Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Android KitKat VS Symbian OS

Compare Android KitKat VS Symbian OS and see what are their differences

Android KitKat logo Android KitKat

Android KitKat is an operating system for mobile devices released to the public on September 3, 2013.

Symbian OS logo Symbian OS

Symbian OS is a former mobile operating system that was developed to be used in smartphones.
  • Android KitKat Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-13
  • Symbian OS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-10

Android KitKat features and specs

  • Improved Performance
    Android KitKat is optimized for devices with as little as 512MB of RAM, providing faster multitasking and smoother operation on lower-end hardware.
  • Enhanced User Interface
    KitKat introduced a more polished UI with a new 'immersive mode' that lets content use the full screen, hiding the system UI for a more engaging experience with apps and games.
  • Google Now Integration
    Google Now became more accessible directly from the lock screen and included the new 'OK Google' voice command feature from the home screen.
  • Improved Connectivity
    KitKat added support for new connectivity options like IR Blasters, improved NFC capabilities, and Bluetooth MAP, enhancing interaction with various devices and accessories.
  • New Hangouts App
    Hangouts consolidated SMS, MMS, and Hangouts messages into one app, simplifying communication with friends and family.

Possible disadvantages of Android KitKat

  • Limited Hardware Support
    While it improved performance for low-memory devices, KitKat required manufacturers to update their hardware drivers, leading to limited availability on older devices.
  • Security Concerns
    As a version released prior to more modern security developments, KitKat lacks many security enhancements found in later Android updates, making it more susceptible to vulnerabilities.
  • Fragmentation Issues
    Despite its optimizations, KitKat contributed to the ongoing fragmentation in the Android ecosystem, with some devices not receiving an update and others delayed.
  • Google-centric Features
    Some users and regions where Google's services are restricted might not fully benefit from features like Google Now and the revamped Hangouts app, limiting their utility.
  • Lack of Some Modern Features
    Being an older Android version, KitKat does not support newer features introduced in later releases such as biometric security options and enhanced privacy controls.

Symbian OS features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Android KitKat videos

No Android KitKat videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Symbian OS videos

Throwback: Symbian OS Evolution (S60, Belle, Meego)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Android KitKat and Symbian OS)
Mobile OS
70 70%
30% 30
OS & Utilities
81 81%
19% 19
Mobile SDK
59 59%
41% 41
Development
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Android KitKat and Symbian OS. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Android KitKat and Symbian OS, you can also consider the following products

LineageOS - Operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, based on the Android

GrapheneOS - GrapheneOS is an open source privacy and security focused mobile OS with Android app compatibility.

CopperheadOS - Secure Android built for encrypted and secure phones by a privacy focused company. Available as security-centric and privacy focused Google-free Android for the latest devices. Fully integrated with the latest IDS and MDM enterprise technologies.

KaiOS - KaiOS is a light operating system for smart feature phones like the JioPhone and Nokia 8110.

Android - Android is an open source mobile operating system initially released by Google in 2008 and has since become of the most widely used operating systems on any platform.

Ubuntu Touch - Read more about Ubuntu Touch. Our free and open source mobile OS is made and maintained by UBports! We care about your freedom and privacy.