Mobile

Is the Android OS bigger than the brand?

Abe Olandres May 25, 2011 · 1 min read

Listen to article

Canon EOS R6 V officially unveiled with RF 24-105mm f/2.8L Power Zoom Lens foodpanda adds QRPH payments for cash-on-delivery orders Infinix NOTE 60 Pro Yuna Gift Box now available in PH DJI Power 1000 Mini now available in PH BPI VYBE adds free cash-in service through M Lhuillier branches

For the last two years, I’ve bought over half a dozen smartphones running Android OS and realized they came from different handset brands — Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, HTC and just recently LG (the Optimus 2X, my very first LG phone ever).

One thing came to mind — has Android grown so big it’s now even bigger than the handset brand? What I mean is that consumers will start trusting and/or buying devices not primarily because of the brand but because it’s running on Android.

My personal experience might be an isolated case but I’d like to hear what others think. Is Android OS a bigger influence than the handset brand when buying a smartphone?

Go hit the comments to share your opinion.

React to this article:

android philippines

Abe Olandres

Editor-in-chief

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

7,991 Articles

View all posts by Abe Olandres →

170 Comments

beanniebaby · 15 years ago

I like the android because of the android market, where i can download a lot of free stuff. but there is serious lag time, i get frustrated trying to download a new apps. i like the ipad but all the decent apps, i have to purchase. but now i think we have an alternative, the bLackBerry playbook, check the Blackberry Playbook revew for more info. i for one can’ t wait to own one

poche · 15 years ago

madami lang free stuffs ang android now kasi di pa nila maperfect ang market nila. pero once na ok na yan parang ios app store na din yan.

ako · 15 years ago

@poche

“madami lang free stuffs ang android now kasi di pa nila maperfect ang market nila. pero once na ok na yan parang ios app store na din yan.”

ang labo naman ata na susunod ang android app market sa IOS store . . yung android app market open market . . . kahit sino pede maglagay at mag-benta ng apps ng walang gaanong supervision ng Google

. . sa IOS store, mahigpit na binabantayan ng Apple . . at dapat e-approve pa ng Apple yung apps bago ilagay sa IOS store nila . . na may dagdag nang patong . . kasi pera naman talaga habol ng Apple eeh . .

yung angry birds nga sa android free . . ba’t di yun magawa sa IOS store ?

at saka depende naman yan sa developer ng games at apps . . kung lalagyan nila ng presyo yung apps nila o free at sa ibang paraan sila babawi . . tulad ng paglalagay ng ADs habang naglalaro ka . . o optional na pagbili ng items ingame . .

scandid · 15 years ago

Jologs will buy Cherry Mobile because it’s Android.

scandid · 15 years ago

Android users are Jologs!

Glen · 15 years ago

Same for me. I only buy android phones. But I do care about brands.

I used to buy only HTC or Sony Ericsson brands.
Now im considering Motorola, Samsung, LG because of Android.

I believe that Android is the future of mobileOS.

Mills · 15 years ago

~ for me, i guess its a mix of both — the brand plus the OS it runs on…but i give higher consideration to the OS. :D

justlhiz · 15 years ago

I believe too Sir Yuga.. I wont buy a new Phone if its not running on Android OS.. hehehe.. Big Point you got there

Th0m5k · 15 years ago

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Many mobile device companies are hitching their wagons to the Android train Their business model hinges on the success of the open Android platform.

Eason · 15 years ago

Android did revolutionized the Phone industry, making smartphones available to the mass. Before OEM manufacturers has MTK OS but now the can release Android phones which enhanced their brand such example are (Cherry Mobile, Torque).

Even Huawei and ZTE started to enter the phone market due to android making them now reputable in the market by bringing affordable entry level androids.

With almost all brands going ANDROID I just hope they are all willing to provide updates if its available and not abandon their customers.

For me Android is definitely BIGGER than the brand itself especially if its the LATEST version. With the Filipino instinct to follow the latest trend they will definitely try android even at any brand.

adam · 15 years ago

I am willing to buy Cherry Mobile as long as it has android OS.

phets · 15 years ago

Hi Abe! Just a question.. The Optimus 2x that you have, is that the one you bought from the sale? :D How long before you got the phone? :)

Nico · 15 years ago

It’s like hamburger. No matter what raw materials you put into it, someone will buy it eventually since it’s hamburger. It has this template of perception that it’s delicious, especially when you have a reputation of selling tasty fried chicken since.

As I see it, Android OS just got into great timing with cheaper internet connectivity(due to the rising LTE marketing perhaps), with different tech advancements available(High resolution screens, camera sensors etc. at their mainstream age) and with the current market competition(the blend of Apple’s & RIM’s cheap savvy phones and Nokia’s expensive, low-tech, entry-level phones; notice the sarcasm).

brian · 15 years ago

the OS plays a big part in the equation but its not everything..

you still have to factor in specs, aesthetics and of course, the value for money.. it may not be in that particular order, though..

Jhoms · 15 years ago

For me, Yes! android FTW! Regardless kahit ano pang Brand yan as long as okay sakin ang hardware specs and price :)

rguintoph · 15 years ago

Yes for me.

