What are the best ways to run/emulate Android on a PC?

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Jan 15, 2024

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Genymotion vs Official Android SDK Emulator w/HAXM vs Nox app Player

vs Anbox vs ARC Welder vs Android-x86 vs BlueStacks vs PrimeOS vs Droid4X vs Android on Intel Architecture vs MEmu vs Andy vs Waydroid vs Visual Studio Emulator for Android vs Phoenix OS vs AMI DuOS vs Windroy vs Console OS vs YouWave vs RemixOS vs Manymo vs Bliss OS vs ARChon Custom Runtime vs Jar Of Beans Emulator vs 5 Ways to Run Android Apps on PC vs Dying vs Project Brunch

Specs

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

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Default Desktop Environment

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Platforms

Windows, Mac

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Platforms

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Origin

Release Type

License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Based On

Android Open Source Project

Release Schedule

N/A

Default Desktop Environment

Android dalla

Init-System

Android init

Official Supported Architectures

i686, amd64

Processor

Origin

Release Type

License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Windows

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

Processor

intel i5

Origin

Release Type

License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Based On

Android

Release Schedule

Point

Default Desktop Environment

PrimeOS Desktop

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

Processor

Intel and AMD based x86

Origin

India

Release Type

Binary

License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

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Official Supported Architectures

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Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Windows

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

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Official Supported Architectures

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Origin

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License

Package Manager

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Platforms

Based On

Release Schedule

Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Origin

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License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Origin

Release Type

License

GPLv3

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

Processor

Origin

Release Type

License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Based On

AOSP>Android-x64

Release Schedule

Point

Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Android-Init

Official Supported Architectures

Processor

Origin

China

Release Type

Binary

License

Package Manager

AOSP Package Installer

OS Family

Linux (AOSP-based)

Platforms

Based On

Release Schedule

Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Origin

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License

Package Manager

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Default Desktop Environment

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Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

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Official Supported Architectures

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Platforms

Based On

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Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

Processor

Origin

Release Type

License

Package Manager

OS Family

Platforms

Based On

AOSP>Android-x86

Release Schedule

Point

Default Desktop Environment

Android

Init-System

Android-init

Official Supported Architectures

i686, amd64

Processor

Origin

Release Type

Binary

License

Package Manager

AOSP Package Installer

OS Family

Linux (AOSP-based)

Platforms

Based On

Release Schedule

Default Desktop Environment

Init-System

Official Supported Architectures

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Origin

Release Type

License

Package Manager

OS Family

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Default Desktop Environment

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Default Desktop Environment

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Pros + Cons

Pro
Faster than most Android devices

Genymotion takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators. The only comparable option is HAXM enabled Android SDK emulator.

Comment

Pro
Can be integrated with Eclipse and Android Studio

Genymotion has plugins for Eclipse and Android Studio allowing you to launch Genymotion right from within those IDEs.

Comment

Pro
Cross-platform

Genymotion is available on Windows, OS X and Linux

Comment

Pro
A webcam and a dummy webcam can be used with the emulated device

Genymotion allows using a webcam connected to a computer as a camera for the emulated device. It can also enable a dummy webcam that will display a genymotion logo in motion. To use a webcam or set up a dummy, access camera settings panel by pressing ctrl+3 (or ⌘+3), enable the functionality and choose a front-facing and a back-facing camera.

Comment

Pro
Large library of emulated devices as well as custom devices

Genymotion has a selection of over 20 virtual devices, including various Google, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and Sony phones and tablets. If a device that's needed is not found in the library, a custom phone or tablet device can be created with RAM, screen size and density adjusted from the wrench menu.

Comment

Pro
Multiple ways of installing an application including drag & drop

Genymotion offers three ways of deploying an app: By dragging and dropping an .apk file on a device (ADB must be installed) By running adb install <appname>.apk By using a web link from within the emulated device

Comment

Pro
GPS Widget

GPS information, including position, accuracy and bearing, can be used and modified in real time. Ctrl+2 (or ⌘+2) to access GPS settings panel.

Comment

Pro
Simple setup

Installation is standard and after installing and launching Genymotion you'll have to log in. Once signed in, you can create your virtualized Android device.

Comment

Con
Expensive

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Comment

Pro
Comes bundled with Virtual Box

Genymotion runs on Oracle Virtual Box, that is bundled with the installation.

