Comparison of mobile operating systems
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a comparison of mobile operating systems. Only the latest versions are shown in the table below, even though older versions may still be marketed.
About OS
| Feature | Android | iOS | HarmonyOS | Tizen | KaiOS | Sailfish OS Aurora OS |
GrapheneOS | Ubuntu Touch | Mobian[1] | Plasma Mobile | PureOS | PostmarketOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developed by | Google, Open Handset Alliance | Apple Inc. | Huawei | Linux Foundation, Tizen Association, Samsung, Intel | KaiOS Technologies Inc.(TCL) | Sailfish Alliance, Mer, Jolla and Sailfish community contributors | GrapheneOS Foundation | UBports and Ubuntu community contributors (previously Canonical Ltd.) | Debian on Mobile Team | KDE and Blue Systems | Purism | PostmarketOS community |
| Market share[2] | 77% | 19% | 4% | 0.22% | 0.14% | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| License | Partial; base system is open source, but many devices use proprietary drivers for hardware support, and most Android operating systems include Proprietary apps (such as Google Play and other Google apps). | Proprietary, open source kernel and core | Proprietary except for open-source components | Partial; both proprietary and open-source components, assorted licenses | Proprietary except for open source kernel patches (formerly the MPL 2.0 B2G OS) | Partial; free and open-source, but the UI and the SDK are proprietary and closed source | Partial; free and open-source system with proprietary drivers | FreeFree and open-source, mainly GPL[5] | Free Free and open-source, mainly GPL | Free Free and open-source, mainly GPL | Free Free and open-source, mainly GPL | Free Free and open-source, GPL |
| Current version | 16 | 26.2 | 6.0 | 9.0 M2 | 3.1 | 5.0.0.71 | 2026012800[6]  |
20.04 OTA-9 | 12.0 | 6.3.5 | 10.3 | 24.12 |
| Development version | 16 Beta 4 | 26.3 Beta 1 | 3.2 | Unknown | 2026012800[6] |
Unknown | 20250615 | Unknown | Unknown | N/a | ||
| Current version release dates | September 3, 2024 | December 12, 2025 | November 25, 2025 | May 30, 2020[7] | ? | October 30, 2025[8] | 28 January 2026 | June 3, 2025 | June 6, 2023 | May 6, 2025 | June 14, 2023 | December 23, 2024 |
| OS family | Modified Linux kernel based | Darwin | OpenHarmony | Linux (based on a combination of MeeGo and Samsung Bada) | Firefox OS / Open Web (based on Linux kernel) | Linux | Based on the Android kernel (modified Linux kernel), added hardening patches[9] | Linux (based on Ubuntu) | Linux (based on Debian) | Linux (mainly based on KDE neon ) | Linux (based on Debian) | Linux (based on Alpine Linux) |
| Supported CPU architecture | ARM (32-bit ARMv7-A and 64-bit ARMv8-A only), x86, x86-64[10] | 64-bit ARMv8-A only | 64-bit ARM | ARM, x86, x86-64 | ARM | ARM, x86-64 | ARM (32-bit ARMv7-A and 64-bit ARMv8-A only), x86, x86-64[10] (Only devices with ARMv8-A and newer CPUs are officially supported, due to the MTE requirement)[11] | ARM, x86-64 | 64-bit ARM | ARM | ARM, ? | Convergence operating system |
| Programmed in | C, C++, Java, Kotlin, Rust[12] | C, C++, Objective-C, Swift | C, C++, JS, ArkTS, Cangjie | C++, Xamarin.Forms (.NET C#, F#, VB[13]) | HTML5, JavaScript | C++, QML, Python | C, C++, Java, Kotlin, Rust[12] | Apps: HTML5, QML, Go, JavaScript, C++ System: C, C++, QML |
C, C++ | C++, QML | ? | Python install tool and shell script packages |
| Public issues list | Yes[14] | 3rd party[15] | Yes[16] | Yes[17] | No[18] | Yes[19] | Yes[20] | Yes[21] | Yes[22] | Yes[23] | Yes[24] | Yes[25] |
| DRM-free[26] | No[27] since Android 4.1[28] and Android 4.3[29] and more restrictions on Android 4.4[30] | No – FairPlay | No – Huawei WisePlay[31] | Yes | ? | Yes | No - Widevine | Yes | Yes | Yes[citation needed] | Yes[citation needed] | Yes |
| Device independent system updates | Partial system updates since Oreo[32] 3rd party software like LineageOS[33] | Yes[34] | Yes[35] | No | For feature phones, not smartphones | Yes | Yes (legacy extended support)[36] | Yes[37] | ? | ? | ? | Yes.[38] Intended for use on old mobile devices |
| Wireless system updates | Yes | 5+[39] | Yes | No | ? | Yes | Yes[40] | Yes | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| GPU accelerated GUI | 3+[41] | Yes | Yes. Since 3.0[42] | Yes | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Feature | Android | iOS | HarmonyOS | Tizen | KaiOS | Sailfish OS | GrapheneOS | Ubuntu Touch | Mobian[1] | Plasma Mobile | PureOS | PostmarketOS |
