The first smartphones that contributed to making Android what it is today

However, the journey of this operating system has not been easy. When the first Android phones were launched, the platform was limited, lacked features and had to compete with strong rivals such as iPhone OS (later iOS), Blackberry OS, Nokia's Symbian, Palm OS and Windows Mobile.

Despite the difficulties, some of the first Android phones were groundbreaking, helping the platform grow and surpass its competitors. These devices not only defined Android, but were also instrumental in its success. Without these phones, it is difficult to imagine Android achieving the success it has today.

T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream)

Launched on September 23, 2008, the T-Mobile G1 was the first Android phone to go on sale. Manufactured by HTC, the G1 featured a slider design and AZERTY keyboard, appealing to both BlackBerry users and touchscreen enthusiasts.

Những smartphone đầu tiên góp phần tạo nên Android như ngày nay - Ảnh 1. — The first Android phone went on sale

Although not a huge hit in the market, the G1 sold over 1 million units in less than a year, proving the potential of Android in terms of customization and flexibility.

Motorola Droid (Motorola Milestone)

Launched through Verizon in the US, the Motorola Droid made a splash thanks to its "Droid Does" marketing campaign, which emphasized features the iPhone didn't have. With a quality screen and powerful processor, the Droid sold over 1 million units in just 74 days, becoming the first product to help Android gain widespread attention from users.

Samsung Galaxy S

While Samsung had released several Android phones before, it was the Galaxy S, launched in 2010, that really put the company on the Android map. With over 24 million units sold in its first three years, the Galaxy S not only cemented Samsung's position, but also helped Android become a sustainable platform.

Những smartphone đầu tiên góp phần tạo nên Android như ngày nay - Ảnh 2. — Galaxy S contributed greatly to the popularity of Android

Google Nexus One

As Google's first attempt at offering its own branded smartphone, the Nexus One was manufactured by HTC and ran stock Android. Although not a commercial success, the Nexus One helped improve the Android experience and became the foundation for Google's future hardware efforts.

ZTE Blade

Released in September 2010, the ZTE Blade proved that Android phones don't have to be high-end to stand out. With sales surpassing 20 million units by the end of 2014, the Blade opened the door for budget Android devices.