Stock Android vs Custom UI

Stock Android and custom UI, each one is the flavor of Android, each originates from Google and all have a few things in common. But there are some big differences that need to explain. So, in this article, we are going to find out what is Stock Android and Custom UI? And how are they different?

So, let's check out -

What is the stock Android?

Stock Android denotes the version of Android which is completely based on how Google envisioned Android to be. It does not include anything extra other than the core Android apps and UI. In simple words, Stock Android means the official Android OS which Google releases. It is a term used to refer to the completely pure and untouched version of Android. It means there is no UI layer of any kind.

What is a custom UI?

In custom UI, companies add a custom UI and a few of their own apps on top of Android. Companies are allowed to do modify Android to their liking in any way they want as it is open source. For example, Samsung has modified the Android UI by adding a custom UX called TouchWiz. This barely resembles the version of Android which Google provides in its Nexus phones. Companies have put their own gestures and features on these layers.

Differences between Stock Android and Custom UI

• The signature feature of the custom UI is the ability to move the icons and widgets by tapping holding the icon or widget and “panning” the device slightly to the left or right side.

• In the stock Android, there would not be too many features such as gestures, launchers, and others. Also, the quick access to settings, data, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and others in the notification tray is not supported in Stock Android. It could make the users look for custom launchers to enhance their user experience. But, this type of ROM has a host of Google stock applications pre-loaded in it and will provide access to the Services of Play Store.

• Google has always spearheaded the design and operation of Android and always it much more beautiful than its many custom variations. Google's design is more gradual in its changes and much more appealing.

• Custom UI is an open source. If you are good at coding, you may be able to edit it and build your custom ROM of it. Custom UI will give you top-notching premium features borrowed from other manufacturers.

• Custom UI can be tweaked as per your requirements as you can install or remove any application, modify the background services and more. In this case, the Custom Android is better than Stock Android in terms of customization. You can have quick access settings to the notification tray that is not an option in the Stock Android.

• Stock Android has Google Assistant built in. But some custom UI devices still don't have this awesome feature.

• Stock Android-based devices are highly reliable and secure as they are free from bloatware. On the other hand, the custom ROM devices face many security issues such as the recent one from Xiaomi alleging that sensitive user data is sent to Chinese servers. If you want a highly secure Android user experience, stock Android should be your choice.

• Using a phone with the Stock Android doesn’t void the warranty. This is another reason why most people prefer using Stock Android and not switch to Custom UI.

• Battery life is a crucial factor that serves a major deciding factor in buying smartphones. Stock Android with fewer resources will provide an exceptional battery life and thereby render a good battery performance. In contrast, the custom UI devices use more resources than Stock Android offerings. Consequently, the battery performance of the custom UI is less when compared to Stock Android devices.

• The big advantage of Stock Android device is that all come with the latest Android version. Also, these devices receive upcoming firmware updates in timely. For instance, the newly launched Android One devices and Google’s Nexus lineup of devices that run on the iteration v4.4.4 KitKat are slated to be the first ones to receive the Android L update. On the other hand, getting the latest Android update in Custom UI devices is a tough job. Most entry-level and mid-range devices do not receive even minor updates despite the hardware of the device supports them. Only high-end devices receive updates, but they too would not be the first ones to get updated.

• A Custom UI gives users the root access to their Android devices. This is a powerful option which gives users complete control over their phones. Just like the admin login on Windows, root access is the admin access for smartphones. On the other hand, stock Android restricts the ability to exert full control over the Android device and users would essentially be guest users on their own smartphone.

• Custom UI is flexible to any extent and is highly customizable. Users can delete the unwanted bloatware apps that come with Stock ROMs and further tweak their Android devices.

• Stock android requires less hardware to run smoothly since an extra layer of UI over stock android consumes much ram and CPU.

 

Lastly say, Stock Android smartphone is best for people who do and need basic things to perform and want a clean interface without any custom UI on top of it. Stock Android is way better than other custom UI.