Advanced controls
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | GrapheneOS | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| While-in-use permissions | 10+ | 11+: Location only[43] | No | Yes | No | Yes | 3.0+ |
| Per-app Internet access | No,[44] 3rd party software[45] | 7+: Cellular only;[46] 3rd party software on jailbroken devices[47] | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Per-app identity access | 8+[48] | 6+[49][50] | No | Yes | No | Yes | 2.0+ |
| Per-app user data access | 6+[51] | 6+[52] | No | Yes | No | Yes | 3.0+ |
| Per-app background execution | No,[53] 3rd party apps available[54] | 7+[55] | No | Yes | No | Background execution not allowed | 2.0+ |
| Per-app notifications | 4.1+[56] | 5+[57][58] | No | Yes | No | Yes | 2.0+ |
| Per-app location access | 6+[51] | 4+[59] | No | Yes | No | Yes | 2.0+ |
| Per-app camera access | 6+[51] | 8+[60] | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Per-app microphone access | 6+[51] | 7+[61] | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Per-app shared files access | 6+[51] | 8+[62] | No | Yes, Storage Scopes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Per-app network data usage auditing | 4+[63] | Yes[64] | ? | Yes | No[65] | No | Yes |
| Fine grained storage usage | Yes[66] | 5+[67] | ? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Parental controls | 4.3+ or 3rd party software[68] | Yes[69] | ? | 3rd party software | No | No | 2.0+ |
| Screen orientation lock | Yes[70] | Yes[71] | ? | Yes | 1.0.4+[72] | Yes | 2.0+ |
| File manager | 6.0+[73] | 11+[74] | 3rd party software[75] | Yes | Yes[76] | Yes | Yes |
| File manager write access to external storage | 6+ Or 3rd party software like LineageOS | 13+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-user | 4.2+, including phones 5+[77][78] | 9.3+: Education use only on iPad[79] | No | Yes, up to 32 profiles (31 + guest profile) | 3.4.0+ | No | Yes |
| Guest mode | 5+[80] | 6+[81] | No | Yes | 3.4.0+ | No | Yes |
| Guided Access | Yes[82] | Yes[83] | No | Yes | No | No | 3.0+[84] |
| Do not disturb mode | 5+[85] | 6+[86] | No | Yes | No | No | 2.0+ |
| App groups | Yes | 4+[87] | ? | Yes | 1.0.7+[88] | Yes | Yes |
Accessibility features
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System wide base text size | Yes | Yes[89][90][91] | ? | 2.1.0+: Set text size[92] | 3rd party software[93] | Yes |
| Monaural output | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Always visible scrollbar | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Reduced Animations | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
App ecosystem
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official app store | Google Play | App Store | Tizen Store | Jolla Store | OpenStore | AppGallery |
| Non-discriminatory stores | No, Some apps like Ad blockers are censored on Google Play[94][95] but developers can distribute apps from their own sources | No, Apple discriminates based on country[96] and own Apple policies[97] | ? | Openrepos.[98] Developers can distribute apps from their own sources, supports multiple app stores | Yes | No, Huawei discriminates based on country and own Huawei AppGallery policies for native based HarmonyOS apps. But OpenHarmony developers can distribute apps from their own sources[99] |
| Common APIs for smartphones, tablets, and PCs | Yes[100] | Smartphone and tablet only[101] | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Official SDK platform(s) | Linux, macOS and Windows[102] | macOS using iOS SDK | Linux, Windows, macOS[103] | Windows, macOS and Linux[104] | Yes | macOS and Windows[105] |
| Cost to develop for the mobile OS | Free | No, Requires Apple hardware.[106] | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Cost to publish app to official store | US$25 once to register to offer on Google Play[107] | US$99/year | Free | Free[108] | Free | Free |
Browser
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default web browser/engine | Blink | WebKit | WebKit | Gecko[109] | Qt WebEngine (based on Blink) | Blink
(Servo - OniroOS/OpenHarmony) |
