I’ve been using Android since version 1.x and I can tell you that Google’s mobile operating system has come a long way since its humble (and often shaky) beginnings. Android remains the most flexible mobile operating system on the market. It’s also more stable and secure than ever.
But a closer look at how Android compares to iOS reveals how Google’s platform could use some attention (if it ever wants to catch up to Apple’s mobile option).
Also: Android 15 unveiled: here are 8 cool (or useful) features coming to your phone
You may be thinking, “But Android 15 will be released soon. “Won’t that solve some of this?” tested betas of the upcoming release and found that only one of my issues has been fixed (to some extent). (More on that in a moment). With that in mind, the following (mostly) points to releases after Android 15.
Without further ado, here are five ways Google can transform Android into an even more worthy iOS rival.
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1. Integration with Chrome OS
This one is important: I’m surprised that Google has done so little to improve the integration between Android and Chrome OS. Although they are both Google operating systems, you would think they were made by two different companies. Sure, the integration is better than before, but a lot more could be done.
Imagine something like this:
Place your Android phone near your Chromebook and Chrome OS automatically mounts Android’s external storage, allowing you to drag and drop files between the two from the file explorer. Or this: All notifications appear automatically on both devices (without having to configure it).
Contacts? Synced. Apps? Synced. Devices? Synced. Browser tabs? Synced. Maps/directions? You guessed it. You should be able to start a video chat with someone on Chrome OS and then send it to your phone so you can step away from your desk and not miss a beat.
Also: 5 useful features that iOS should steal from Android
Essentially, I’m asking for the ability to seamlessly move between the two devices without having to manually switch or configure anything. It should be that simple and Google could do it that way.
2. Better WearOS integration
As it stands, I have to use two different apps on my phone to view my watch data. Having to switch between the Pixel Watch app and the Fitbit app is cumbersome (at best). This needs to be integrated into the operating system so that the data appears on the notification screen or in a widget. You shouldn’t have to search for this in two separate applications.
Also: Best smartwatches: tested and reviewed by experts
Android/WearOS integration is complicated and there is currently no way around it. Google needs to make it possible to view data seamlessly not only on Android but also on Chrome OS. Don’t make users have to work for something that should be simple.
3. Smoother graphics and better animations.
I’ve been saying this for years: Android needs help on the graphics front. It’s not that the phones are underpowered; what is missing is the graphics stack in the operating system. The animations lack smoothness and the graphics are, well, pretty tacky. If Google has any plans to catch up to Apple, it needs to spend a lot of time on graphics and animations.
I’m not saying this aspect of Android is bad, but it’s certainly behind iOS. I want to see better blurring and, for the sake of aesthetics, something more than a basic black or white background for the notification screen and app drawer. Why not give us something exciting?
Also: Latest Android 15 beta offers important security features to protect you and your data
However, I will say that the Android 15 betas show an operating system capable of smoother animations. Lower the notification shade on both Android 14 and 15 and you’ll find that 15 is considerably smoother.
4. Better marketing in major markets
The last time Google had a decent ad campaign, it used a too many zooz song and it was quite effective. The only downside is that it wasn’t everywhere. On the other hand, you see iPhone ads everywhere. Plus, those ads benefit from one of the best marketing departments on the planet… Apple’s. While Android might have a stranglehold on global market share, it will never overtake iOS in the US or Japan until at least Google Attempts to create a halfway decent marketing campaign. Make Android sexy again, Google.
It’s not too late for Google to start promoting Android 15, but this is an area that the company has been sorely lacking over the years. By the time Android ads arrive, it’s usually too late. Google should make an effort and start promoting the upcoming release now.
5. More elegant hardware
In the same vein as the marketing campaign, Google needs to go back to the drawing board with Pixel hardware. These are supposed to be flagship phones and it often feels like the design was an afterthought. Seriously, Google, what are you thinking with these horrible Pixel phone designs? Give us something premium looking, especially considering the phones’ premium prices. There are cheap phones that look better than the Pixel designs. Until this changes, the Pixel phone will continue to live in the shadow of the iPhone.
Also: Best Google Pixel phones: Tested and reviewed by experts
Given Google’s resources, it shouldn’t be difficult for it to elevate Android so that it can compete with iOS. I hope you’re listening, Google, because I’m sure many Android fans would agree with me.