In the world of machines and computers, software that helps to control them have a respectable place. Before it is application software, it is system software that plays a decent role. Application software depends on system software after all.
This system software is nothing but what we are well known with the word ‘operating system.’ We have some known, and unknown operating systems existed in the world. Of them all, we only know about a few. Whatever!
Of them all, only some operating systems win the hearts of global users and so rule the world. Two of such operating systems of today are Windows and Android. Windows, as you know was developed by the tech giant Microsoft and Android by Google. If we have to compare both against each other, we need to look into different perspectives of usage. Let’s take a tour of both of these operating systems and watch how better they can perform in this duel.
What is the difference between Windows VS Android?
User Interface
The user interface is, of course, the motive for the invention of the operating system. To make better use of a machine and its configured hardware, operating systems were developed.
Windows – By seeing the changes the Windows operating system has gone through all these years, we can say that Microsoft fancies UI more than anything in their operating systems. Right from the millennium edition to the latest Windows 10 multi-screen compatibility adoption, Microsoft has brought many changes in the evolution of the Windows operating system’s user interface. Windows tile menu of Windows 8 is an innovative implementation to facilitate device interoperability.
Android – The user-friendly UI and easy accessibility of Android have earned millions of fans in a very short span of time. From the solid colored displays to today’s materialistic displays, Android has evolved into some powerful operating system on handheld devices. The smooth scrolling, options anywhere UI is the real game-changer.
Performance
Along with the UI, the core aspects like performance also matters. Both these world-leading operating systems have their own benchmarks when seen in the performance perspective.
Windows – Microsoft has been improving the performance of the operating systems by improvising the heart of the operating system, the kernel. A single OS like Windows 10 now can run on multiple devices and configurations quickly without any lags.
Windows on smartphones are not only powerful but also less resource taking. This is one of the best advantages of the operating system. A smartphone with simple hardware configuration can run smoothly thereby lessening the cost of equipment. On the other hand, Windows is adding up the subscription charges of software like Office 365 and so on.
Android – Android cannot run on simple hardware configuration smoothly. It lags when running multiple programs at a time. 2GB RAM has become a necessity for Android phones right now. Even we have seen phones like Asus Zenfone 2 coming up with 4GB RAM configured chipsets.
Why does Android need much memory?
Because Android apps won’t stop running when exited from the program. They will not release the memory completely after being exited from them. This results in filling up of cache memory, and it slows down the system as an overall effect.
Whereas, Windows will close down programs when excited and cache data into memory very smartly. A Windows computer with 2GB RAM can run many great programs compared to Android with the same amount of remembrance.
What should you know?
A computer with Windows operating system can be used as your personal workspace, but you can’t make your Android so, though installed on a desktop computer with the same hardware configuration. On the other hand, you can use Windows as a smartphone operating system that molds itself into that environment.
Android is a great operating system but still limited to handheld devices. We may have to wait for it to come onto desktops as a power-packed operating system.
Compatibility
Microsoft has promised to bring Windows 10 with the compatibility of running Android and iOS apps. If Microsoft achieves this, Windows 10 will emerge as a powerful desktop as well as a smartphone operating system for years to come.
Android, on the other hand, can only run APK files that are meant to run on it. It has no cross-platform compatibility and no promises made by Google yet. Even Android neuro-schema based OS; the Cyanogen Mod creators haven’t spoken a word about it yet.
There are several pros and cons exists with these two operating systems. Let’s have a look at them too.
Pros:
Windows:
- Powerful and stable OS than Android
- Great UI
- Cross-platform apps compatibility
- Assured updates/upgrades
Android:
- Free and open-source OS
- Great UI
- Improved multi-tasking
- User-friendly
- Millions of apps in store
Cons:
Windows:
- Premium operating system
- Costly software subscriptions
- Tricky OS navigation
- Need hands-on experience with previous Windows
- Fewer apps in store
Android:
- Unstable OS
- Frequent bugs in new versions
- Not that powerful to run business tasks
- Updates/upgrades depend on of device manufacturer
Wrapping up note
With that, I’d like to make it short and sweet of the dueling review of the world’s leading operating systems Windows and Android. For me, I’d choose Android for my smartphone because of the availability of support from developers and fellow users. I used to love Windows phones, but they stopped caring about improving the hardware like camera and RAM (though the existed amount is enough for some phones). So, the next affordable choice is Android only.
What do you choose? A Windows phone or an Android phone? Windows on desktop or Android on a tablet? Share your thoughts about it.