Over the years, Android has been an operating system which is used by millions of individuals. It is a de-facto operating system for electronic devices. This operating system has some interesting features which make it one of the most sought-after operating systems in the world. We can go on about the Android operating systems but that’s not our main focus.
In this article, we have carefully mapped out different Android Alternatives out there as there are some sets of individuals who are interested in trying out something new. Furthermore, we shall also be looking at some of the factors one needs to consider when choosing an Android alternative
So, if you are curious and would want to know not just the different alternatives to Android and things to consider when choosing an Android alternative, then you must read this article till the end.
Factors to Consider When Choosing An Android Alternative
The following are areas you need to consider when trying to pick an android alternative out there.
- Consider the features: Before anything else, you might want to know the kind of features that your preferred alternative would have. There’s no denying the fact that Android has some really interesting features that are being appreciated by millions of its users. So, it is expected that the Android alternative you intend to choose should either match those features or have some features which the Android might lack.
- Consider the rating/ reviews: As you know, reviews and rating play a huge role when it comes to picking a device, a product or anything you can think of. So, to get it right it is advisable that you either check the rating or better still read what people have to say about a particular product or operating system. If the feedback and ratings are encouraging them nothing is stopping you from choosing that Android alternative and vice versa.
- Consider the market value: One mistake people fail to make is to estimate the market value of a product or device they intend to purchase. When Choosing or rather trying to pick an Android alternative, it is important to consider the market value of the product. There are quite a handful of new Android alternatives which have not been tested, trusted or rather unknown. These products, especially the new ones, might be experiencing some technical glitches from time to time as they are still in the early stages. And so, it is advisable to avoid such Alternatives as they have a low market value. Instead, you can go for the higher ones and get value for the money spent.
Having mentioned the factors to consider when choosing an Android alternative, our attention now is on the top best Android alternative out there for you to explore.
Top 20 Best Android Alternatives For You To Explore
1. iOS
This is a top Android alternative and one that is admired by millions of users around the world. It would interest you to know that iOS comes with advanced features that would match Android’s features when compared. This Android alternative respects users’ privacy and helps the users to monitor apps trying to collect users’ data. Moreover, iOS isn’t complicated to use, the operation is smooth and the User interface is quite exceptional.
The only issue here is that the devices are costly and it is not open source. Nonetheless, iOS has built a great reputation for itself which is why the reviews and ratings are much on the positive side.
2. Sailfish OS
For over a decade, sailfish have been competing with Android and it happens to be in its 4th generation. It must be said that sailfish os has been built with different open-source projects most especially Linux. Plus, it can easily run Android apps even though it is not built on Android. This operating system has built in privacy, There are countless reasons why this Android alternative should be considered. The reasons are:
- Reliable platform: The first reason why you should use this operating system is that it is not only a reliable platform, but it runs smoothly on smartphones and tablets.
- World-class developer experience: This platform is developed by customers and the developer community which makes it an open platform.
- Excellent customer support/ UI: The sailfish OS has a great customer support and also has an excellent user interface. The support is always available to guide users whenever they are feeling confused or don’t know how to navigate an icon.
3. GrapheneOS
If you are searching for an Android alternative that focuses more on security and privacy, then you need to try GrapheneOS. This operating system is difficult to break into and there are lots of interesting features as well. In addition, some of the few benefits of using this operating system are that first-party apps are available and the security and privacy are actually top-notch.
Since its initial release which was 3 years ago, this operating system has grown rapidly in terms of popularity as more people are interested in trying out this open-source project. Besides, the reviews are encouraging as well as the ratings.
4. PostmarketOS
Another substitute for Android is PostmarketOS. This operating system was released in May 2017. PostmarketOS is an operating system that is best suited for smartphones. The installation process isn’t that challenging provided the intended user follows the right step. With this operating system in place, you can rest assured that your smartphone would be protected from any form of a security breach as it focuses more on not just security, but also privacy.
Furthermore, people who are either using it or have used this operating system in the past have some nice words to say regarding their services. The only blip here is that it has no Android apps. Nonetheless, first-party apps are available and it is a Linux-based operating system as well.
5. KaiOS
For someone interested in trying a different device or operating system other than Android, one of the top choices to make would be to use KaiOS. It should interest you to know that KaiOS has some amazing features and applications to help you stay informed and not miss out on anything. Its operating system is Linux based and KaiOS has its store.
