Google's Android 4.3 operating system
Google's Android 4.3 operating system, is displayed during a Google event at Dogpatch Studio in San Francisco, California, in this July 24, 2013 file photo. A U.S. appeals court on December 4, 2013 closely questioned Google's claim that Oracle does not enjoy copyright protection over certain parts of the Java programming language. Oracle sued Google in 2010, claiming that Google had improperly incorporated parts of Oracle's Java programming language into the Android operating system. REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach/Files REUTERS/Beck Diefenbach

As of today, it's not the "What brand is your phone?" that is in question, but the more significant question nowadays is "What's running your phone?" A lot of reviews were made to see which among the three platforms can really fire up your smartphones.

In the report released by ITWire, there are points to ponder in terms of the three OS competitors' standing. Heading the pack since 2007, iOS can be dubbed as the platform to beat. With its latest version iOS 8.1.x which reflects Apple's drive for simplicity and elegance. Having one home button, no back keys, less ability to play with settings and comes with many useful apps packed in the operating system. The loophole in this OS is that Apple is closed and walled. But the good thing about Apple being "closed" is consumer security, the bad thing is the high cost of having this secured OS. Apple being walled according to Wired, is the need to have OS X Yosemite installed or you must have a device with TouchID like the iPhone 5S, iPad Air 2 or an iPad Mini, in order to take advantage of the OS.

Android on the other hand, is Google's action to counter iOS. The Google OS didn't fail to work at par with its major rival. Having matured in terms of innovation and packed with features that bring ease and power to the OS users. Released in different versions like Kit Kat 4.4 and Android Lollipop 5.0, the platform has greatly contributed in Samsung's success in the market giving the iPhone a good battle in the smartphone arena. The OS may have encountered lots of questioning and controversies but has kept on getting better working doubly hard to out lead Apple's well known OS.

With its late entry in the market, Windows Phone 8.1.x was launched in 2012. Apparently, there were already Windows-powered smartphones back in the 2000s. Microsoft decided to seize Windows 7 smartphones and has opted to innovate when the giant company realized that iOS and Android were already beating Windows OS big time. The latest OS version codenamed Blue, Windows Phone 8.1.x is determined to compete with the two top-billed operating systems. Compared to Apple's ecosystem, Windows is open but walled at the same time. Considered open because anyone can use the OS, which includes 50 brands up for release like HTC, Alcatel, Allview, Archos, Cherry, eSense, Fly, Highscreen, Karbonn, Micromaxx, MiiA, NGM, Prestigio, Q-Smart, Xolo, and Yezz. Windows is considered closed because it has to improve on its security side.