I was a loyal Sony Ericsson user until the iPhone came. I thought to my self that I would never replace my iPhone and just upgrade to latest iPhone model if ever it breaks down.

But now, I find my self looking into LG, HTC, Sony Ericsson again, heck even Huawei Ideos and Cherry Mobile because of the Android OS. It’s a real treat for consumers that you now have a myriad of phone models to choose from without having to worry about adapting to a new UI. Even my mom now does facebook, e-mail, YM, Skype and Twitter (to follow showbiz tsismis) because of her droid phone :D

Jon · 15 years ago

Nah, I still think people stick to their favorite brand. I’m sure these companies make sure that their products still maintain their own identity, especially when they are running an OS like Android. If you notice, big brand names like HTC, Sony Ericsson, and Samsung all have distinct looks.

Sha Um Sala · 15 years ago

When I talk to most of my friends and acquaintances, here and other parts of SouthEast Asia, they don’t even know what Android really is. When I started talking about them they go like “Oh Android, yeah I heard about them…” and then basically the talk diverts to another brand like iPhone or Nokia.

SGT-Owner · 15 years ago

For me i can put a video like series i download and just watch it right out there with out even converting it and easy and fast not like when i use Apple still good but for now i can use it and modify it like i really want to. Then there is the new GUI a Mod Desktop like interface still you can get what its always we see. Then where almost half of the people use the Google Chrome it will be the new browser in the Android 3.0 and 3.1 with that in mind i really cant think of going back at Apple when i finally got to use a iPad2 i never got to use it in a top of 10mins dead zone for me already know it only i check out is the camera where it suck dunno but for me still go for the basic digicam.

Pinoy Persuasion · 15 years ago

YES! Android has been made to be a distinct brand in itself and has become an attraction for consumers in their purchase decision-making. A clear rival of iOS.

rene · 15 years ago

From the start I believe its always been about OS. I bought a Nokia because its user friendly. I got an android because its got more apps and its cheaper than the iphone.

Winziph · 15 years ago

hindi ako sure pero sa tingin ko YES lalo na at Google pa ang gumawa kaya parang naging household name pa lalo.

by the way pa promote na rin po itong NIKON entry ko pa LIKE na lang po hehe http://d5100.nikon-asia.com/en/submissions/12291

nivla · 15 years ago

Yes Android is a big factor for me in buying phone doesn’t really care with the brand. So far I still have Samsung and HTC Android phones..

marvin · 15 years ago

I say YES! But i would still consider what brand i am buying.

And no! I would never buy a wndows phone. Cause it is on a closed system. I am tired of all the restrictions a closed source OS can give me. Parang wala kang kalayaan sa sarili mong cellphone. Stuck ka lang kung anu ang gusto ng microsoft para sayu.
That is why android rules and will continue to rule. It really defines what a true smartphone should be.

wanroyd · 15 years ago

nope. i wont buy a myphone or cherry mobile with android OS..

wait for windows phones. very promising indeed.

21 · 15 years ago

Well, Nokia and Apple is BIGGER than Android..
Wanna buy an android, but my mind keep telling me just wait for WP7… geez !
anyone?wat u recommend? Microsoft is updating fast the Os..

tmcr · 15 years ago

try launcher 7 app on Android Market. Your Android phone will look and feel like a Windows Phone. Plus you have access to Android Apps. The best of both worlds.

Wakocoke · 15 years ago

man that’s unfair, nokia PLUS apple

siguradong mas malaki nga sila sa android LOL

Zo · 15 years ago

finally, it’s dawning on people. Android is a wave sweeping across the globe.

The sheer number of phone AND tablet manufacturers are dishing out devices left and right sporting Droid OS. It’s obvious that yes, Android has become bigger than the phone brand themselves. It’s even the reason why those brands are selling. But if i recall correctly, Android ‘s been really just a platform created by google. Sure they have the Nexus phone line, but i’m pretty sure Android came out first as really just a platform…

1001 · 15 years ago

some problems that were encountered with android phones and devices perhaps including OS:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/997-of-all-android-smartphones-vulnerable-to-serious-data-leakage/12831
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/gadgetreviews/most-android-devices-vulnerable-to-identity-theft/24801

Dindo · 15 years ago

first time android user and i love it.

1001 · 15 years ago

it’s worth a try. if it works go for it. if not then….

Derrick · 15 years ago

I will definitely go for Android any day(and you already know why). And for the mobile phone brand, I’ll go for the trusted one in terms of quality and presentation. Samsung Android for the kill!

mark · 15 years ago

an android phone made by cdrking. . .
Would you buy it?

Pogi · 15 years ago

Ayos yan bibili ako nyan basta cdr king garantisado yan 5000 lang siguro yan puwede na

mark · 15 years ago

an android phone made by crking. . .
Would you buy it?

Iyan Sommerset · 15 years ago

Definitely. In the same way as many people don’t really go buy Dell/HP/Acer/etc desktops (and to a lesser extent, laptops). It’s all about what’s inside and what that entails, not the packaging on the outside.

Of course, cheapo China phones still make you think twice, the same as getting cheapo China PC parts/laptops do.

