7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Android | Drawbacks & Benefits of Android

Owned by Google, Android is an open source mobile operating system designed for smart devices such as smart phones and tablets. Latest versions of Smart TVs also incorporate Android as their prime OS. 

Google Inc developed Android in the year November 5th 2007. Since its launch, it has over 84 firms as a part of its consortium. Members companies include Samsung, eBay, Intel, AKM, Teleca and Synaptics. This is known as Open Handset Alliance (OHA). There are different versions of Android each comes with a unique code name. Some of them are KitKat, Marshmallow, Oreo, Donut, Ice cream Sandwich etc... 

Currently, Android is the most popular operating system with over 7.33 billion active users worldwide. The numbers are significantly higher compared to the rivalry iOS. Even with such a massive user base, it has several downsides. As an Android user, it is also vital to explore the counterpoints. 

This article mentions about 7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Android | Drawbacks & Benefits of Android. From this post, you will know the pros and cons of Android.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Android

1. Open Source Platform

Mobile user interfaces varies according to the manufacturer. Since it is open sourced, Android allows anyone to customize the source code. Developers with the access to the core code can make changes to suit certain mobile devices. 

In addition to that, App developers are provided with the authority to create their own Android application. During the development process, developers doesn't need to be concerned about following core code specifications.

2. Cloud Storage Support

Google has its own data storage solution called Google Cloud. This managed service allows comprehensive data to be stored and retrieved anytime. Android users with a Gmail ID can sign in to use Google Cloud platform. 

The good news is that the storage solution is free of cost for certain limits. Individual users are provided with only 15Gb of free storage. Meanwhile, storage plans are available for different pricing schemes starting from 100Gb.

3. Multitasking

Every Android mobile comes with remarkable multitasking capabilities. For an example, users can listen to music and use social media at the same time. Most smartphones even with low specifications are able to run multiple tasks without hassle. Furthermore, users can expect the performance to be smoother in high end smartphones.

4. External Memory

Most mobile phones with Android as their OS are built in with an expandable memory slot. Whereas, this feature is missing in iOS devices. Through the slot, it is possible to add an external memory such as the memory card. If the phone storage isn't sufficient to accommodate all the files, then a memory card can be inserted as an extension.

5. 3rd Party Widgets

Widgets on Android usually appear on home screen providing information about services straight away without the need to access a particular app. Such information include battery life, latest news, weather and recent email. Besides native, Android supports the use of 3rd party widgets. Android users can easily download them from the Play Store. 

6. Frequent Upgrades

Since Android is an open source platform, it is backed by large community of developers who regularly monitor the OS performance. If the operating system requires an upgrade, they will perform necessary modifications and alterations. All these upgrades guarantees better version of the OS with new advanced features.

7. Versatility

For most smartphone manufacturers, Android is placed as their primary choice for OS. Again, this is due to its immense popularity. As a result, android users always enjoy the benefit of finding an android smartphone according to the budget. There is no privilege for targeting a certain brand. Even Android exists in least expensive smartphones.

Disadvantages of Android

1. Performance

Due to hardware limitations, Android performs significantly slower on low end phones. This is often noticeable when running apps those are resource intensive. Example :- Mobile games. And, certain Android apps runs in the background all the time. On default, Android runs these apps for several reasons worsening the device performance. 

2. App Advertising

Apps available in the Play Store generate income through means of advertising. Hence, advertisements always show up whenever possible. Until the users pay for the premium version of the app, they have to deal with all the advertisements. Of course, this can negatively affect user experience, sometimes even to an extent of frustration.

3. Storage Space

Al though Android supports the use of an external storage, still users need to carry the burden of small internal storage. The device typically suffers from storage problems when trying to download large size applications. That is the reason why Android users are often granted with the error " Insufficient Storage ". Therefore, users are left with no other option other than uninstalling unnecessary apps.

4. Software Updates

Compared to Apple devices, Android smartphones receive less number of updates. Certain Android old devices isn't compatible with the updates. This is because the newest software updates cannot support low hardware specifications. 

Software updates are highly crucial for improving functionalities. Especially, in terms of security protection. However, if the device doesn't receive the necessary updates, this can make the system vulnerable to cyber threats. 

5. Lack of Virus Protection

Android phones do not comes with a built in virus protection. Instead, they are incorporated with a Google Play protection software. Unfortunately, this software isn't sufficient to protect again external threats. Hence, Android users need to rely on third party Anti Virus protection.

6. Google Account Dependency

As we all know, Android is a Google product. Therefore, most services on Android isn't accessible without a Google account. Google account is mandatory for validating activities on Android. Even for basic tasks like installing applications from Play Store. Certainly, for unlocking your Android device. 

7. Battery Consumption

Apps running in the background and push notifications all significantly drain the battery resources. Most of the time, Android provides no options to stop these default services. Consequently, this creates battery problems like reducing the battery life expectations.