| Major web browsers available[110] | Chrome for Android, Opera, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Samsung Internet | Safari, Chrome for iOS, Opera, Firefox, Microsoft Edge | Tizen Browser (Based on UC Browser) | Sailfish Browser (Gecko), Webcat (WebKit), Web Pirate (WebKit), others via Android (Firefox, Chrome, Opera) | Morph Browser | Huawei Browser, Microsoft Edge (Blink), UC Browser (Blink, V8), Opera browser (Blink, V8), Yandex Browser (Blink), Vivaldi Browser (Blink, V8) |
| Browser can use its own engine | Yes | 17.4+: Only users living in European Union countries[111] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser extensions | No[112] 3rd party software[113] | Yes on Safari[114] | No | No | No | No |
| Browser direct Internet connection (increased resilience to outages) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ? | ? | Yes |
| Browser undo close tab | Google Chrome for Android[115] | 8+[116] | No | No | No | No[117] |
| Browser keeps windows open on shutdown or crash | 2.3+ Google Chrome[118] but not on the deprecated AOSP browser[119] | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser keeps windows open when cleaning cookies | Yes | 3rd party software[120] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser search engine options | Many[121] | Bing, Google, Yahoo! Search, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia | Bing, Google, Yahoo! Search | Bing, Google, Yahoo, Yandex. Baidu, DuckDuckGo, StartPage, Searx, ixquick, Swisscows, Qwant, Seznam, Hulbee via openrepos[citation needed] | Baidu, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Google, lilo, Peekier, Qwant, Wikipedia, Yahoo[122] | Bing, Google, Yahoo! Search, Baidu, DuckDuckGo |
| Browser find on page | 1.5+[123] | Yes[124] | Yes | 1.1.2+[125] | Yes | Yes |
| Browser–email save images | Yes | Yes[126] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser–email save PDFs | Yes | Yes[71] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser save audio/video | Yes, but only links, not embedded media | 13+;[127] 5+: 3rd party software[128] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser save page | Yes, Google Chrome 55+[129] | 6+: Offline Reading List;[130] 3rd party software[131] | Yes | 4.0.1.48+ | Yes | Yes |
| Browser save any file | Yes, Chrome for Android. | 13+;[127] 5+: When an app that can handle/open the filetype is installed (excluding audio/video – requires 3rd party software[132]);[133] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Browser force enable zoom | Yes, Chrome for Android | Yes[134] | ? | ? | ? | No |
| Browser text reflow[135] | No, removed on Android 4.4[136][137] | 5+: Only on pages with reader mode available[138][139] 3rd party browsers on prior versions[140] | No | No | No | No |
| Browser Reader Mode | No,[141] 3rd party software[142][143] | 5+[138][139] | Yes | No[144] | No | No |
| Browser open PDFs without storing | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Browser file upload | 2.2+[145] | 9+; 6–8: Limited | Yes | 1.0.7+[146] | Yes | Yes |
| Browser form navigation | Next button[147] | Previous, Next, AutoFill, and Done buttons[148] | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
| Browser private browsing mode | 3.0+ with AOSP browser[149] or with Chrome for Android | 5+[150] | Yes | 1.1.6+[151] | Yes | Yes |
| Offline web apps | Yes[152] | Yes[153][154][155] | No | ? | Yes | Yes |
| HTTP Live Streaming | 3+[156] | 3+[157] | No | ?[158] | Yes | Yes |
| WebRTC | Yes[159] | 11+[160] | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Basic features
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cut, copy, and paste | Yes[161] | 3+[162] | Yes[163] | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Device clipboard | ChromeOS[164] | 10+[165] | No | No | No | Yes |
| Undo | No[166] | 3+[167] | No | No[168] | Yes | Yes[169] |
| Custom home and lock screen wallpaper | Yes | 4+[71] | Yes | Yes (incl. Ambience) | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop sync | No,[170] but available using the vendor's companion/PC suite application such as Samsung Smart Switch & HTC Sense[171] | Yes | Yes | ? | Yes | Yes[172] |
| Local full backup | Yes, via external computer[173] | Yes, using external computer or iCloud[174] | No[175] | Yes | Yes | Yes, using external computer via HiSuite or Huawei Mobile Cloud[176] |