But in the end, I’d say that people who choose to buy Android phones choose them primarily because they’re Android and only secondarily because they’re *insert X brand*.

faisalsher · 15 years ago

i think now a days android is ruling the market :)

dan · 15 years ago

yes android is a big influence. i am not looking at the brands nowadays but on its OS especially android

tmcr · 15 years ago

Would you buy a china phone that runs on Android?

Abe Olandres Editor-in-chief · 15 years ago

@tmcr – Cherry Mobile, Torque and Huawei are some of the Chinese-supplied Android phones that are quite popular in the Philippine market so I’d say Android still had an influence.

tmcr · 15 years ago

how about this no name china phone? :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCRqSJZ2_0U

rene · 15 years ago

I may add if the price is cheaper and its android why not. It all depends on what spectrum your in, class d will certainly get them because thats all they can afford.

tmcr · 15 years ago

That’s worth 10-12k as sold online. So that’s definitely not for Class D. If you have that much money, which would you buy that phone or b) Samsung Wave or c) Nokia C7?

Noir · 15 years ago

Hmmm I havent tried to use a Android yet. (Globe still doesnt have 3 Huawei Ideos Phones in stock)

But Once i saw it was Android and it’s specs Top Notch. I didnt care about the brand.

Although I am a PC Enthusisast so Brand does not really hinder me from buying

coollearner · 15 years ago

As per my observation and personal purchase YES

Mat · 15 years ago

I would say, No. At least to the informed. Even if you dont fancy rooting, the brand plays a part in terms of UI/Skin. If you are a fan of root, then you would go to brands that make it easier to do so. Plus, theres the build. The reason I dont touch Samsung phones is that I don’t like how it feels in hand compared to those from HTC. Also, you have to think of the service. Some brands are better than others.

kannuchi · 15 years ago

I have had officemates who are fond of high-end mobile phones.

They have Galaxy S, iPhone 4, LG 2x, HTC HD, HTC Desire, Xperia Arc, Blackberry Bold, etc.

Based on their feedback, I often hear performance, battery and stability issues of OS and softwares mostly on Android ones, be it rooted or not. iPhone 4 and BB, none at all.

That’s why I’m still in wait if WP7 is going to win on this, since I saw youtube how great UX on WP7 was, as well as the recently launched Mango update.

caloy · 15 years ago

I think it the OS and the brand comes hand in hand when choosing what phone to buy.

giogagz · 15 years ago

Agree aq sau sir yuga

JKisaragi · 15 years ago

“Is Android OS a bigger influence than the handset brand when buying a smartphone?”

I think it’s more of the features of the OS. I mean, it sure was the deciding factor for me when I bought my SGS last June. I just wanted something fluid that worked out-of-the-box and something that would pretty much let me do anything without having it tied to a PC software.

The brand would come into equation when it is known to have already established a very good reputation of producing quality phones, and/or if the buyer has had a very good run with it so far.

Wakocoke · 15 years ago

maybe in the future we can build our own mobile phone!

CPU: Snapdragon 1GHZ
GPU: RSX 256MB
Motherboard: ASUS KXXXX
RAM: 512MB corsair
Screen: 4.5in LG OLED
Casing: Samsung Galaxy ATX
Battery: HEC 2000maH
OS: Android Spaghetti

LOL

Dhan · 15 years ago

definitely agree with @Imitator & @Ry’s opinions.

PC:
OS = Windows
alternative = Mac OS
PC specs = user’s preference

Mobile:
OS = Android
alternative = iOS
PC specs = user’s preference

P.S: I’ve got nothing against apple or its products but it’s how I see the consumer-market regarding the PC and mobile world. :)

Ry · 15 years ago

I believe you are right, Sir Yuga. People look at the UI and features of an OS as much as they look at the specs. Android is a nice OS (a potential iPhone killer as they’ve said). I guess the brand manufacturer’s only option is by making good specs that can outdone others. We can already see this kind of war in the android tablet war

Seph · 15 years ago

Brand name would still apply for me. I wouldn’t be buying an Android phone coming from a less known manufacturer.

charli3 · 15 years ago

I think this is true for some brands. For example, I myself am willing to buy an LG phone since it uses Android, same with samsung. If not for these OSes, I won’t waste my time playing with Touchwiz or LG’s default OS.

Benchmark · 15 years ago

IMO Brand names choose Android for it can be customized/personalized, plus it is cheaper than developing their own OS.

And I don’t think consumers will buy a unit because of the OS, but because it is cheaper & has good specs under a reliable brand.

Am I in the right drift??? :)

Justine · 15 years ago

Is there a possibility that Nokia will have Android phones?

Hivemind · 15 years ago

No chance Nokia will ever have an Android OS phone, especially now that it will be bought by Microsoft.

Imitator · 15 years ago

What could happen is vey much similar to the current PC market: Windows being the standard software and people deciding their purchase based on the hardware or aesthetics of the computer.

Android will become the standard smartphone OS (like Windows is for PCs) and people will start deciding which phone to purchase based on their own needs (the latest hardware, aesthetics, unique offerings, etc., whatever they want)