Android vs. Blackberry — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Android is a versatile, open-source mobile operating system developed by Google, known for its wide app ecosystem. Blackberry was once popular for its security and messaging features but now mainly provides enterprise solutions after switching to Android.
Difference Between Android and Blackberry
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Android, created by Google, is an open-source operating system that powers many devices, offering flexibility and customization. Blackberry, historically known for its own OS and unique keyboard design, now operates on Android OS with a focus on enterprise software.
Android allows users to access millions of apps through the Google Play Store, whereas Blackberry’s older systems had a limited app selection. This difference has contributed to Android’s popularity among consumers and developers.
Android’s interface can be highly customized by device manufacturers and users, providing a unique experience per brand. Blackberry, on the other hand, traditionally featured a consistent design, prioritizing security and productivity, though newer models now integrate with Android's flexibility.
Security features in Android have improved over time, offering biometric unlocking and secure folders. Blackberry still emphasizes security but has integrated these features into an Android framework, aiming to maintain its reputation for business use.
The Android ecosystem is supported by a vast developer community that regularly contributes to updates. Blackberry, meanwhile, once relied on its proprietary development but now leverages Android’s robust support.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
OS Type
Open-source, developed by Google
Historically proprietary, now uses Android OS
Customization
Highly customizable for manufacturers and users
Limited customization focused on enterprise security
App Ecosystem
Google Play Store with millions of apps
Older Blackberry OS had fewer apps, now uses Play Store
Security
Improved security with biometrics, secure folders
Focused on security and encryption within Android OS
Market Share
Largest global market share for mobile OS
Minimal share, primarily enterprise solutions now
Compare with Definitions
Android
Open-source mobile operating system by Google.
The latest Android update brought new privacy features.
Blackberry
Phones with a distinctive QWERTY keyboard popular for emailing.
The Blackberry keyboard was ideal for fast typing.
Android
Operating system known for its customization by users and manufacturers.
Custom ROMs allow deep changes to the Android system.
Blackberry
Previously a mobile operating system with its own app ecosystem.
The Blackberry App World was limited in comparison to other stores.
Android
Software platform supporting millions of mobile devices worldwide.
She prefers Android because of its versatility.
Blackberry
Company now developing secure software solutions for enterprises.
Blackberry’s current products focus on data security.
Android
Mobile OS with a vast app ecosystem via Google Play.
He downloaded several productivity apps from the Android store.
Blackberry
Brand known for secure smartphones and enterprise software.
His old Blackberry phone had a signature physical keyboard.
Android
System with periodic updates named after desserts.
Android Oreo introduced picture-in-picture functionality.
Blackberry
Brand that transitioned to Android OS for its latest devices.
The Blackberry Priv was their first Android phone.
Android
(in science fiction) a robot with a human appearance
A space station inhabited only by androids
There were no android security guards to stop him
Blackberry
The blackberry is an edible fruit produced by many species in the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae, hybrids among these species within the subgenus Rubus, and hybrids between the subgenera Rubus and Idaeobatus. The taxonomy of blackberries has historically been confused because of hybridization and apomixis, so that species have often been grouped together and called species aggregates.
Android
An open-source operating system used for smartphones and tablet computers
I have an Android phone and I like it a lot
Blackberry
Any of various shrubs of the genus Rubus in the rose family, having usually prickly stems, compound leaves, and an aggregate fruit of small drupelets.
Android
Possessing human features.
Blackberry
The fruit of these plants, usually black, purple, or deep red.
Android
A mobile robot or automaton, especially one that resembles a human.
Blackberry
A fruit-bearing shrub of the aggregate species Rubus fruticosus and some hybrids.
Android
A robot that is designed to look and act like a human being (not necessarily a male one).
Blackberry
The soft fruit borne by this shrub, formed of a black (when ripe) cluster of drupelets.
Android
Possessing human qualities.
Blackberry
The blackcurrant.
Android
Of the pelvis, having a narrow anterior segment and a heart-shaped brim, typically found in the male.
Blackberry
To gather or forage for blackberries.
Android
A machine or automaton in the form of a human being.
Blackberry
The fruit of several species of bramble (Rubus); also, the plant itself. Rubus fruticosus is the blackberry of England; Rubus villosus and Rubus Canadensis are the high blackberry and low blackberry of the United States. There are also other kinds.
Android
Resembling a man.
Blackberry
Large sweet black or very dark purple edible aggregate fruit of any of various bushes of the genus Rubus
Android
An automaton that resembles a human being
Blackberry
Bramble with sweet edible black or dark purple berries that usually do not separate from the receptacle
Blackberry
Pick or gather blackberries;
The children went blackberrying
Common Curiosities
Can Blackberry apps still be used on Android phones?
Blackberry has released several of its own apps for Android users, including Blackberry Hub and DTEK.
Is Blackberry still making phones?
Blackberry no longer manufactures phones directly but licenses its brand to partners who focus on enterprise markets.
Is Blackberry’s security better than Android?
Blackberry has historically prioritized security, but recent Android versions have significantly improved in that area.
Does Blackberry run on Android now?
Yes, Blackberry’s recent phones run on the Android operating system.
Did Blackberry develop any notable Android features?
Blackberry added its own productivity and security features on top of Android.
Does Blackberry still offer email services?
Blackberry provides email services as part of its enterprise software.
Does Android have built-in security features?
Yes, modern Android includes secure folders, biometric authentication, and privacy controls.
Why did Blackberry stop making its own OS?
Blackberry transitioned to Android due to declining market share and the need for a more extensive app ecosystem.
Can Blackberry and Android devices share data easily?
Yes, they can share data using common methods like Bluetooth or cloud services.
Are Android phones customizable?
Yes, Android devices allow extensive customization by users and manufacturers.
Is Blackberry Messenger still available?
Blackberry Messenger (BBM) was discontinued in 2019.
Which Android phone brands are popular?
Popular brands include Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and OnePlus.
How do I get Blackberry’s security features on Android?
Blackberry provides some of its security apps for download on the Google Play Store.
Is there a difference in battery life between Android and Blackberry devices?
Battery life varies greatly among different Android models, while Blackberry aimed for long-lasting batteries.
What was distinctive about old Blackberry devices?
They had a physical QWERTY keyboard and strong security features.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Meal vs. Feast
Next Comparison
Also vs. FurthermoreAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