| Core data missing sync | Bookmarks[177] (before 4), SMSs and Settings[178] | ? | ? | ? | ||
| Notification center | Yes | 5+[179] | 2+[180] | Yes | Yes | 2.0+ |
| Push notifications | Yes[181] | Yes (Apple Push Notification Service) | 2+[182] | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Screenshot | 4+ also available on earlier versions with customized firmware, such as Cyanogen Mod and on older Samsung Galaxy smartphones[183] | Yes[71][184] | Yes | 2.0.2+[185] | Yes | Yes |
| Unrestricted Screenshot | No, apps can restrict screenshots[186][187] | No, apps can restrict screenshots | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iCalendar import | No,[188] but 3rd party app available[189] | Yes[190] | ? | 1.1.6+[191] | No | Yes |
| Text/document support (read only; creating using third-party apps) | Microsoft Office, PDF, TXT/RTF | Microsoft Office,[192][193][194] iWork, PDF, Images, TXT/RTF, VCF | Read only: text files, PDF, HTML, Multiple office formats | Microsoft Office, OpenDocument, PDF, Text | Yes | Microsoft Office, WPS Office, Huawei Docs, PDF, Images, TXT/RTF, VCF and Multiple office formats |
| Printer support | 4.4+ using Google Cloud Print[195] but not over USB unless proprietary vendor solutions such as HP Print Service are used[196] | Yes (AirPrint)[197] | No | yes, cups package is available | Beta | Yes (Huawei Print,[198] AI Life [199] for HarmonyOS Connect Printers) |
| Show remembered Wi-Fi connections | Yes | 16+[200] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Communication and connectivity
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unified Inbox | Yes[201] | Yes | Yes | Yes | ? | Yes |
| Email sync protocols supported | POP3, IMAP, MAPI | POP3, IMAP, MAPI, ActiveSync[202] | POP3, IMAP | POP3, IMAP, ActiveSync | ? | POP3, IMAP, MAPI |
| Non-carrier-based integrated messaging | RCS via Google Messages | 5+ (iMessage)[203] | ? | 3rd party software | 3rd party software | 3rd party software |
| Visual voicemail | 2.1+[204] | Yes | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
| Call log duration | Yes[205] | Yes[206] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple mobile phones per contact | Yes | Yes | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Contact groups | 4+[207] or 3rd party software[208] | Via iCloud or 3rd party software[209] | Yes | No[210] | ? | Yes[211] |
| Voice over IP | Yes (SIP)[212] or 3rd party software[213] | FaceTime; 3rd party software[214] | No[215] | 3rd party software | 3rd party software | MeeTime; 3rd party software[216] |
| NFC payment software | Available on any device that supports the hardware. Google Wallet for NFC payments available in Play Store.[217] 3rd party banking and other apps in the financial field also supported.[218] | 8+: iPhone 6/6 Plus and later (iPhone 5 and later if used with Apple Watch), limited to Apple Pay | Samsung Pay | No | No | Huawei Pay |
| Tethering | Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB, Bluetooth | 4.3+: Personal Hotspot (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB; carrier dependent) | microUSB, Bluetooth 3.0, Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot | Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB, Bluetooth | Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot | Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB, Bluetooth |
| USB On-The-Go | 3.1+[219][220] | 13+;[221] 9+: Only for connecting cameras | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Direct file transfer over Wi-Fi Direct | 4+[63] and selected devices.[222][223] Also Quick Share. | No, 3rd party software on jailbroken devices | No, was available on bada 2+,[224] but removed on Tizen | No[225] | No | Yes |
| Direct file transfer over Bluetooth | 2+.[226] Also Quick Share. | AirDrop: 7+: Between iOS only; 8+: Between Mac/iOS only. (Note: AirDrop utilizes Wi-Fi as well) | No, was available on bada,[227] but removed on Tizen | Yes[228] but limited to images, videos and contacts | No | Huawei Share |
| Direct file transfer over NFC | No, removed since Android 10 | No | 2+[224] | No | No | No |
Language and inputs
