Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Is Android same as Linux?

Android is not a GNU/Linux distro but its Kernel (its powerhouse) is Linux and since it is the convention that a collection of software put together around the Linux Kernel is referred to as Linux, Android is Linux. Android is an open source OS that was first created by Android Inc.

What operating system does Android use?

What is Android? Google Android OS is Google’s Linux-based open source operating system for mobile devices. Android has been the world’s most widely used smartphone platform as of 2010, with a worldwide smartphone market share of 75%. Android offers users a “direct manipulation” interface for smart, natural phone use.