Ubuntu Touch vs. Android: comparison of mobile operating systems

The developers of the well-known Linux OS Ubuntu want to bring their system to mobile devices with Ubuntu Touch and compete with Android. Read here how well the system is doing in comparison.

Ubuntu Touch vs. Android - the comparison

So far, Ubuntu Touch is only available for testers and companies, but the developers of Ubuntu Touch have already published a lot of material. A first comparison can already be made.

• Programming language (apps): Android and Ubuntu Touch already differ in the choice of the programming language used for apps. Android apps are written in the Java programming language in an adapted form. Although this is very versatile, it can be tough and slow in some places. Ubuntu touch apps are programmed in HTML5 instead. This is a very "fast" language that works with any modern desktop browser without additional software.
• Gesture control: Ubuntu Touch can be controlled with many quick gestures. For example, a swipe from the left edge of the screen opens a list of the most used apps. A swipe from right to left opens the last opened app. So far, swipe gestures have only been possible on Android with additional software. By default, a "list" of the favorite apps is only available on the homescreen.
• Cross-system search: Ubuntu Touch also has an iOS or MacOS-like Spotlight search. With this you can quickly search both internal files, contacts and calendar entries as well as the Internet. A similar search app is also pre-installed on Android with "Google Now". The two systems are almost the same on this point.
• Notifications: With Android you can open a kind of notification center with a swipe gesture. In this you will find all current notifications and can also open the associated apps. Ubuntu Touch takes over this message center. This can even be called up using the same swipe gesture. In both systems, you can also make quick settings here, such as turning WLAN on or off.

Conclusion: Ubuntu Touch vs. Android

• Ubuntu Touch can largely score with the apps programmed in HTML5, since they are very fast and save memory. This means that the smartphone is used less when using multiple apps.
• Using the apps on the desktop can also be a great advantage. So it would be possible to quickly switch between desktop and smartphone app. So far, this is only partially possible on Android. The app would have to be specially developed for desktop operation.
• Gesture control could also greatly improve the workflow on the smartphone. The quick switch between already open apps and the favorite apps can be very helpful.
• Ubuntu Touch has not really been released yet. So there are still not many apps for the system. Although the standard apps such as Facebook, Twitter or Evernote should already be available for the release, many users want more than that.
• Android has also proven itself for several years. So-called teething problems have already been remedied. Android has only a few security holes. Ubuntu Touch would still have to go through this phase.
• Ultimately, Android is a very stable system with many apps and is sufficient for most users. However, if you are interested in testing new systems, you should give Ubuntu Touch a try. Even if you want a better synergy between desktop and smartphone, Ubuntu Touch could be the long-awaited solution.

Tip: Read also the advantages of the Custom Android Rom CyanogenMod.