.png){kind=icon}
In today’s digital landscape, mobile devices play a pivotal role in our daily lives with Android devices being the most popular devices used worldwide. From smartphones to tablets and connected devices, Android leads the market with thousands of devices used across the globe.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the most recent statistics available for Android usage and also review all the different operating systems available on the market to help you define a list of the top devices for Android app testing.
Android Market Share
Android dominates the global market for smartphones, with the operating system maintaining a significant market share across the different continents. Counterpoint Research reveals that Android commands a staggering 70% of the market share over Apple devices. With a diverse range of models, Android devices cater to both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking top-tier performance. In recent years, Chinese manufacturers like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo have surged in popularity, although Samsung maintains its position as the foremost manufacturer.
Android Devices in the US Market
Over the years the most popular devices in the North American market are Samsung Galaxy S series, Google Pixel phones and tablets. Here is a breakdown of the most popular Android phone in the US market in 2024:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
Android Versions
Since 2008, Android has grown and been installed on billions of smartphones. Over the years, Google continued to release new versions of the Android operating system, naming each new release after a sweet treat like Donut or Lollipop, while focusing on improving the operating system security, privacy features and performance. When testing Android applications, it’s crucial to grasp the distinctions among various devices, including screen sizes, manufacturers, and OS-specific features.
Android 14 introduces several compelling features, such as enhanced customization options, improved battery longevity, and a refined user experience with larger fonts and scaled-down elements. Additionally, it offers convenient functionalities like notification flashing, optimized support for hearing aids, and strengthened security measures, including protected PIN and enhanced data protection. Users can also enjoy tailored regional preferences and streamlined sharing capabilities.
To learn more about all of the most recent features of Android 14, visit Wired.com or Google Website.
Most Popular Apps on Android
As far as the most popular Android apps in 2023, Instagram remains the most downloaded app with 696 million downloads followed by TikTok with 654 millions and Facebook with 553 million downloads.
Conclusion
Launching a successful Android application includes testing across real physical Android phones and tablets to get the best results and a product of quality. Using simulators can give a view of your app on different devices, displays and resolutions but it’s critical to test on real physical devices. That’s why before you launch an Android application, get familiar with your market, define a list of supported operating systems and devices and test properly before your users find bugs.
From the latest models all the way back to the first generations, PLUS QA has got you covered for real Android device testing. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what devices we support testing on.