About Stock Android

The unmixed version of Android is, informally, known as Android Open Source Project (AOSP). In this state, the operating system has no Google applications or any extra feature. Basically, it forms the foundation of all Android versions which alone may not prove to be useful. We can say that stock Android = AOSP + Google applications. The customizations added to this type of Android are minimal or none.

Most manufacturers layer their own created software over the core Android operating system. This process is known as skinning. Stock Android lies beneath the Android skin. Recent mobiles from Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo or even Google, usually, include the skinned version of the purest form of Android.

Android One is the stock Android version on a non-Google hardware. On the other hand, custom Android is the altered version of Android. Example- One UI is the skinned version of Android developed by Samsung. Likewise, One Plus has Oxygen OS, Xiaomi has MIUI and Google has Pixel UI. The closest stock-experience you will be able to obtain will be on Nokia mobiles owned by HMD Global. In the past days, Google's Nexus series were launched with stock Android. Though it did not exactly include a stock Android but it was so much closer to AOSP when compared to other devices. This is the reason most people assume that Google Pixel phones run stock Android too. In actuality, Pixel mobile's software looks exceedingly different than AOSP.

Now, let us understand some of the benefits to own a device running stock Android.

• For starters, you will be receiving faster updates as compared to custom Android. All the Android One devices are eligible for getting two major Android version updates (3 for some high-end devices) as soon as they are launched. On the other hand, your Android One device will receive the monthly security update which are skipped by multiple manufacturers after the device's release.
• Better battery performance has been observed on Android One smartphones. These smartphones are optimized to prioritize battery life for the applications you use most of the time. It prioritizes them when they are running in the background. The phone also seems to conserve its battery life when it is not being used.
• Minimum or no bloatware. Bloatware is the unwanted software which loses its importance because it tends to use excessive disk space. Sometimes, manufacturers add extra apps and services to promote their company or the partner company. But with Android One software, there is no bloatware installed. Therefore you also get more space to use, which you can use to install your preferred apps.
• Optimized RAM. In case of stock Android, the absence of custom skins lead to low usage of RAM, in turn, providing a smooth performance of your mobile.

Following are some screenshots of how stock Android screens might look.

You might come across a con when it comes to stock Android. As it is free from any customizations, you will miss out on exciting new features that might be included in other custom Android mobiles.

Are you thinking if you can replace the custom Android on your smartphone with stock Android? It won't be simple. However, there are ways to completely remove all the software from the phone and install a fresh version of stock Android. The new version of Android is referred to as “ROM” (read-only memory) and the procedure of installing it is, unofficially, called “flashing”.

Keep in mind, though, that flashing ROMs usually voids your phone’s warranty. In some limited cases, a bad flash can make your device inoperable. It is recommended that only people who are technically inclined should try to flash ROMs on their devices, as it can be tricky. For everyone else, we recommend finding a phone for sale that already has a stock Android on it.

Thus, if you want to experience a cleaner version of Android, you can choose to give stock Android a try. In short, it is the most basic level of Android.