Understanding Android - Skinned vs Stock

Buying an Android device is not as simple as taking out your wallet and paying for it. It often involves weeks of extensive research, hours of watching reviews, and asking around for recommendations. However, even after all that effort, it still feels like a gamble. It’s a game of chance where you win or lose.

When I decided to buy the One X, it took me a while to make up my mind. Coming from iOS without any expertise in Android made the decision even more challenging. I had three main criteria for my daily driver: a large screen with acceptable pixel density, sufficient performance, and the ability to use third-party AOSP ROMs like CyanogenMod. The One X met all these standards.

A Little Bit of History

In 2005, Google acquired Android and released it under the Apache license, allowing manufacturers like Samsung and HTC to use it for building their devices. This move helped manufacturers avoid the need to develop their own operating systems and enabled access to third-party apps built for Android. While Android initially struggled to compete with the iPhone (until the iPad’s introduction in 2010), it gained popularity in the market due to its wide range of price tags and technical specifications.

Fun fact: Samsung had the chance to bought Android first before Google

The first Android phone to hit the market was the HTC Dream in 2008. It ran on stock Android with a 3.2-inch touch screen and a QWERTY keyboard. Although it didn’t sell well, it set the stage for Android’s future. The HTC Magic followed in 2009, offering a similar stock Android experience but without the QWERTY keyboard. A few months later, the HTC Hero debuted as the first skinned Android phone with Sense UI, and it quickly gained traction among consumers. Samsung joined the club with TouchWiz, LG introduced Optimus UI, Sony developed its own UI, and it became evident that these manufacturer customizations were here to stay. To combat these variations, Google started collaborating with Android manufacturers since 2010 to build Nexus devices, which showcased the stock Android experience.

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. - Steve Jobs

Behind the Mask

Imagine you’re a manufacturer building Android phones. What sets you apart from your competitors? You can offer similar or even superior specifications, different designs at a lower price point, but ultimately, the user experience is determined by the software. Software is what allows you to interact with the camera, type, text, and tweet. Hardware is only as relevant as it enhances the user experience. So, as a manufacturer like HTC or Samsung, you need to create a unique experience that’s exclusive to your devices. This led to the development of skinned Android. It’s like taking a Proton Wira, replacing the engine with a VR4, changing Proton’s logo to Mitsubishi’s, and altering the dashboard. Despite the modifications, it’s still a Wira, not an Evo 3.

AOSP vs Sony vs Samsung vs Sense Homescreen. Notice Samsung even changed the UI on the search bar as well.

AOSP vs Sony vs Samsung vs Sense Homescreen Notification drawer.

While customization is essential to differentiate devices, it has gone beyond what Google originally intended. For many average users, Android is synonymous with Samsung, not the other way around. This is mainly because Samsung invests heavily in marketing, overshadowing Google’s presence. If you watch the keynote for the Galaxy S4, you’ll barely notice any mention of Android. This marketing strategy leaves a lasting impression and influences people’s perception. It’s similar to what AirAsia successfully executed for their airlines.

What the heck Samsung is thinking? Image credit : arstechnica.com

When you purchase a skinned version of an Android device, it comes with hardware optimization, a custom interface, and value-added features created by the manufacturer. The experience is defined by the manufacturer rather than Google. Unfortunately, some manufacturers don’t excel at both software and hardware, resulting in a subpar experience compared to stock Android. Take, for example, the keyboard, which is a fundamental element used daily.

AOSP vs Sony vs Samsung vs Sense keyboard. Personally, I prefer Sony’s minimalist approach here.

Basic Design 101 - When designing a graphical user interface, you provide visual cues to indicate interactable areas. The spacing on the keyboard UI guides the user to properly adjust their thumb based on the screen size. While this may not be a big deal for a large screen and a small thumb, it becomes apparent when the screen is smaller, resulting in a frustrating user experience.

I don’t mean to be subjective, but the Sense keyboard, despite its friendly appearance, is not as intuitive as the keyboards from Samsung, Sony, or AOSP.

There are advantages to using skinned Android compared to stock Android or Nexus-branded devices. First, there’s the manufacturer’s optimization. Since they build the device, they have a deep understanding of its workings, allowing them to optimize it accordingly (which is why iPhones don’t require impressive hardware specifications). Skinned Android often provides better battery life compared to third-party AOSP ROMs, superior photo quality, and even benchmark optimizations that yield higher scores. Additionally, skinned Android devices are often subsidized by carriers, making high-end Android phones more affordable.

Design makes function beautiful.

Don’t Die a Copy

On the other hand, stock Android offers a pure Android experience as intended by Google. If you own a Nexus device, you’re experiencing pure Android. Google Play Edition phones offer an almost-stock Android experience with manufacturer enhancements, such as Beats Audio. Moto X and Moto G also come close to stock Android with additional enhancements.

Previous stock AOSP Jellybean. I have since upgraded to Android 4.4.2 Kitkat.

So, what are the benefits of using stock Android? Firstly, you get the stock Android UI called Holo, which can be loved or hated depending on your taste. There’s no bloatware from manufacturers or carriers since these devices are unsubsidized and unlocked. You can expect faster Android updates as manufacturers don’t need to include their customizations, and longer hardware support compared to skinned Android devices. Nexus devices and Google Play Edition devices are often the flagship devices of their respective manufacturers, offering the best of both worlds. Performance-related worries are minimal.

Of course, there are a few downsides to consider. Stock Android devices come with a higher price tag as they are only available unlocked and unsubsidized. For those living outside the US, purchasing a Google Play Edition device is not as straightforward since they are exclusively sold through the Play Store. Additionally, GPE devices lack some of the fancy features found in skinned versions. For example, the Google Edition of the Galaxy S4 doesn’t include features like Air Gesture to impress your friends at parties. However, these missing features often have little practicality in everyday life, and most users won’t feel their absence.

Some may wonder why they should pay more for less. However, it ultimately comes down to the experience itself. Stock Android represents the purest form of Android—it’s clean, original, and unadulterated. You have the freedom to customize it as you wish. According to Pocketnow’s survey on TouchWiz, many users agree that Samsung has taken Android customization too far. Moreover, many people are more familiar with Samsung than with Android itself, thanks to Samsung’s effective marketing strategies. This illustrates the power of marketing and how it has shaped public perception. Consequently, poll results may not be entirely reliable since they are often influenced by Samsung users who haven’t experienced stock Android.

Personally, I highly recommend Nexus or Google Play Edition devices (I’ve noticed a few units being sold at Low Yat’s Plaza). However, if you’re on a tight budget, I suggest considering the Moto G. It’s affordable, runs on almost-stock Android, and performs exceptionally well. For a better insight into the Moto G’s features, I recommend watching this video.

Thanks to @aizanfahri for his time and ECC 1-pass check on this post.