This store has over 500 apps for the user to enjoy. Also, it comes with hundreds of models and a user can get a hold of their device for as little as $10. Some of the few advantages of using KaiOS are that it supports Web-based apps, it is continually updated and it is a lightweight OS. The only blip here is that it won’t do well in the Android smartphone market. Nonetheless, if you are after affordability then this is one Android alternative you need to give serious consideration to.
6. Ubuntu Touch
If you are after an Android alternative that is focused on privacy and trust then you might want to consider trying Ubuntu Touch. It is an open-source project and so many developers are interested in adding value to the project. They take users’ privacy seriously as they wouldn’t want a case where a user’s data would leave their device without prior notice.
Furthermore, Ubuntu supports different devices such as PinePhone, Nexus 5 and Fairphone to name only a few. Plus, Ubuntu has lots of features and important apps as well for the user to enjoy. One important advantage of using the Ubuntu Touch is that it can function as a desktop, and it has all the basic apps included on it. In addition, the ratings and reviews are also encouraging so you have absolutely nothing to worry about when you choose to use this Android alternative.
7. TizenOS
An Android alternative to choose if your key focus is on larger screens is TizenOS. This open-source operating system comes in embedded platforms such as TVs, wearable computers, smartphones etc. The initial release date was 11 years ago and since then this operating system has grown from strength. There are lots of reasons why this Android alternative should be given serious consideration. Some of these reasons are:
- Exciting features: There are lots of features that make this operating system stand out. In a nutshell, the applications here work well with Android and it is extremely flexible.
- Less battery consumption: Another key reason to get a hold of devices that run on this OS is that less battery is consumed and it is well-optimised as well.
- It is user-friendly: It must be said that TizenOS is not only user-friendly but also supports Intel which invariably supports Samsung.
The only blip here is that users might feel limited in the sense that no app store is available. Nonetheless, it is a good Android alternative to check out and enjoy.
8. Mobian
Another Android alternative to try out is mobian. This operating system isn’t as popular as other alternatives, but it is also an interesting operating system to try out. This operating system is built on Phosh, GTK and Gnome. There are quite a handful of negatives here such as this operating system does not support Android apps, and it doesn’t work on a few devices as well. But that doesn’t mean there are not some good reasons to try it. In fact some, of the keynotes or positives here are:
- Good UI: The user interface is surprisingly good and comes with basic apps for the user to enjoy.
- High ratings: Even though there are a few people who might have issues using this Debian based operating system, it is worth noting that it has a high rating and a handful of positive feedback from verified users.
- Interesting apps included: This operating system had lots of apps for the user to enjoy. Examples include apps for entertainment, fitness, books, and information/ educational purposes.
9. LineageOS
One Android alternative that helps those users who no longer receive updates is LineageOS. This is an open-source operating system and one that has the right features to get you started. LineageOS helps those users whose Android smartphones no longer give regular updates or have slowly become obsolete.
With this operating system in place, the user can get the latest Android updates irrespective of the device no longer being supported or outdated. Furthermore, LineageOS supports over 200 devices with outdated hardware getting a taste of the latest updates. Some of the few reasons to try this Android alternative are:
- Better support
- Has no Google bloatware
- Improved performance
- Key features included
- Stable and also can be used for a long time
12. HarmonyOS
This Android alternative, HarmonyOS, is developed by Huawei. The user interface is impressive and this operating system has a lot of fun features as well. Some of these features are Celia voice assistant, universal support, improved security, widget and also the Huawei app gallery. The latest version is outstanding and it is one operating system that you will comfortably enjoy using.
11. Windows10
There’s no way we would mention Android alternatives without discussing windows10. This operating system is easy to use, has all the right features and it is similar in a way to Windows7. The built-in security is top notch and the user interface is quite impressive. The installation process is straightforward provided the prompt is followed accordingly. Besides, there are lots of positive feedback regarding the use of this Android alternative.
12. CentOS
If you are still searching for more Android alternatives that have a more stable contribution, then you need to consider using CentOS. This is an alternative that has always strived to maintain binary compatibility with the more popular operating system like the Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This operating system is completely free to use and the installation process isn’t challenging as well.
CentOS is used by smaller companies especially as it has smaller distribution than other operating systems. Nonetheless, it is not only stable, but also predictable and manageable and has a nice user interface.
13. Oracle Linux
Another android alternative that offers a secure operating environment is Oracle Linux. This operating system has been around for quite some time. It is designed for hybrid cloud, has Linux optimised tools and other excellent features. This operating system is not free to use as it has been divided into 3 segments which are the basic, premier, and extended.
