Which android one device is better

Stock Android vs Android One vs Android Go

What are the differences between stock Android, Android One, and Android Go? Each is a flavor of Android, each originates from Google, and all have a few things in common. But there are some big differences in the ways in which smartphone makers use the open-source software, how security updates are released, what pre-installed apps are included, and more. Today we’re clearing up any confusion.

Before we get into the details, here is a basic rundown of each system:

• AOSP: This is the Android Open-Source Project code, which is colloquially referred to as “stock Android.” This is Android at its most basic form: the operating system with built-in open-source apps. It does not include Google apps or even the Google Play Store. This is the version of Android that every variation of Android starts with.
• Pixel UI: This is also sometimes referred to as “stock Android.” This is the version of the operating system that appears on Google’s line of Pixel smartphones. Unlike AOSP, it does feature Google apps and also has additional features baked in. Calling it “stock” is a bit of a misnomer, but a lot of people still refer to it as such.
• Android One: This is a version of the operating system Google creates and maintains but only appears on hardware from other manufacturers. It includes Google apps.
• Android Go: Google also creates this variant, but it only appears on hardware from other manufacturers and those manufacturers maintain it.

The ‘normal’ Android experience

The way it works for a traditional OEM like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc., would be that Google publishes the source code for Android through its Android Open-Source Project (AOSP). Due to its open-source nature, anybody can take that code and build around it for a smartphone or any other development board. Thus, Android manufacturers take that code and tweak it to create their own “skins.” Samsung has One UI, OnePlus has Oxygen OS, Xiaomi has MIUI, and on and on.

However, that’s just Android itself. On top of that, Google has services such as the Google Play Store and apps like YouTube and Google Maps. They’re not part of the Android Open-Source Project so you can’t use those freely. Companies need to obtain certification from Google to use Google apps on their devices. This is known as Google Mobile Services or GMS.

Finally, the manufacturers are in charge of delivering updates to their own phones. Google will publish updates to AOSP, and it’s up to OEMs to take those updates and get them to their phones. Some companies are better at this than others.

In other words, the experience of using most Android phones involves the following:

• AOSP at the base
• A company-specific skin to create a unique experience
• Certified Google applications
• Updates issued by the OEM

Stock Android, Android One, and Android Go slightly differ from this usual arrangement.

Pixel UI, aka stock Android

In the past, the easiest way to get stock Android was to buy a phone in the Nexus line. Aside from the addition of Google apps, those phones came with the closest thing to AOSP you could get.

Unfortunately, the Nexus line is no more. In its place, we have Pixel phones, which are designed and created by Google. The software that comes on these phones is not truly stock since Google adds plenty of features and options into the operating system that AOSP doesn’t have. Still, lots of people refer to Pixel UI as “stock,” so we’ll run with that for the sake of simplicity.

Pixel devices receive Android updates directly from Google. There are security updates each month, feature drops each quarter, and a new version of Android each year. These all come directly to Pixel phones without delay. This not only keeps your phone up-to-date with new features, but it also helps keep your device more secure.

You might wonder why anyone would want to use anything but Pixel UI. The answer to that is features. Other OEMs are usually taking bigger risks than Google and rolling out new features that Pixels don’t have. A good example of this is dark mode. For years, Pixels (and AOSP) didn’t have a dark mode option while Android skins from other OEMs did. Eventually, Google caught up and now Pixel UI and AOSP have dark modes. But if you want to be on the front lines of new features, an Android skin would be a better fit for you.

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What is Android One, what does it feature, and which devices run it?

· Updated 23 August 2021 ·

(Pocket-lint) — Android can get confusing. There were there «sweet treat» names — KitKat, Oreo, Pie, etc — but there were also version numbers. The latest version is Android 11 with Google dropping the dessert names to make things clearer. So what, then, is Android One?

Android One was originally designed for first-time smartphone users in emerging markets. It was introduced at Google’s I/O developer conference in 2014.

Original Android One devices then emerged in India, fitting that entry-level proposition, but things have moved on. Its launches in 2020 broke out of that mold, but things have been a little quiet on the Android One front recently.

What is Android One?

• Google certification programme
• Originally conceived for entry-level devices in emerging markets
• Offers a stock Android experience

Android One is a Google-devised programme for hardware manufacturers making smartphones. Being part of Android One — and labelled as such on the rear of the phone — brings with it a guarantee that it’s a solid and stable version of Android that’s not loaded with other apps, services and bloatware.

Essentially, it’s a stock Android experience.

Android One comes without any of the stuff that manufacturers like to bundle in — no skins, no duplicate apps, no additional services. That means no pre-loading Microsoft Office or Facebook app, no additional news apps and no changing the keyboard.

Google’s goal here was to facilitate the spread of Google-controlled Android via compelling products. It’s a little like the old Nexus programme, but rather than being devices sold by Google directly, these are Android devices made by other hardware partners.

