Six Mobile OSes Compared: Split-Screen Support Still Divides iOS 27 From Android Rivals

Six mobile operating systems went head to head in a new comparison, and the sharpest dividing line is multitasking: HyperOS 4, ColorOS 17 and OriginOS 7 ship native split-screen gestures, while iOS 27 and Pixel Android 17 still lack split-screen support entirely. The face-off, detailed in a video from Techmo, pits the six platforms against each other across design, multitasking, AI capabilities and customization.

The comparison covers iOS 27, Android 17, One UI 9, ColorOS 17, OriginOS 7 and HyperOS 4 — in other words, Apple's platform against five Android-based skins from Google, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi respectively.

How do the interfaces differ?

Three of the six adopt what the comparison calls a "Liquid Glass" aesthetic — HyperOS 4, ColorOS 17 and OriginOS 7. These systems lean into smooth, reflective visuals that resemble the polished design language of iOS 27. They prioritize a visually engaging interface for users who value looks.

One UI 9 and Android 17 take the opposite route. Both favor clarity and functionality, keeping visual embellishment to a minimum in the name of productivity.

One small friction point surfaces in quick settings. Most systems expose essential tools with a single swipe. Android 17 on Pixel devices requires two swipes — a detail the comparison flags as less intuitive for some users.

What does customization look like?

The gap here is structural. Android-based systems allow extensive personalization:

• ColorOS 17, One UI 9 and OriginOS 7 excel in widget customization, including widget stacking and floating widgets.
• HyperOS 4 also provides robust tailoring options.
• iOS 27 offers limited widget customization and no floating widgets at all.

Apple's restrictive approach suits users who want a consistent, uniform layout. It will frustrate anyone who wants real control over how their home screen looks. For personalization, the Android-based systems clearly lead.

Which systems handle multitasking best?

The comparison sorts the six into three tiers:

• Best: HyperOS 4, ColorOS 17 and OriginOS 7, with intuitive split-screen multitasking and drag-and-drop gestures.
• Moderate: One UI 9 and Android 17 both support split-screen, but the process takes more steps and feels less seamless.
• Limited: iOS 27, which does not support split-screen multitasking at all.

For heavy multitaskers, the Android-based platforms deliver a more versatile experience.

How do media controls compare?

HyperOS 4, ColorOS 17 and OriginOS 7 integrate interactive media controls similar to Apple's Dynamic Island. iOS 27 keeps media playback inside its own Dynamic Island, which the comparison calls refined and cohesive. Pixel Android 17 opts for minimalist, unobtrusive media controls that match its stripped-back design philosophy.

Where does AI processing happen?

The split here is cloud versus device:

• iOS 27 and Android 17 use cloud-based AI models, delivering superior results in tools like Magic Eraser, which removes unwanted elements from photos with impressive accuracy.
• OriginOS 7 emphasizes local AI processing, prioritizing privacy at the potential cost of performance compared to cloud-based rivals.

Users with privacy concerns get a genuine alternative in OriginOS 7; users chasing the strongest AI results stay with the cloud-based pair.

What about accessibility and animations?

Accessibility settings divide along similar lines. Android-based systems — excluding Pixel devices — make features like auto-brightness adjustments easy to reach. iOS 27 and Pixel Android 17 bury similar features deeper in settings, which keeps the interface clean but creates barriers to quick adjustments.

Animations follow the same three-way pattern:

• HyperOS 4, ColorOS 17 and OriginOS 7 emphasize dynamic effects, including ripple effects for fingerprint unlocking.
• Pixel Android 17 avoids excessive animation to stay efficient.
• iOS 27 balances visual appeal with smooth, cohesive transitions.

So which OS should you pick?

The comparison lands on three profiles:

• Power users: HyperOS 4, ColorOS 17 and OriginOS 7, for their robust customization and multitasking.
• Design-first users: iOS 27, for seamless media playback and transitions.
• The middle ground: Android 17 and One UI 9, blending functionality with simplicity for a broad audience.

As these platforms converge on similar glass-heavy visuals while diverging on AI processing location and multitasking depth, the next round of updates will likely turn on whether Apple budges on split-screen — and whether local AI can close the quality gap with the cloud.