Comment

Pro
Allows creating shared folders between host and VM

In order to enable the functionality: Go to your VirtualBox VM setting / Shared folder tab Add a shared folder with the folder you want to shared, and check the "auto mount" option Start your VM as usual from the Genymotion software Your shared folder is available in the /mnt/shared directory (multiple shared folders are supported)

Comment

Pro
Emulates every Android version starting with Jelly Bean and later

Genymotion supports Android 2.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 emulation.

Comment

Pro
Free version available

A free version is offered to use it with general functionality non-commercially.

Comment

Pro
Enterprise Grade Android Emulator

Genymotion is a true enterprise grade Android Emulator and a very close competitor to Bluestacks in terms of features and apps compatibility. One of the key differences between Bluestacks and Genymotion is the target users. Genymotion majorly targets app developers while Bluestacks primarily targets app users and gamers.

Comment

Pro
Allows setting a custom Android or device ID (paid)

A custom or random Android ID & Device ID / IMEI / MEID can be set up from the Identifiers pane that can be accessed by clicking ctrl+6 (or ⌘+6). Since IMEI and MEID are often used as device IDs, Genymotion generates number compliant with the GSM 02.16 standard.

Comment

Pro
Easy device duplication and reset (paid)

A virtual device can be cloned and reset to factory settings quickly.

Comment

Pro
Can simulate multitouch interactions

Multitouch commands can be issued via mouse and keyboard.

Comment

Pro
Allows controlling an emulated device with a physical device (paid)

Remote control widget allows taking control of an emulated device via a physical one. It forwards multitouch gesture and accelerometer information to the virtual device.

Comment

Pro
Allows capturing screenshots and videos (paid)

To capture a video or a screenshot, access capture widget by clicking ctrl+4 (or ⌘+4) and clicking either screenshot or screencast. This is especially useful for older device images (before 4.4) where there's no native way of recording.

Comment

Pro
A pixel emulated takes exactly one pixel on monitor (paid)

Each pixel can be set to display using exactly one pixel of your monitor. To enable this functionality click ctrl+r (or ⌘+r).

Comment

Pro
Network quality emulation (paid)

Genymotion offers multiple network profiles - Wifi, edge, 3G, 4G. Network quality (various delays and packet loss) can be controlled via UI (accessed by clicking ctrl+7 or ⌘+7), Java API or command line.

Comment

Con
Signup required for download

Before downloading Genymotion, users must create an account. And even if you download from an alternative mirror, bypassing signup, you need to register and login in the application itself before using it.

Comment

Con
Can't set a custom display resolution

For example: it's impossible to run it in full screen on a full HD monitor.

Comment

Con
Can't run inside a virtual machine

Genymotion can't run inside a virtual machine, because virtualbox can't pass on OpenGL support.

Comment

Con
Doesn't come with gapps installed

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Comment

Con
No OpenGL support; needed to edit BIOS

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Comment

Con
Audio is badly distorted with any settings

Using a simple HDMI output to AVR (NVIDIA card HDMI, base setup) the audio is stuttering and badly distorted. I've played with every combination of the settings, the only change was nosound at all with other than the AC97 audio controller (Intel HD, Soundblaster). Genymotion launcher does not have ANY settings for audio, you have to configure it in Oracle Virtualbox settings.

Comment

Con
Uses Virtualbox separately, configuration is annoying

It is bundled with Virtualbox is the meaning of it's also downloaded. During the install, you have to separately install Virtualbox and manage it after, meaning uninstalling manually when Genymotion is already uninstalled. The separate install causes ridiculous setup process, where yoiu have to set properties in the Genymotion launcher AND the Oracle Virtualbox launcher, too. Very awkward.

Comment

Con
Free version is for non-commercial work only

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Comment

Con
No way to install your applications directly from Titanium Studio before version 3.2

With an app's apk it's possible to simply drag & drop it on a running device to install and launch the app.

Comment

Con
Accelerometer and gyroscope is not yet emulated

Although accelerometer and gyroscope is not yet emulated, accelerometer data from a physical device can be used with the remote control widget.

Comment

Con
Proprietary

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Comment

Pro
Can simulate complex network environments

Each running instance of the emulator has a separate virtual router allowing complex simulations and setups. Network speed and delay can be simulated either by using presets for various network formats or manually entering desired values. It's even possible to interconnect one AVD to another AVD.