The biggest proponent of Android One is Nokia, who has a full portfolio of devices using the software.

Which phones run Android One?

The HTC U11 Life was the first Android One handset announced in 2017. Since then, Nokia made a huge commitment to Android One which really put the scheme on the radar, with a full range of devices from the Nokia 5.3 through to the Nokia 9 PureView.

Before shutting its mobile division, LG joined the list with the LG G7 One while the Xiaomi Mi A2 also runs on Android One rather than the company’s normal MIUI. Motorola One is another example, launching a whole family of Android One phones, like the Moto One Vision.

The thing we like about Android One is that it gives you a pure Android experience free from bloat — and some of these devices have been really fast to update to new versions of Android as a result. Nokia had made a name for itself, being the fastest to update its portfolio, partly thanks to using Android One.

Between 2020 and 2021, however, there’s been something of a slow down. Google’s own Android One site listing supported devices is still displaying phones from 2020 as the most recent, and several of the most recent Android One phones are still waiting for their Android 11 upgrade, when Android 12 is about to launch. Sadly, it seems the reality doesn’t match up with the dream of speedy updates.

What does Android One feature?

Android One is described as «the purest form of Android.» With it, you get «the best version of Android, right out of the box», according to Google.

It’s stock Android loaded with Google goodness, offering all the features of the core operating system. This is slightly different to the Pixel phones. When Google announces the Pixel phones it often includes a couple of unique features — such as a Pixel Camera or Pixel Launcher. In some cases these won’t be available to the rest of Android and will remain unique to Pixel phones.

Google apps

You get Google software like Google Duo, YouTube, and Maps — in fact the full suite of Google services.

Android One phones also comes with built-in Google Play Protect, which helps ensure that your apps are secure and behaving as they should. What you won’t get is some hijacked version of Android loaded with malware.

Google Assistant

Android One phones are optimised for Google Assistant, so you can use Google’s helper to hail a ride, text a friend, and do all the things you can do with Assistant on other devices. Go here to learn more about Google Assistant and how it works on mobile devices. It’s a powerful service that keeps getting better all the time.

Google support

With Android One, your device will receive up to two years of upgrades to the latest version of Android. That means that if you buy an Android One device on Oreo, you should end up with Android 10. You therefore don’t need to endlessly wait for your device’s manufacturer to roll out updates, as the manufacturer doesn’t have much to do with the software.

With an Android One device, manufacturers don’t alter the software in at all, making it easy for Google to issue upgrades. In addition to all this, you get 3 years of Android monthly security updates. Or at least, that was the plan. As mentioned, the reality has been a little different in recent times.

Manufacturer hardware support

This one might sound odd, but Android One also offers support for hardware elements of a manufacturer’s device. Android devices are so varied in form, the Android One programme allows the addition of some hardware features with the software to control them.

For example, the HTC U11 Life added a squeezable frame so there’s software support for that. You’ll also get manufacturers own camera apps — the company who makes the phone doesn’t have to use the basic Android camera, they can use their own. This might extend to support for Dolby Atmos on the speakers, as well as the camera — whatever camera hardware the manufacturer uses, they can support, using their own app.

As such, on a Nokia phone you’ll find a Nokia camera with Pro modes and other stuff, different from the stock Android camera.

That’s just about all you need to know about Android One!

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Stock Android vs Android One vs Android Go: Which Android Is Best For You?

A ndroid has probably more updates than Indian spices in Sundar Pichai’s house. From Android 1.5 Cupcake that came out in 2009 to Android 8.1 Oreo, the platform is deeply ingrained in our lives.

And just when people became accustomed to the long overdue update of Android Oreo 8.1, Google rolled out Android 9 Pie; a latest Android update that is already up and running on a bunch of devices.

But if Oero or Pie are considered to be the dominant Android versions, where does Android One and Android Go fit in? Well for starters, both of them are merely variations of Stock Android experience (Pure Android), encountered in Pixel or other devices.

A Little Backstory…

Traditionally, things have been working differently.

• Google publishes its source code for the latest Android update on AOSP.
• OEMs like Samsung, Huawei, HTC pick up that code
• Make a few adjustments, wrap it up in a nice package (Samsung Touch Wiz, HTC Sense, etc.)
• And roll out the customized version globally

But modification to the stock Android bring some challenges for users: sluggish performance, update delays, security lapses and the most irksome of all — Android Bloatware. Not to mention, the absurd User Interface (UI) in these modified Android versions.

But now, Google has come up with two parallel projects namely Android One and Android Go Edition, in order for people with lower-end phones can have a Pixel-like user experience.

Let’s check out the difference between Stock Android, Android One and Android Go and see which one fits you best:

What is Stock Android?

Stock Android a.k.a pure Android is essentially the Google’s Android OS that has not been altered and directly installed on a device as it is. Stock is what you have been seeing on Nexus devices, and on many Moto devices.

