- What is Stock ROM and Custom ROM for Android?
- 1. What is ROM?
- 2. What is Stock ROM?
- 3. What is Custom ROM?
- 4. What is Rooting?
- KingoRoot on Windows
- KingoRoot for Android
- Android Stock Rom VS Custom Rom: Which one is better?
- What is Stock ROM
- What is Custom ROM
- Why to choose Stock ROMs?
- 1. Security
- 2. Warranty
- 3. Premium Apps
- 4. Premium Features
- 5. Miscellaneous Features
- Why to choose Custom ROMs?
- 1. Root Access
- 2. Updates
- 3. Customizable
- 4. Install incompatible applications
- 5. Better Performance
- Android Stock ROM vs Custom ROM: Which one to choose?
- What is stock Android? Everything you need to know about the core OS
- What is stock Android? Stock Android at a glance
- The latest version of stock Android
- How to check your version and for updates
- Can you get stock Android on any phone?
- What stock Android looks like
- What brands/phones offer stock Android?
- Nokia
- Motorola
- Google (sort of)
- Phones with unlockable bootloaders
What is Stock ROM and Custom ROM for Android?
In the digital time, a smartphone becomes the common household appliance for people and people rely on these devices of storing many files, videos, photos, bussiness emails, and kinds of datas. An user who owns an Android device can’t stop from making tweaks, such as flashing custom recovery, modifying system, getting root access, and installing new custom ROM. However, when it comes to a newbie, he/she could easily confuse about these «new» words.
1. What is ROM?
ROM to Android is abbreviated for Read Only Memory. A «ROM» is the operating system software that runs your Droid. It is stored in the “Read Only Memory” portion of the hardware on the Android smartphone and/or tablet. Android comes in two forms: Stock ROM and Custom ROM.
2. What is Stock ROM?
Stock ROMs are the ones which come by default in Android phones or tablets. These are customized versions of Android developed by manufacturers and carriers to let users stick to their devices with unique looks and features. The «out-of-the-box» smartphones are all shipped with stock ROM.
Main Advantages of Stock ROM
- Keep the warranty. Stock ROMs would not void your warranty of Android devices. One of the biggest reasons why users don’t go for the custom ROMs is that rooting will immediately void your warranty. Installing a custom ROM needs to get a root access. Most of Manufacturers prohibit rooting or installing a custom Android version.
- Pre-installed apps. Android devices with stock ROMs usually come with lots of pre-installed apps. These apps sometime are good enough to attract customers such as music players, live wallpapers, app store, calendar, weather and so on. However, these pre-installed apps sometime are seldom used by users which are called bloatwares. In that, this advantage may turn into disadvantage.
- Premium Features. Just like the pre-installed apps, Stock ROMs also come with lots of premium features which are not available in custom ROMs. These features include home screen, font, launcher or app drawer. Devices which developed by different manufacturers shiped different premium features and apps.
3. What is Custom ROM?
Custom ROMs are the ones which are customized or developed from the original source code of Android. Custom ROMs are not provided by Google or other mobile vendors but are developed and maintained by community and its contributors. The developed Custom ROMs differ from the original source code in features and looks.
Main Advantages of Custom ROM
- Root access. Custom ROMs provide you root access of your Android system. If you own an Android with stock ROM and want to get rid of the stock ROM to enjoy the custom one, first you need to root your Android. A custom ROM enables you to do anything in your phones or tablets.
- Quick updates. Once the latest Android version releases, the stock ROM enables you to update to the newest one without waiting. Stock ROMs controlled by the manufacturers or carriers may don’t provide this update service or take long time to do it.
- Better performance. Custom ROMs let you install third-party apps you like without any limitations and remove any system apps which can’t be uninstalled in stock ROM. That’s make custom ROM perform and function better than stock ROM. With custom ROMs, users themselves can customize the home screen, font, UI, UX, anything they prefer. An user will become the master of the Android device with the custom ROM. How to install a custom ROM, please refer to: Install a Custom ROM.