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-English languages support | Partial[229] | Yes[230][231][232] | Limited (Search is not diacritical mark-insensitive) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Underlining spell checker | 2.3+[233][234] | Yes[235] | No | ? | No | Yes |
| Built-in system-wide dictionary | Built into keyboard app. Available on every device.[236] | 5+[237] | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Autoexpanding text replacements | Yes | 5+[238] | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
| Keyboard next word prediction | Yes, through the built in Gboard[239] or from the preinstalled vendor keyboards; Available on all devices | 8+[240] | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard cursor controller | Google Keyboard;[241][242] | 12+;[243] 9-11: Only on devices with 3D Touch;[244] | No | No | Yes | No |
| Optical character recognition input method | Yes, through built-in Google Lens or Bixby Vision[245] | 15+;[246] 11+: Notes app;[247] 8+: Only for inputting credit card details[248] | No | No | No | Yes |
| Third party input methods | Yes[249] | 8+ | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
| Gesture text input | 4+[250] | 13+;[251] 8+: 3rd party software like SwiftKey | ? | No[252] | No | Yes |
| Emoji support | 4.4+[253] | Yes[254] | ? | 2.2.0+[255] 3rd party software[256] | Yes | Yes |
Maps and navigation
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safe driving mode | 3rd party software | 11+[257] | ? | ? | ? | 2.0+[258] |
| Turn-by-turn navigation | 2+[259] | 6+[260] | ? | Yes | 3rd party software | Yes[261] |
| Offline maps | 3rd party software Google Maps,[262] Here WeGo | 6+[263] | ? | 3rd party software | 3rd party software | Yes[264] |
| Alternative routes in maps | Yes[265] | 5+[266][267] | ? | 3rd party software | 3rd party software | Yes |
Media playback and controls
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio playback | AAC LC/LTP 3GPP, HE-AACv1 (AAC+), HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+) AMR-NB, AMR-WB, MP3, MIDI (Type 0 and 1, DLS versions 1 and 2), Ogg Vorbis, PCM/WAVE, FLAC, WAVE, Opus[268]Some distributions support others, like Dolby AC-3, AC-4[269] | AAC, protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, WAV[270] | AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, MP3, Vorbis, WAV[271] | MP3, FLAC, AAC, eAAC, eAAC+, ALAC, AC3, DTS, Opus, Vorbis | Most using GStreamer[272] | AAC LC/LTP 3GPP, HE-AACv1 (AAC+), HE-AACv2 (enhanced AAC+) AMR-NB, AMR-WB, MP3, MIDI (Type 0 and 1, DLS versions 1 and 2), Ogg Vorbis, PCM/WAVE, FLAC, WAVE, Opus |
| Video playback | H.263, H.264 (up to Baseline Profile), H.265 HEVC, MPEG-4 SP, DivX, XviD, VP8, VP9[268] (WMV on 3rd party software like VLC media player) | H.264 (up to High Profile), MPEG-4, M-JPEG[270] | H.263, H.264, MPEG-4 Part 2[271] | MPEG-4, H264, H263,[273] although audio in recorded videos is out of sync[274] | H.263, H.264 (up to Baseline Profile), H.265 HEVC, MPEG-4 SP, DivX, XviD, VP8, VP9[268] (WMV on 3rd party software like VLC media player) | |
| Wired video out | 4K on 6+[275] | Up to 1080p via HDMI[276] or VGA,[277] 576p/480p via component[278] or composite;[279] | No | No[280] | Yes | |
| Wired digital audio output | 5+ USB Audio[281] | 7+: USB Audio[282] | No | No | Yes | Yes up to 4K |
| Wireless video/audio streaming to set top boxes/TVs/speakers | 4.2+ Miracast,[283] but DLNA[284] only available on selected devices | AirPlay[285] | DLNA[286] | ? | Yes | Yes on Wireless Projection with Miracast |
| Media player on-device playlist creation | Yes[287] | Yes[71] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Media player video scrubbing | Yes | Yes | ? | ? | Yes | Yes |
| Media player audio scrubbing | Yes | Yes | ? | ? | Yes | Yes |
| Media player fine scrubbing | No,[288] 3rd party software like VLC media player, basic fine scrubbing removed on 4+[289] | Yes[290] | ? | ? | Yes | Yes |
| Media player double speed playing | 6+[291] | Only Podcasts[292] | ? | ? | Yes | Yes |
Peripheral support
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth keyboard | 2.3+;[293] previous versions via 3rd party software[294] | Yes[295] | No | Yes[296][297] | Yes | Yes |
| USB keyboard | 3.1+[293] | With Camera Connection Kit[298] | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable external memory cards | Yes[299] | Only for photo/video import with an optional accessory | Yes[300] | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Photo and video
