Sometimes you will have read it in a review, perhaps when judging the quality of a particular product. Many times we talk about how Android can have a Skin (such as Samsung relies on One UI) and how this can be completely or almost "Stock". When it comes to the latter, it is possible to see it as a positive note, especially when all this is put in relation to devices of middle class or budget quality. Why?
Let's start by saying that what is meant by Stock is literally "as it is". In a nutshell, in this case we intend to consider a version of Android which has no Skin and it doesn't even have any additions. For an “Almost completely Stock” version we mean, for example, a version of Android that does not have a Skin, but still has some program installed by the Brand, as well as maybe a different Launcher or some more graphic component.
The point is that Android was born to be known as an Open Source operating system. Google works there in particular, but also all those who are part of the OHA (Open Handset Alliance). Within this union are Intel, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and so on. In short, big names that contribute to making this operating system more and more innovative in one way or another.
Putting this information aside though, what does it mean for Android? Obviously each Skin has its advantages and disadvantages, but this is because there are some specific changes and additions that are made to the operating system. All aspects that willy-nilly makes the Android version more special: the secret, however, is in its root, on which the good old Linux is based.
But is a skinless version of Android really desirable, completely cleansed of any external changes?
Here are the advantages of a Stock version
- And 'the lighter version. Sure, it can be made even lighter, but it's clearly one aspect that makes this OS purer. It is therefore ideal for mobile phones that may have access to the latest version of Android, but are not very powerful.
- It has no invasive additions of any kind. No advertising or unwanted programs, everything they want to do is in the user's hands. Each program is removable, with no need for unnecessary spins or unnecessary root to remove any unwanted app.
- It's fully editable, from the foundations. It is no coincidence that Android has Linux from its deepest base. You just need to know how to change some parameters to get a precise result. But even when programming skills are lacking, it is also possible to rely on programs that need special access, which can be enabled with zero effort. There is no OEM lock, there are no particular protections that will stop you from modifying Android.
That said, you can perfectly understand why a Android Stock. On the other hand, it must also be considered that Android is not exactly like installing a version of Windows on our PC. This is not an operating system created specifically for the Smartphone in which it is installed - with the exception of course of the “Almost completely stock” versions as presented sometimes by Nokia or other brands. There are no functions that can be found in other Skins, and can therefore be a small adventure that must be faced with the right knowledge. For this reason, we sometimes rely on versions of Android created specifically for a device, such as one of the many ROMs available on the net.
But if you are looking for the most reliable Stock experience, simply look for a mobile "Android One”: Discover the Best phones with Android Stock. It is a completely Stock version edited by Google to be installed in economy class devices or at the most intermediate. This latest version also has two years of guaranteed updates. But if you are good enough at programming some of the simpler aspects of this operating system, you can try to accept the purest Stock experience. Who knows, maybe you will even be able to create your own ROM!
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