remains one of the most popular picks out there, but if you have an Android phone, you won't be able to take full advantage of the features. That's why you should get a watch that's designed for your preferred operating system.
Whether you use your smartwatch for its fitness-tracking features, or as a less-distracting alternative to your phone, a smartwatch is a convenient way to stay connected and get information at a glance. And there are plenty of worthy contenders for just about any budget that offer key features like activity tracking, a heart rate sensor, Samsung Pay and more. And there are many different styles to choose from to suit your taste.
If you're looking for the best Android smartwatch out there, check out our recommendations below. You'll notice we're not recommending many watches powered by Wear OS because Google and Samsung have rebooted the OS, but every Android smartwatch listed here is a solid wearable with great features that pairs seamlessly with your Android phone or device. We'll update our selections for the best Android smartwatch on the market periodically as we review new products.
Google's first Pixel Watch wants to tackle the Apple Watch head-on. For the most part, it succeeds thanks to a sleek, curved design and a range of health sensors including an ECG app and blood oxygen tracking. It has a suite of fitness tracking features and analysis through the Fitbit app and accurate heart rate tracking.
Beware that the battery isn't as strong as other options on this list and you will likely find yourself charging this watch every day, especially if you like to do outdoor GPS workouts and track your sleep. It's also only available in one 41mm size.
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Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro are two of the best Wear OS watches you can get right now. They have longer-lasting batteries than last year's Galaxy Watch 4 models and plenty of great fitness tracking features. Google apps including YouTube Music, the Google Assistant and Google Maps are available, with many more apps accessible through the Play Store. You do need a Galaxy phone to use the ECG, but all the other features work seamlessly with other Android phones.
But the new temperature sensor isn't active yet, and both watches miss out on the classic physical rotating bezel, one of the signature features of Samsung's Galaxy Watch and Gear watches from years past.
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The Galaxy Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to run the new Google Wear platform, co-designed by Samsung and Google. Even though it's now been superseded with the Galaxy Watch 5, you can still buy the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, the version with a physical rotating bezel. ECG and heart-rate tracking are onboard, but Samsung tries to differentiate itself from other watches with a new impedance-based electrical sensor that can tell you more about your body composition. The battery life is not as strong as other watches on the list.
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The Versa 3 smartwatch is compatible with both iOS and Android phones and lets you choose between Alexa or Google Assistant as your go-to voice assistant. It doesn't offer all the apps and smart features that some of its competitors do, but it's a well-rounded smartwatch with plenty of health and fitness features to keep you on track, such as onboard GPS and live heart rate monitoring notifications. The Android user can use this wearable to receive notifications for calls, texts, and calendar events. If your Android phone is nearby, you can use the Fitbit Versa to send a quick reply. It's the best smartwatch on this list for sleep tracking, and it even gives you a breakout of your SpO2 and body temperature data overnight (for Fitbit Premium users). Battery life is also better than most: I got about four full days (and nights) of use with the screen always on.
There is also a newer model of this smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 4, which we will be testing and evaluating soon.
Garmin makes plenty of great smartwatches for fitness enthusiasts, but they don't always have that many smart features. The Venu 2 hybrid smartwatch offers the best of both worlds. You can respond to notifications from the watch with quick replies, use contactless payments with Garmin Pay and store music from apps like Spotify. The bright AMOLED circular screen is easy to see outdoors and the battery lasts for 5 days or more. The Venu 2 Plus offers all the same features, but includes a speaker and microphone for taking quick calls from your wrist when your phone is in range, or talking to your voice assistant.
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If you're looking for a fitness-focused Android watch without too many distractions, which works with both Android and iOS, the Garmin Venu Sq is the watch to get. It has a built-in GPS, plenty of workout options to choose from, and lots of fitness tracking data about your workout like heart rate zones and running dynamics in the mobile app.
This Android smartwatch also doubles as a health tracker with high and low heart rate alerts, a comprehensive sleep analysis and SpO2 tracking. It measures blood oxygen levels on demand, or automatically throughout the day and night just like the Apple Watch Series 7, but for half the price. But you do compromise on design. The watch has a plastic frame, and the watch face's screen isn't as big or as vibrant as those on some of the other watches on the list. There's also a newer version of this watch, the Venu Sq 2, with a battery that lasts even longer, but it is significantly more expensive.
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If you're looking for an Android-compatible watch that looks more like a dive watch, check out the Withings ScanWatch Horizon. It has regular watch hands and a tiny circular display that shows notifications scrolling across it like a ticker. But the focus is mostly on health-tracking features like monitoring your sleep, heart rate and workouts. There's also an ECG onboard, and the battery can last two weeks or more.
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