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera focus at specified point | 2.3+[301] | Yes[71] | ? | 1.0.4+[302] | Yes | Yes |
| Camera exposure metering from specified point | No,[303] available on some phones.[304][305] | Yes[306] | No | ? | No | Yes |
| On device picture info (including Exif data) | Only date and location; more with 3rd party software[307] | Yes (15+);previous versions date and location only; more with 3rd party software | No | ? | Yes | Yes |
| On device picture categorization | No[308] 3rd party software like TouchWiz[309] | 5+[310] | No | ? | No | Yes |
| On device picture description and search | No[311] | 10+: Items/objects in picture;[312] 7+: Only date and location[313] | No | ? | No | Yes |
| Turn off shutter sound | In silent mode[314] | In silent mode[315] | In silent mode | In silent mode[316] | No | Yes |
| Picture crop | Yes | 5+[317] | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Photo rotation | Yes | 5+[317] | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Photo red-eye reduction | 2.3+[318] | 5+[317] | No | No[319] | No | Yes |
| HDR photos option | 4.2+, some manufacturers earlier[320] | Yes[321] | No | No[322] | Yes | Yes |
| Photo/video import from memory cards | Yes | With Camera Connection Kit[298] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video trim | 2.3+ | Yes | No | ? | No | Yes |
Productivity
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multitasking | Yes | 7+;[323] 4–6: Limited[324] | 2+[182] | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quick app switching | 7+[325] | 9+: via 3D Touch;[326] 5+: only on iPad[327] | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Document-centric multitasking | 5+[328] | 13+: can open different views of same app side by side[329] | No | No | No | 2.0+ |
| Split-screen app usage | 7+, some manufacturers earlier[330] | 9+: only on iPad with 2 GB RAM or more[331] | Yes[332] | No [333] | Tablet-only | 2.0+ |
| Desktop interactive widgets | Yes | 10+: App icons via 3D Touch and/or dedicated widget screen[334] | No | Yes | No | 2.0+ |
| Lock screen widgets | Yes (Notifications and settings). Full Widgets on Android 4.2–4.4 only.[335][336] | Media player, voicemail, camera;[337] 5+: Notifications; 7+: Control Center 8+: Interactive Notifications[338] 10+: Full widgets[334] | Media player; Notifications (SMS, call) | Yes | No | 2.0+ Yes & Quick service widgets |
| Notification view widgets | 4.1+: Google Now and possible with 3rd party apps | 8+ | No | Yes | No | 4.0+ Live Window widgets |
| Quick settings toggles | 2+[339] | 7+[340] | No | Via the Patchmanager app[341] | Yes | Yes |
| Search multiple internal apps at once | Yes | Yes | Yes | No[342] | Yes | Yes |
| Settings search | 5+ or 3rd party software like LineageOS[343] | 9+[344] | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Search all fields of internal objects | Only search Contacts name field but not any other field[345] | 6+[346] | Only searches contacts by name | ? | Yes | |
| Core apps missing search | Calendar[348] (available since 3+ and HTC Sense) | Bookmarks[349] | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
| Phone number links to dialer | Available in stock Android, but not all devices enable it.[350] | Yes | Yes, but not in browser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Addresses links to maps | In Contacts, but not in Calendar[351] nor in Gmail[352] | Yes[353] | ? | Yes | ? | Yes |
| Dates links to calendar | No | Yes[354] | Yes | Yes | ? | Yes |
Ringtones and alerts
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom ringtones | Yes | Yes[355] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom SMS/MMS tones | Yes[356] | 5+[357] | ? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Custom vibrate alert patterns | No,[358] possible on some Samsung devices such as Galaxy S III, but limited[359] | 5+[360][361] | ? | API available for 3rd party apps | No | No |
| Dismiss repeating alarm clock before trigger | 4.4+[362] | No[363] | No | ? | Yes | Yes |
| Tap to snooze[364] | 3rd party apps[365] | Yes | No | Swipe down | Yes | Yes |
Security and privacy