4. What is Rooting?
Root is the superuser. Your Android phone uses Linux permissions and file-system ownership. You are a user when you sign in, and you are allowed to do certain things based on your user permissions. Root is also a user. The difference is the root user (superuser) has permissions to do anything to any file any place in the system. Rooting is jail-breaking for Androids, and allows users to dive deeper into a phone’s sub-system. If you are available to replace the stock ROM to a custom ROM untill you get a root access. How to Root Android, please refer to: How to Root Android with KingoRoot.
KingoRoot on Windows
KingoRoot Android on Windows has the highest success rate. It supports almost any Android device and version.
KingoRoot for Android
KingoRoot for Android is the most convenient and powerful apk root tool. Root any Android device and version without connecting to PC.
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Android Stock Rom VS Custom Rom: Which one is better?
The Android operating system is the most favorite and used OS throughout the world. It is based on the Linux operating system which is developed by Google for touchscreen devices. Now not only mobile devices but other devices like LED TV, smartwatches, etc using Android OS. It shares around 60% of mobile OS market shares.
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory which is permanent by nature. What goes in there, stays there. The ROM forms a part of internal storage which is not accessible for the users to write on. In Android, the system files (OS) are considered as ROM. It refers to the firmware which is the same as the operating system in computers.Because of open source, developers can tweak the Android code to enhance its capabilities and make it customized Android OS according to their needs.
In this article, first, we will know about the Stock ROMs and Custom ROMs then we will compare Android Stock vs Custom ROMs on the basis of security, performance, features, etc. So without further delay let’s deep dive into the discussion of AndroidStock ROM vs Custom Rom.
What is Stock ROM
The Android operating system which is customized by the mobile manufacturer is referred to as Stock ROM. The Stock ROM is the one that comes preinstalled with all the Android devices that you buy. Stock ROM’s are more secure and stable because it customized by the device manufacturers.
What is Custom ROM
As we mentioned, Android is an open-source project so any developer can tweak the code to make it more customized. This customized version of Android ROM is referred to as Custom ROM. You can find lots of Android custom ROM’s with attractive UI and fast performance as compared to Stock ROM.
Why to choose Stock ROMs?
1. Security
Security is one of the major issues in Custom ROMs. The Stock ROMs are customised by big giants that take care of Android security. If there is any loophole in the feature then the mobile company starts working on it and fix it. So security is one of the reasons why people use the Stock ROM over custom ROM.
2. Warranty
Using a phone with Stock ROM would not void your Android phone warranty. It carries official support from the device manufacturer, mobile service carrier, and the vendor. Most companies prohibit installing custom ROM or rooting your phone. This can lead to voiding the warranty. This is one of the major advantages of using Stock ROM.
3. Premium Apps
Android Stock ROM which is developed by the mobile company is loaded with lots of premium applications. These applications are installed so as to attract customers. It can be live wallpapers, widgets, etc. These apps differ from model to model according to the price of the phone.
4. Premium Features
Android Stock ROM comes with some premium features which are not available in Custom ROM, at least not for free. The mobile vendors try to improve Android in terms of looks and features. For example, some Android phones come with a Swype feature which allows you to type a word by swiping your fingers across the letters.
5. Miscellaneous Features
Android Stock ROMs are quite stable upon release. The updates for the Android are pushed automatically to the device by the mobile carriers. In Stock ROM, almost all bugs are patched during the beta test. Stock ROM also supports every bit of hardware on your phone.
Why to choose Custom ROMs?
1. Root Access
Custom ROM provides the root access to their Android devices. You don’t need to explicitly Root your Android device if you go for custom ROM. You are the root user for your Android phone by default in the Custom ROM. So you can take advantage of root user like you can easily uninstall the system apps that you don’t want to in your android phone.
2. Updates
You will get the latest OS updates beforeit is originally released by your device manufacturer.The users are able to get the new OS months before the updates are actually released. While in Stock ROM, you need to wait for the manufacturers to release the stable update.
3. Customizable
Android Custom ROMs are highly customizable. Along with this, they are flexible to any extent. It is very easy to install different custom ROMs. You can easily customize the looks of the system and also enhance the performance of the system.
