Windows 12 aims to revolutionize the desktop experience with AI and a modular design, while Android 15 focuses on refining the mobile experience through enhanced security, memory management, and power efficiency. Both represent significant steps forward in their respective ecosystems.
| Attribute | Windows 12 | Android 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Windows 12 | Android 15 |
| Kernel Architecture | Modular 'CorePC' architecture, new NT kernel version, AI-optimized hypervisor | Based on Linux kernel version 6.6, with potential use of earlier versions like 5.15 or 6.1 on some devices. Introduces support for 16KB memory pages on ARM64 devices. Launch kernels are android15-6.6 and android14-6.1. |
| User Interface Design | Sleeker, more modern UI with customizable widgets, improved taskbar functionality, and dynamic wallpapers. Conceptual designs include a floating taskbar, redesigned system tray and widgets area, and a more flexible UI across devices. Top Glance Bar mimicking macOS. | Subtle design refinements, customizable color schemes, widget layouts, and fonts. Introduces a collapsible volume panel with pill-shaped sliders in Beta 2. |
| Hardware Compatibility | 64-bit processor with at least 2 cores and a 1 GHz clock speed, at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended for full AI functionality), SSD with at least 64 GB of storage, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver or newer, TPM 2.0. | Requires at least a quad-core processor, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and at least 32 GB of internal storage. Compatible with displays measuring at least 2.2" on the short edge and 3.4" on the long edge. |
| Application Ecosystem | Seamless cross-device integration with other Microsoft products, ability to install Android apps directly, backward compatibility with many Windows 11 applications. | Requires all new apps and app updates targeting API 35 and above to support 16KB memory page sizes starting November 1, 2025. Includes OS-level support for app archiving and unarchiving. |
| Security Features | Enhanced threat protection, real-time threat detection, advanced malware protection, sophisticated firewalls, improved user authentication methods, AI-driven threat detection, secure boot improvements, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot integration. | Centralized Security & privacy dashboard, Private Space, stronger biometric controls, better app permission reminders, on-device live scanning for deceptive apps, randomized MAC addresses for Wi-Fi, protection for OTPs, authentication requirements for settings, Theft Detection Lock using AI, and a private space for apps. |
| Power Management | Built-in features and tools to manage power settings effectively, Balanced/Power Saver/High-Performance power plans, adaptive brightness, PCI Express and processor power management settings. | Improves standby battery life by speeding up the time to enter doze mode by 50%. Continues to evolve the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF). Adds an option to limit battery charging to 80%. |
| Memory Management | AI-optimized hypervisor for intelligent resource allocation. | Introduces support for 16 KB memory pages on ARM64 devices, optimizing memory allocation and reducing overhead. |
| File System Support | May replace NTFS with ReFS (Resilient File System). | Refactored to support using 16 KB page sizes, with compatibility for file systems like EROFS and F2FS. Enforces stricter file access security. |
| Virtualization Capabilities | Deeply integrated, AI-optimized hypervisor to manage diverse workloads efficiently. | Extends UMP support to virtual MIDI apps. |
| Gaming Performance | Improved gaming performance through DirectX 13 support and optimized system resources, DirectStorage optimization, AI-powered features for dynamic resource adjustment, Focus Modes for game-specific customization. | Introduces an option to disable the 60fps cap for games. Continues to evolve the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF). |
| Development Tools | Integration of AI, new APIs for extensibility ecosystem. | Requires setting up the Android 15 SDK in Android Studio. Includes the ProfilingManager class for collecting profiling information. |
| Update Frequency & Support Lifespan | Faster update delivery and better stability, critical fixes rolling out as soon as they're ready, Home editions with 18-24 months of support, Enterprise editions with 30-36 months of extended support. | Officially launched for Google Pixel devices on October 15, 2024. Receives monthly and quarterly updates. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | overall: Not available, performance: Not available | Not available |