Each of these 3 offer excellent customer support and improved security. Furthermore, if you are feeling sceptical about using this operating system, why not have a look at their ratings/ reviews? It would interest you to know that people who have either used this operating system or are currently using it have some really nice words to say regarding their services. Besides, the rating of this operating system is encouraging too.
14. Windows8
If you do not want to use an Android operating system, then one OS to certainly try out is Windows8. The user interface is awesome, the security is top-notch and the graphics are excellent as well. The store has lots of fun and exciting apps to download and enjoy. This operating system which is designed by Microsoft has a straightforward process when it comes to installing it.
Furthermore, it works perfectly on any device whether it’s a tablet, a mobile phone or a desktop. The only blip is that it gets to a point where the security features won’t be updated and that would mean the user has to upgrade to the higher version. But make no mistake, windows8 is a good alternative to Android.
15. Cyanogen OS
Another Android alternative that is used by different companies is Cyanogen OS. The operating system is customizable and it provides a different collection of themes as well. The operating system has a huge market share in the phone segment section. Some of the reasons why Cyanogen OS is included on the list of top Android alternatives are as follows:
- Frequent updates: Aside from the fact that the security here is impressive, it must be said that this OS offers users an opportunity to update their systems. Bugs or anything that might be affecting some apps are constantly being updated.
- Excellent support: This operating system has excellent support to help users who are experiencing challenges with some of their features or rather navigating through their devices.
- Great community: The community here is simply awesome when compared with other Android alternatives.
16. MIUI
The MIUI is among the good Android alternatives, and one that everyone should enjoy trying out. This operating system comes in different versions. It is fluid and responsive, it is powered by centralised processing, and also stable in the background. There are countless reasons why you need to switch to MIUI. Some of the reasons are:
- Maximises memory usage: It must be said that MIUI gives its undivided attention when it comes to memory usage. Based on how a user is using it, the memory is compressed.
- Balanced power consumption: The power is balanced here to give the user optimised and potentially longer screen time.
- Privacy isn’t compromised: Another reason why you need to try MIUI is that it provides its users an extra layer of protection.
17. Plasma Mobile
An Android alternative that has a secure phone ecosystem is plasma mobile. This Android alternative is not only open source, but also it respects user’s privacy as well. In addition, the installation process is not challenging at all, provided the user is willing to follow the prompts.
This operating system turns the user’s phone into a hackable device. It has some of the best features around. For someone who is sceptical or wants to know why the plasma mobile is to talked about, below are some of the reasons why:
- Awesome applications: The applications here are developed and compatible with other operating systems, especially Linux. They have applications for entertainment, education, and pictures.
- Users’ needs are focused: This operating system is flexible to a large extent as users can modify widgets, change fonts or colour schemes as they please. There are so many things that are put in place for users to enjoy.
- Ratings/ reviews: The feedback regarding the use of this system is encouraging. There are hardly any negative reviews on this operating system.
18. CalyxOS
Another Android alternative that focuses on privacy and security is CalyxOS. It has regular system updates and this operating system happens to be one of the best operating systems that works without Google. This operating system supports pixel phones.
In addition, the installation process is simplified and users can enjoy its user interface as the user interface is friendly. Furthermore, it would interest you to know that surveillance, tracking and spying by mobile phone developers are greatly minimised when you use the operating system.
19. Windows7
Designed by Microsoft the Windows7 is another intriguing Android alternative to explore. It has the right features and the security is also top-notch. This operating system works perfectly on mobile devices, tablets and systems. Plus, the app store has some really interesting applications to keep the user going.
The only blip here is that the user would have to carry out an upgrade at some point as the security features get limited as time goes by. Nonetheless, it is a good operating system to use and one that would give Android a run for its money.
20. Arrow OS
Making it to the list of the best Android alternatives out there is Arrow OS. This operating system works perfectly on all smartphones, especially the branded ones. It has a stable user experience and the options provided are customizable. The aim of this system is to keep things not just simple, but also clean and neat. The installation process isn’t one that would stress the average user.
However, there have been some complaints in the past regarding the error installation message. But that has been resolved and the operation is one to enjoy. For individuals who are having doubts regarding this device, there are a couple of feedbacks from users as 70% would certainly recommend this operating system.
Related Post: https://alternatives.gg/adt-security
Conclusion
To sum it up, trying Android alternatives that offers maximum security with the right features should be heavily looked at.
Over the course of this article, we have given a total breakdown of some of the best Android alternatives out there to try out. So, the next time you or someone you know is tired of Android operating systems and doesn’t really know the right alternative to try, then you can use this article to serve as a guide.