What’s this? Google’s launching an open mobile platform? Isn’t that what Symbian already is? We put the two head to head to see who comes out on top.

Open season?

Google says Android’s completely open. They’re making the source available to all, and inviting developers to go crazy with their code, making all manner of apps possible. Meanwhile, Symbian’s source is still controlled by the main stakeholders. That’s Nokia, Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic, Siemens AG and Samsung, for those at the back.

Stat clash!

Android Completely open source means Android can be tweaked by coders, as well as phone manufacturers. It could make mobile code creative, or less stable, depending on who does the tinkering.

Symbian Symbian is proprietary software, but because it’s created by a bunch of mobile makers it suits everyone’s needs. It’s as open as possible while still remaining stable, so apps like ShoZu can integrate with the OS to a certain extent.

Game on!

Google’s shown Android running Quake thanks to its Open GL compatibility. Meanwhile Nokia has N-Gage up its sleeve, using the Symbian platform to squeeze more from its 3D accelerated smartphones. In truth, supremacy here is too close to call.

Stat clash!

Android Familiar Open GL graphics mean easy coding for enthusiasts, but no guarantees in the performance stakes.

Symbian N-Gage is impressive, but it’s not open to the hobbyist just yet.

Phone picky

Symbian mostly pops up on handsets made by Nokia and Sony Ericsson, although there are others around. Google hopes Android will be adopted by myriad manufacturers, but initially it’ll be down to HTC and Motorola to get the ball rolling. Looks like another dead heat. For now.

Stat clash!

Android Appearing on HTC and Motorola phones from 2008, with more to follow.

Symbian Nokia and Sony Ericsson use Symbian, although Sharp, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu also use it in Japan.

Interface importance

Android is built to support touchscreens, GPS, compasses and accelerometers. Symbian will do all that too, so no points there. What makes Android special is it has been built to support them from the very beginning, whereas Symbian has added features bit by bit. It could make Android faster, at least until the next version of Symbian, due for release next year.

Stat clash!

Android Unified interface, making cameras, touchscreens, GPS, compasses, accelerometers, and accelerated 3D graphics work in the same way. It looks slightly simpler than Symbian, but it’s due for a refresh itself.

Symbian Support for cameras, touchscreens, GPS, compasses, accelerometers, and accelerated 3D graphics, but each handset does it in a slightly different way, making coding tricky for 3rd party developers.

Connectivity corner

With Google in charge it’s hardly surprising Android’s been built with the internet at it’s core. Still, while it looks at home on the web, there’s little hint of extra online functions yet. For the moment, Symbian still has the edge.

Stat clash!

Android Known support for SMS and MMS, as well as Bluetooth, EDGE, 3G and WiFi.

Symbian Plays nice with Bluetooth, EDGE, 3G, and WiFi, but also supports VoIP, instant messaging, video calls and push to talk, as well as SMS and MMS. Phew!