Comment

Pro
GPS emulation support

Longitute, latitude and altitude information can be supplied to the device once it's running. NMEA 1083 formatting is optional.

Comment

Pro
Allows sending an SMS to the virtual device

You can send an SMS using the command sms send <senderPhoneNumber> <textmessage>

Comment

Pro
SD card emulation support

A disk image can be loaded into the emulator on startup to act as an SD card. This can be done via AVD Manager or mksdcard utility. While the SD card cannot be removed from a running emulator, files can still be moved, copied to and from, and removed from the card. The SD card can be of any size up to 128GB.

Comment

Pro
GSM emulated modem allows telephony emulation

Telephony emulation allows simulating incoming calls as well as establishing and terminating data connections. Calls can be accepted, but there's no support for call audio.

Comment

Con
Can't place actual phone calls

While simulated phone calls can be placed and received, there's no call audio support.

Comment

Con
Bad OS X support

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Comment

Con
Clunky UI around things like GPS and such

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Comment

Pro
Flexible interface

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Pro
Works on Windows/Mac/Linux

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Comment

Pro
Libre/Open source

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Pro
Various power characteristics can be emulated

Via the power command, AC charging state as well as battery state, presence, health and capacity can be changed.

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Pro
LCD density can be abstracted

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Pro
Camera support

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Con
BSOD if your host PC has Hyper V installed

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Pro
High performance

It runs fast, like running the actual Android devices.

Comment

Pro
Free

You don't have to pay anything to use this emulator.

Comment

Con
Bundleware

Installs sponsored Android apps.

Comment

Pro
1950+ icons available

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Pro
Multiple included wallpapers

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Pro
Frequent updates and additions

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Con
Paid

Icon pack costs 1.99 to install.

Comment

Con
Outdated

Icon pack hasn't updated since 2016.

Comment

Con
Limited Linux Distribution

Only works on Ubuntu & debian don't Support Fedora/CentOs.

Comment

Con
Linux only

Works only on linux since it uses the Systems Linux kernel instead of the Android Linux kernel.

Comment

Pro
Fast

Its fast since there is no emulation layer.

Comment

Pro
Developed by Google

Even though it's a developer preview, it's likely to evolve quickly as Google is developing it. Since Google is also behind Android, it makes sense to use a more official way of running APK. If they don't work, you may check with the developer so it may eventually work.

Comment

Con
Discontinued

Discontinued after December 2020.

Comment

Pro
Cross-platform

Works on Chrome 41+ on Windows, Mac, Chrome OS and Linux.

Comment

Pro
Allows running apps in a Chrome web browser

It installs as a Chrome App and runs on most operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS), even thought x86 support will be put in maintenance mode soon.

Comment

Con
Not all Google Play services are yet supported

ARC Welder supports OAuth2, Google Cloud Messaging , Google+ sign-in, Maps, Location, and Ads APIs from Google Play services.

Comment

Con
Only supports "arm" apk files

"x86" apk files don't work as of 20150422.

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Con
Keyboard input is spotty

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Con
No accelerometer emulation

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Con
Orientation mode has to be selected before running the app

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Con
A single app can be loaded at a time

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Pro
It's a complete port of Android to x86

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Pro
Has Bluetooth & WiFi support

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Pro
Actively developed

Since 2009 the pet project of running Android on a PC by a highly respected developer, has gathered many developer contributions from the open source community...and in 2015 they are still going strong and delivering. Contributors are welcomed and needed for ongoing development work, any donations are accepted.

Comment

Pro
Stable device support

Runs on more devices than any other available Android on a PC product presently available, KitKat, Lollipop, all open source.

Comment

Con
Slow performance

Runs very slow which is not efficient.

Comment

Pro
Open source

Using Open Source Mesa for GPU / Video and presently up to Linux Kernel 4.0.6, with some Kernel 4.1 test builds available from contributors....