Being the primary project of Android, it is backed up with the latest updates and security patches. The sole reason why it is called Stock Android is that it gets total support from Google.

Presently, Stock Android means that you have a Google phone and it is either running on Android 8.1 Oreo or Android 9 Pie. While Android Pie is the latest update, its market share is ridiculously low. Hence, Android 8.1 Oreo will be on the driving seat for now.

Salient features of Android Oreo (Stock Android)

• Google Daydream

Google Daydream turns your smartphone into a Virtual Reality (VR) friendly device. You can play VR games, YouTube videos, etc. Google daydream is only available on a few high-end devices like Pixel, Galaxy S9, and LG V30, etc.

• Picture–in–Picture

The feature makes it easy to switch between apps which retaining the previous app on the screen. The applications shrink into a floating widget when pressed Home button.

• Notification dots

The notification dot halves the stress of opening the apps to see any new notification. The notification dots feature puts a little dot over the app’s icon.

• Password Autofill

Password autofill is similar to Chrome autofill; only it works for all android apps.

Stock Android is used by Google manufactured devices like Pixel series and previous Nexus devices. Other than that, nearly all major companies like Samsung, Asus, Lenovo, and Huawei use modified versions of Oreo on their devices.

What is Android One?

Android One was launched by Google in 2014 to target the entry-level devices that can deliver the pure Android experience to users. However, the experimental project was so well-liked by tech experts and users that Google expanded it into a major project. Now, Android One is running on more than a hundred prominent devices.

Another reason for the success of Android One is the fast OS and security updates from Google. Before Android One, it took at least a year, before the latest Android update arrived on non-Google devices. However, this changed with Android One.

Also Read: Why Android Updates Take So Much Time | Project Treble Explained

For instance, Google rolled out Android 9 Pie in August 2018, and many Android One devices have already received the update. Not to mention, few also got the opportunity to use the beta version as well.

Salient features of Android One:

• Fast Android OS updates
• Security Updates for three years.
• Optimized Google Assistant
• Pure Stock Android experience
• Google Play Protect
• No bloatware (pre-installed apps from manufactures)

Android One vs Stock Android

A significant difference between Stock Android (Oreo) and Android One is that it is not available on AOSP. Google personally hands out Android One to brands in collaboration, limiting bloatware and unnecessary skins.

List of devices that support Android One:

• All Nokia Android Devices (Know more)
• Xiaomi Mi A1, Mi A2
• General Mobile (GM8, GM6, GM5, GM5+)
• Ymobile (S1, S2, X1)
• Moto X4, One Power
• HTC U11 Life.

Nokia has been really active with indulging Android One program. Nearly all the selling devices of Nokia comes with the Android OS. hence, I think Nokia would be perfect for trying an Android One device.

What is Android Go?

Android Go edition moves ahead with the vision of Android One. It is a lightweight platform targeted explicitly at lower-end devices. The target here is to provide Android experience to devices with poor specifications.

Just like Android One, Android Go is also based on Android 8.1 Oreo — Android Go Oreo Edition. However, Google has assured to users that it will soon be bringing the Android 9 Pie update over the Go devices.

Android Go vs Stock Android

First and foremost, Stock Android comes on premium device whereas Android Go Oreo edition comes on devices priced lower than $100. Apart from this, Google does not play any role in OS updates or security updates. The Android maker offers it to manufactures, the responsibility comes on the shoulders of OEMs.

List of devices that support Android Go:

• Alcatel 1X
• Nokia 1, Nokia 2.1,
• General Mobile GM 8 Go
• LAVA Z50
• ZTE Weather Go
• Micromax BHARAT GO
• Moto E5 Play
• Huawei Y3 2018
• ASUS ZenFone Live L1

Best Android Go phone – Nokia 1

Salient features of Android Go (Oreo)

The operating system is optimized to run on devices with 512 MB or 1GB RAM. The software takes shallow storage on Android Go devices to provide a smooth experience.

The feature restricts background apps to consume mobile data.

Google has also developed a few stripped down versions of Google Apps. These are lightweight apps ranging from 5MB – 10MB. Youtube, Chrome, Gmail, Gboad, Play Store, Google Assistant, Files are few apps which have been customized for Android GO phones.

The downside of using Android Go is that the GO apps compromise on features to justify the low storage.

Which is better? Stock vs One vs Go

Well, it depends.

If you are looking for Android experience but are very low on budget, Android GO is for you. But keep note that Android GO receive security and software upgrades from the OEMs like Samsung and not from Google. So you may see some updates running late in future.

Let’s say you want a Pixel but that would dig deep in the pockets. Then you should go for Android One smartphones. They give the same Android experience. Everything is same just the responsibly of giving away “untouched” Google updates is in the hands of OEM.

And if want to remain connected with Google all the time – go for Stock Android. Get timely updates and assistance from Google itself.

Did you find this Stock Android vs Android One vs Android Go comparison helpful? Share your views and keep reading Fossbytes.

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