4. Install incompatible applications
Android Custom ROM lets you install any third-party application which is restricted in Stock ROM. You need to root your Android device which is running in Stock ROM to install incompatible apps. It also lets you remove any system apps or bloatware which cannot be uninstalled in stock ROM.
5. Better Performance
Custom ROM allows you to set many performance tweaks. You can install and uninstall any application and also restrict the background applications. There are thousands of Custom ROMs, each offering a various set of features which are not available in Stock ROM.
Android Stock ROM vs Custom ROM: Which one to choose?
Custom ROMs are good but they are not reliable in terms of privacy and security. On the other hand, Stock ROMs are device-specific. They are not perfect, but when it comes to reliability, Stock ROM has an edge over Custom ROM. So choosing between Stock ROM and Custom ROM is a matter of your requirements.
If you are satisfied with the Stock ROM which is provided by the manufacturer and it lets you do all you ever want to do with your phone and the speed is also not slow, then there is no need for flashing a Custom ROM.
But if you want to customize your phone and take it beyond what it currently offers, then Custom ROM is the right choice for you. But you should be ready to take the risk because if once damaged, then the manufacturer won’t help you as you might have voided the warranty.There are lots of custom ROMs available for Android devices with eye-catching UI.
If you’re going with Custom ROM, then install the ROM only after you are pleased that doing so will not impair your device to the extent you can’t fix.
I hope you understood the difference between the Android Stock ROM and Custom ROM. From the above discussion, you are now able to select the correct Android operating system according to your needs and requirements.
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What is stock Android? Everything you need to know about the core OS
The chances are very good that your Android smartphone doesn’t have stock Android. Most manufacturers layer their own software over the core Android operating system, a process known as “skinning.” If you have a recent phone from Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, or even Google, you are using an Android skin.
You might have read online somewhere that the pure version of Android is superior to these skins. That’s a highly subjective opinion, but it might have made you curious. What is stock Android exactly? Is it really better than having an Android skin? How does one get a stock Android phone?
We’re going to address all those questions and more in this article!
Editor’s note: This article is updated as of September 2021. We will add/remove content as Google launches new updates and variants to the operating system.
What is stock Android? Stock Android at a glance
The purest version of Android is colloquially known as AOSP, which references the Android Open-Source Project. This version of the operating system is its “default” state, with no Google apps, no customizations, and no extra features. Generally, all versions of Android are based on this release.
Now, you can install the AOSP version of Android on a phone and call it “stock.” However, in most real-world cases, stock Android is one step above this. It usually features the inclusion of Google apps, including the ever-important Google Play Store. However, like the AOSP version, stock Android usually doesn’t feature any additional customizations (or at least a very limited amount).
Every year, Google releases a new version of Android. Any new features, fixes, and improvements to the operating system come to stock Android. However, you’ll need to check with your phone’s manufacturer about if and when you’ll see that update on your device.
There are a lot of folks out there who think that stock Android is superior to other versions because of its simplicity. Generally, skinned versions of Android come with “bloatware” (pre-installed apps you may or may not want) and are “heavy” (meaning they have lots of additional code that could slow down the operating system). These issues make some users long for a simpler, lighter version of Android, which the stock variant provides. However, skinned versions of Android often have many more features available. For example, a native dark mode didn’t land on stock Android until Android 10, while skinned variants had had this feature for years prior.
The latest version of stock Android
The most recent stable launch of Android is Android 11, which launched in 2020. In 2021, we will see Android 12 launch.
Generally, a phone with stock Android can see updates to the latest versions of Android quickly, because the phone’s manufacturer doesn’t need to make many software changes. However, this does not guarantee every phone will always have the latest version. Manufacturers only keep phone software updated for a certain period of time, so phones eventually age out. You’ll need to check with your specific manufacturer to see how long your phone will see updates.
Do note that there are a few programs that use what is essentially stock Android without using that terminology. Phones within the Android One program use a subtly altered version of stock Android, for example. Android Go phones similarly use software that riffs on stock Android. We explain this in-depth in the article below.