Comment

Con
Short list of supported devices

Currently it's tested on only the following devices: ASUS Eee PCs/Laptops Viewsonic Viewpad 10 Dell Inspiron Mini Duo Samsung Q1U Viliv S5 Lenovo ThinkPad x61 Tablet Check them out, download a build and try it for yourself, read their forums and see what is presently happening, from the SurfacePRO 3 work in progress to the older Asus T100 ongoing work and many other PC's, Laptop, 2-in-1's, the older Surface 2, Dell XPS 12, Dell Venue 8, HP Stream, Sony Viao and many others. AOSP KitKat is their present released product, Lollipop version 5.1.1 is their present development cycle. There are builds available for either.

Comment

Con
Does not run on Linux

Only for Windows and Mac OSX.

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Con
Default home screen can not be customized and lags a lot

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Con
Default launcher hides almost all normal Android functionality

The default launcher acts like a portal to launch games and not much else. If you're looking for a stock setup without much tweaking, look elsewhere.

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Con
Has bloatware and popup ads on free plan

You have to pay to remove both bloatware and popup ads.

Comment

Pro
Easy to use and set up

For end users who are not developers, Bluestacks is perfect for the simple reason that it is just one click install, one just need to download the package and install it on windows or Mac to start accessing games and apps. It is just simple!

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Pro
Designed with gaming in mind

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Pro
Creates shortcuts for Android apps

A folder on the desktop with shortcuts to apps will be created. Opening a shortcut will start up BlueStacks and run the selected app.

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Pro
Decent performance

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Pro
No need to register in order to download and install

Only a Google account is needed, which is the same as setting up an Android phone.

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Pro
Can install apps from Stores and from APK files

Installing apps from APK files is important for developing purposes.

Comment

Pro
Can run multiple instances

Now, running multiple instances of BlueStacks is possible even with different Google Accounts.

Comment

Pro
Can transfer files between BlueStacks and Windows host

There are shared folders for this purpose.

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Pro
Built-in search allows quickly looking up and installing apps

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Pro
You can use BlueStack tweaker (portable), then you can access root and easily transfer files

You can not only transfer from Windows to Android storage (from BlueStack tweaker), but you can also delete or rename a file from it and also access themes and other options.

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Con
Only one instance can be run

It's impossible to start multiple instances.

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Con
Expensive

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Pro
Dual boot at single click with PrimeOS installer

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Pro
Android Gaming on PC

PrimeOS is equipped with a key mapping tool, DecaPro which let you play any Android game with the keyboard and mouse.

Comment

Pro
Standalone OS, better performance than any emulator

PrimeOS is a standalone OS thus provides better performance than any emulator.

Comment

Con
Sleep mode

Problems reported with sleep mode on several PC's.

Comment

Con
Win 10 sleep mode issues

Coming out of Windows 10 sleep mode tends to lockup this emulator. Restarting the emulator seems to be the only option (emulator appears to still be running, but the Android OS is frozen - apps/icons, menu's, google store, etc. )

Comment

Con
Windows Only

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Pro
Can run dual operating systems smoothly

Flip easily between Windows an Android OS with ease and no performance degradation.

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Pro
Install apps 3 ways

Drag and drop to install or use the apps store or run .apk apps directly to install.

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Pro
GPS simulation

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Pro
Remote controller options

Use your smart phone to remotely control your Droid4X games (or customize your keyboard)!

Comment

Pro
Touch screen support

Very responsive touchscreen for great game play.

Comment

Pro
Free

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Pro
Great integration with Windows + tablets

Allows for hard or virtual (screen) keyboards, customize RAM and CPU's used, window size or full screen, swipe between Windows 10 and Droid4X, and allows for 1 folder share (local or LAN) as SD

Comment

Pro
Amazing graphics

Graphics are exceptional (high end games as well as low end).

Comment

Con
Custom "Recommand" tab screen from homepage is useless

Gives error "The Contents is not provided in you region".

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Con
Gyro sensing not working

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Con
Pressing the Home/Back/Task-List icons may cause some lag for the emulator

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Con
The default home screen is not customizable

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Con
Buttons on the auto-hide navigation bar are too small

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Con
No widget support

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Con
Native screen auto-rotation is only for 180, no 90/-90 except for some inplay games.

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Comment

Con
Latest version used is Android 4.2.2

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Con
Runs on a limited set of devices

Currently supported devices: Acer Iconia W700 Lenovo X220T Lenovo X230T Samsung XE700T

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Con
Discontinued

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Con
Unstable

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Pro
One of the best in performance, alongside the old Leapdroid.