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proxy server | 3.1+[366] but only global, not per connection[367] and only works for the browser[368] 3rd party apps available[369] | Yes | Yes | Yes[370] | No | Only 3rd party apps and Browser |
| On-device encryption | 3+[371] | Yes[372] (3rd party software may attempt brute-force attacks on password[373]) | No | 3.3.0+[374] | No | Yes |
| External storage encryption | 6+ | External storage not available | No | Yes | No | 2.0+ |
| Zero knowledge encryption[375] | Yes, if Google Play Services is installed, data will be accessible by Google[376] and shared with the American PRISM surveillance program.[377] | Some data stored on iCloud is accessible by Apple[378][379][380][381][382][383] and shared with the American PRISM surveillance program.[377] | ? | ? | No | No, data stored on Huawei Mobile Cloud is accessible by Huawei but not shared with the American PRISM surveillance program unlike Google and Apple.[384][385] |
| Privacy of synchronization[386] | 3rd party software like ownCloud[387] | When synchronizing locally and not using iCloud | ? | ? | ? | When synchronizing locally via HiSuite and not using Huawei Mobile Cloud |
| Sync to cloud communication encryption | 2.3.4+[388] | Yes[389] | ? | ? | ? | Yes with Smart Syncing that uses irreversible encryption[390] |
| Wireless anti-tracking[391] | Developer Options (9+)[392] | 8+[393] | No | ? | No | Yes |
| Remote device location tracking | Yes[394] | Yes[395] | ? | ? | No | Yes |
| Remote device locking and/or data wipe | 2.2+[396] | Yes[395] | ? | ? | No | Yes |
| End-to-end encrypted push notifications | Possible, notifications are handled by the app that can decrypt it[181] | Possible since iOS 7, where the app can handle the notification and decrypt it[397] | ? | ? | Yes | Possible, notifications are handled by the app that can decrypt it |
| SSH Client | Yes | Yes[398][399] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| VPN | Yes[400] | Yes[401] | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| OpenVPN | Neutral No, but possible with 3rd party applications[402] | Yes[403] | ? | Yes | Yes[citation needed] | No, but possible with 3rd party apps |
| WPA PEAP | Yes[404] | Yes[405] | ? | In developer mode[406] | Yes[citation needed] | Yes |
Sound and voice
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Separate volume for ringtone and media | Yes | Yes | ? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice commands | Yes[407] | 5+ (Siri) | ? | 3rd party software, such as Saera[408] | No | Yes |
| Offline voice commands | 6+[409] | Yes[410] | ? | No | No | Yes |
| Voice recognition | Yes | 5+ (Siri) | ? | No | No | Yes |
| Offline voice recognition | 4.1+[411] | 15+;[412] | No | No | No | Yes |
| Non-English voice recognition | Yes | Yes[232] | ? | No | No | Yes |
| Sound recorder | Very limited (Does not work in background[413] and not voice controlled) | 3+: Limited (Not voice controlled)[414][415] | Partial | 3rd party software[416] | 3rd party software | Yes |
| Call recorder | Yes, Phone by Google,[417] but also possible with 3rd party firmware[418] | Yes, integrated in the Phone app,[419] but also possible with 3rd party software[420] | No | Disabled by default, must be interactively switched on during a call when enabled / 3rd party software[421] | ? | Yes |
| Sound trim | No,[422] but 3rd party software available[423] | Yes[424] | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
Other features
| Feature | Android | iOS | Tizen | Sailfish OS | Ubuntu Touch | HarmonyOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-intrusive incoming calls | 5+[425] or 3rd party software[426] | 14+[427] | No | No[428] | ? | Yes |
| Non-intrusive notifications | Yes[429] | 5+[179] | ? | ? | ? | Yes |
| Move apps to external storage | 2.2+[430] | External storage not allowed for apps | No | No | No | No |
| Remote Frame Buffer (RFB) protocol | Yes[431] | 3rd party software[432] | ? | ? | ? | 3rd party software |
| Screencast on device | 11+[433] | 9+[434] | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Screencast over USB | 4.4+ over USB,[195] for prior versions root required for 3rd party app[435] | 8+: on OS X[436] | No | ? | No | Yes |
| Screen share | Yes, with Google Cast, Miracast under Android 5.[437][438][439][440] | 3rd party software[441] | No | No | No, but possible with 3rd party software[442] | Yes |