How to check your version and for updates
It’s very easy to check which Android version you are using. On your stock Android phone, follow the steps below:
- Head to Android Settings by tapping the gear icon in the notification shade or the Settings app in the app drawer.
- Once there, scroll down and tap About Phone.
- Scroll a bit until you find your Android Version.
If you find that you are on an older version of Android, there might be an update for you. To check for Android updates using stock Android, perform these steps:
- Head to Android Settings by tapping the gear icon in the notification shade or the Settings app in the app drawer.
- Once there, scroll down and tap System.
- On the System page, tap Advanced at the bottom of the list. This will expand the list to show more options.
- At the bottom of the list, you’ll now see System Update. Tap that.
- Tap the “Check for Update” button to see if there’s an update available.
If there is no update available but you are on an older version of Android, it might be that your phone is too old for new updates. It’s also possible that the newest update just isn’t available yet for your phone. Check with your phone’s manufacturer for more information.
Can you get stock Android on any phone?
Let’s say you buy the latest Samsung phone, which comes with One UI software. Is there a way to remove the One UI skin and instead have a stock experience?
The short answer to this question is “no.” There is no simple way to remove an Android skin from a smartphone and just leave stock Android behind. 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 a “ROM” (read-only memory) and the procedure of installing it is colloquially called “flashing.” There are many robust online communities revolving around flashing different ROMs on all types of phones and other devices.
Since Android is open-source software, anyone can download the source code, alter it, and put it online for people to use. By flashing different types of ROMs from Android enthusiast communities, you can not only get a truly stock experience but also try out all-new Android skins.
Keep in mind, though, that flashing ROMs usually voids your phone’s warranty. In some limited cases, a bad flash can “brick” your device, meaning make it inoperable. We recommend that only people who are technically inclined 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 experience.
What stock Android looks like
Here is a gallery of screenshots that should give you an idea of what to expect from stock Android.
What brands/phones offer stock Android?
Not many companies offer a stock Android experience anymore. Even companies that did once do so — such as Xiaomi — have since stopped. Below, you’ll find some prominent companies that offer an unskinned version of Android.
Nokia
There’s no other company as committed to stock Android as HMD Global, the company that owns the Nokia smartphone brand. Every single Nokia smartphone comes with Android One onboard, which is as close as you can get to true stock nowadays.
The big problem, though, is that HMD Global only makes budget and mid-range Nokia phones. If you want a flagship-caliber device comparable to a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, you won’t find one with a Nokia logo. This is an unfortunate sacrifice stock Android fans will need to make.
If you’re interested in seeing what HMD Global has to offer, check out our list of the best Nokia phones you can get.
Motorola
Most Motorola phones come with My UX, which is the company’s proprietary Android skin. There are a few, though, that come with Android One. The semi-recent Motorola One Action is one such device. Even though it came out in 2019, it’s still for sale and remains Moto’s most prominent Android One phone.
As with Nokia-branded devices, though, you’re not going to find powerful hardware with the Motorola One Action. For more on this phone, check out our full review.
Google (sort of)
Back in the day, Google co-created the Nexus line of smartphones. Those phones all shipped with stock Android. In 2016, though, Google started making phones by itself and re-branded them as Pixel phones. These devices come with Pixel UI on board, which is technically an Android skin.
Granted, Pixel UI is very, very close to stock. However, it is not technically stock as Google adds in tons of Pixel-exclusive features and pre-installs apps here and there. The bottom line here, though, is if you are unhappy with what HMD Global and Motorola have to offer, a Google Pixel phone might be your next-best option.
Phones with unlockable bootloaders
Finally, the best stock Android phone might be a phone you already have. If your phone comes with an unlockable bootloader, the chances are high that there is a community of modders sharing stock ROMs you can flash.
Not every phone comes with an unlockable bootloader, though. Some phones, such as Pixel devices, are easy to unlock. Other phones are difficult or even impossible. Our best advice is to visit the forums over at XDA-Developers and browse around to see what phones have unlockable bootloaders. It will require some work on your part, but this is likely the only way to get a phone with stellar hardware and stock Android.
That’s everything you need to know about stock Android! Be sure to bookmark this page as we will update it as information changes over time.
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