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Comment

Pro
Can be rooted

To root Andy download this rootkit, extract the archive and run AndyRootkit30.exe. It comes with frequently installed root applications that can be installed in the process and also allows unrooting Andy.

Comment

Con
Andy's Installer is known to drop/install a bitcoin miner

Andy's Installer has been reported to drop a bitcoin miner on users computer which causes significant drop in PC performance.

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Con
Still on Jelly Bean

KitKat version is planned.

Comment

Pro
Easy to get started

As long as virtualization is enabled in BIOS, the setup is straightforward. Simply download, install, run. First time the software runs it will ask to either log in with a Google account or create one allowing it to download software directly from the Play Store.

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Pro
The virtual machine Andy runs in is highly customizable

With some tinkering, Andy can be set up to run with up to 3GB of RAM, the current Android 32bit RAM limit. It allows for a smooth experience and offers enough power to have multiple apps running simultaneously. The VM can even add more virtual CPU cores to Andy, doubling it's processing power or more.

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Pro
Use of Genymotion VHD allows Andy to be very fast

Andy is built on top of the powerful Genymotion VHD. It takes advantage of OpenGL capable graphics cards allowing it to be one of the fastest Android emulators.

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Pro
Allows installing third-party launchers

Andy comes with a custom clever implementation of ADW. It is theme-able, while functions very well without any modifications. The app sorting is a nice touch. Andy is compatible with most Android launchers.

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Pro
Great application compatibility and stability

Andy is constantly optimizing for applications to perform better on their system. Their support staff has a reporting setup to get the right information to the developers as fast as possible.

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Pro
Allows using a smartphone as a controller

It can't stream media to a phone, but it can work as a game controller. It allows for accelerometer- and touch-based interactions.

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Pro
Good customer support

Andy manages support mostly through a Facebook group where both knowledgeable admins and smart community members help answer questions.

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Pro
Fully functioning notifications and widgets

Andy supports all traditional Android widgets and notifications. It can even use apps like Push Bullet to send those notifications to their other devices.

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Pro
Great Clash of Clans gameplay experience

The new launcher provided for, it seems, limitless number of Andy tablets. Have a Andy just for CoC with 3GB and 4CPUs to maximize your CoC play to the next level. Then make a full copy of that machine for a full backup. Have an Andy for the children, be able to lock each Andy with a password lock-screen. And manage all this with less only 7 buttons ;) Again, Simple and powerful.

Comment

Con
No Linux Version

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Con
Can crash your mac

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Pro
Simple OS upgrade process

As of this latest version, users can be notified of new versions and incremental changes. It's possible to update only certain pieces or parts, rather than downloading an entirely new build. Andy is also exploring OTA update possibilities.

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Pro
Andy is available in over 40 languages.

For a full list of supported languages, see here.

Comment

Pro
All apps and settings can be synced between Andy and an Android device on the same network with 1ClickSync

While setting up Andy, 1ClickSync will ask for Google Account credentials that allow keeping apps and their settings in sync between Andy and an Android device.

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Pro
Available on Windows 7 & 8

Andy is available on Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs with OS X support in development.

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Con
Only installs in Windows Drive C:/

Which is where windows is installed. What's more, it does not let you change the installation path.

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Con
Quite resource intensive

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Pro
No signup required

Downloading Andy requires only one click with no email address or account needed.

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Con
Requires Wayland

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Pro
Multi window mode

Waydroid can be used in multi window mode, allowing for running several apps as floating windows.

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Pro
Uses containerization

Using containerization instead of a virtual machine means less overhead.

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Con
Linux only

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Pro
Easy to set up and use

Install devices in two clicks, very intuitive interface for simulations.

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Pro
Simulates many scenarios

Location/GPS (including live journeying), Camera (using webcam or image file from PC), Accelerometer, Networking (bandwidth and signal strength), etc.

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Pro
Free

All features are free.

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Pro
Fast

Runs using Hyper-V, the built-in virtualization technology in Windows, so it's very fast (like a real device).

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Con
Only runs on Hyper-V capable machines

Has to be Win8+ pro edition or higher. No Mac or Linux support yet.

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Con
Lots of ads

So many ads for across the OS, making it the free version a bad experience. Ads even appear when opening apps (like a File Manager). A VIP version is available which remove these ads but requires a monthly payment.

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Con
Google Play service is not updating

Don't expect Google services-based apps.

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Con
It's snappy, in a way

Snappy but not smooth. Snappy when it comes to games. Setting the resolution to 1080 but that doesnt take effect on games which still run on low resolution.

Comment

Pro
Accelerated gaming

With Phoenix OS you guys can play any android games on pc with 30+ fps but minimum requirements must be met (pentium 4 cores with 8 gig ram) [must] and even Intel gfx would also work to run heavy games like mc5 (fps) and kritika (role playing) or pubg(tps) usually puzzle games never lags on this OS

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Pro
Regularly updated

Phoenix OS updated at least every month, bringing in new features and bug fixes with every release.

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Pro
Comes with Nougat

Unlike Remix OS, Phoenix OS is recently released and comes with Android 7.0. Remix OS support is discontinued and no further updates can be expected. But Phoenix OS updates can be expected. UI is same for both OS.

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Con
32-bit version is no longer supported or updated

The developers of Phoenix OS have dropped support for the 32-bit version of Phoenix OS. It is still on Andriod 5.1 Lollipop and was last updated on 19 October 2017

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Pro
Android Emulator with more advanced and robust features

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Con
Discontinued

AMI DuOS was officially discontinued

Comment

Pro
Runs Android Lollipop

Runs Android Lollipop, whereas most other emulators run KitKat or older. Jelly Bean version available as well.

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Pro
Fast

Performs significantly better than most alternatives

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Con
It's free now

Costs $15 (Lollipop), but a 30-day trial is available. Costs $10 for Jelly Bean version.

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Pro
Supports any UI resolution

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Pro
Supports a variety of full-screen & windowed modes

Full-screen mode, windowed mode (including scaling) and switching between windowing mode and full-screen mode are supported.

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Pro
Supports I/O devices

Such as mouse, keyboard, remote control, etc.

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Pro
Stock Android experience

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Pro
Support Windows Vista/7/8

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Con
Registration with an email required

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Con
Vaporware

Console OS is just other people's source code redistributed under a different name.

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Pro
Designed as a desktop OS

Console OS is Android modified so it can be a viable replacement for your currently installed operating system.

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Con
Limited hardware support

Only a small number of devices are supported, however support for additional devices will be added in the future

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Pro
Fast

Being a real operating system, and not an emulator, means that you can use it without emulator related slow downs.

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Con
Discontinued

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Pro
Real multitasking

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Con
Still in beta

As of June 2016, RemixOS for PC is still in beta, meaning that some things might not work.

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Con
No Google Play Services

Google play is the biggest go to for mainstream android apps, so it can be quite disagreeable not to have it out of the box.

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Con
Discontinued

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Pro
Instant access to any screen size and operating system combination

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Pro
Works in a web browser

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Pro
Can run apps in Chrome web browser

ARChon installs as an unpacked Chrome extension. It can run apps in ARChon runtime that also install as unpacked Chrome extensions. There are various methods of converting apps to ARChon runtime, including using the chromeos-apk tool, ARChon Packager Android app, manually or simply find an already pre-modified version in a community maintained list.

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Pro
Free

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Pro
Runs on Windows, OS X & Linux

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Pro
ARChon Packager offers an easy way of generating Chrome packages using an Android device

ARChon Packager is an Android app that takes either an APK stored on a phone or an installed application and creates a package for the Chrome ARChon Custom Runtime.

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Con
Lacks support for Google Play services

Apps that use Google Play Services may be unstable and/or crash. This will be resolved in later versions.

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Pro
Showbox

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Con
ARChon Custom Runtime replaces official runtime component

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Con
Unknown stability

ARChon Custom Runtime is very, very new and hasn't undergone rigorous testing. It was quickly hacked together as a response to apps being able to run in Chrome OS natively.

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Con
Apps that require accelerometer, gyroscope or GPS information won't work properly

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Pro
Portable

Can be stored on an external device and run on any Windows machine.

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Con
Unsupported

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Pro
Specifically designed to emulate Android 4.1.1

This emulator was designed to support development on legacy OS versions.

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Pro
Offers a simple way of importing .apk files

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Pro
Can be run in both phone and tablet modes

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Pro
Good performance

The emulator supports Intel's Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager (HAXM). HAXM is a hardware-assisted virtualization engine that increases emulation speed on x86 machines.

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