The world of Android smartphones is a veritable battleground. Beyond the eternal rivalry with iOS, there's an equally fierce debate within the community itself: Is it better to go for pure Android or a phone with a layer of customization? Manufacturers from all over the world are fighting to differentiate themselves and convince you of the benefits of customizing their systems, while other users value the cleanliness and fluidity offered by Google's base system.
In this article you will dive into both worlds, understanding in detail What is pure Android, what do the customization layers provide, what are its strengths and weaknesses?, as well as discovering the pros and cons of each option so you can decide which one best suits you. Whether you're a techie, an advanced user, or someone who just wants their phone to work well: here's the most comprehensive guide, updated with all the experience gained by industry professionals and users of all profiles.
What is pure Android and what are customization layers?
Lets start by the beginning. Pure Android (sometimes called "stock" or "base") is the version developed by Google and designed to work universally on any compatible device. Its main strength is offering a clean experience, without additions or distractions., like the one you can find in Google Pixel smartphones, certain Nokia models, Motorola (with small extras) or the legendary Nexus.
On the other hand, what is known as customization layer It's the set of modifications, graphical additions, and exclusive functions that each manufacturer develops on top of pure Android to differentiate itself from the rest. These layers allow brands to create their own identity, adding everything from unique icons and menus to tools that go beyond what Google includes as standard.
Thus, Not all Androids are the sameDepending on the brand, your phone can radically change in appearance, organization, and capabilities, even if both models have Android 14 under the hood. This is where the wide variety of the Android ecosystem comes in, and at the same time, one of its biggest sources of debate.
Why do customization layers exist?
El origin of the customization layers It dates back to the early days of Android. Google offered a solid foundation, but with shortcomings and a somewhat spartan design. Manufacturers took advantage of this flexibility to add features that the original system did not include., such as tethering, hardware optimization, or exclusive utilities that allowed them to stand out from the competition.
At that time, it wasn't uncommon for people to search for alternative ROMs to flash for better features, and veteran layers such as Xiaomi's MIUI, Samsung's older TouchWiz (now One UI), and Huawei's EMUI emerged. Each with its own personality, its own way of organizing menus, and its built-in apps.
Over the years, Android has evolved and become much more complete out of the box. However, the layers did not disappear. Today they continue to play a key role in differentiating devices, and although the basic experience is more homogeneous, There are manufacturers who choose to customize every last detail and others who prefer to maintain the clean essence of Google..
The most popular customization layers: comparison and features
The market is full of options, but some layers stand out for their influence and evolution. Let's take a closer look at the most representative ones and their specific features:
Samsung OneUI
Samsung's layer has gone through many stages, from the criticized and overloaded TouchWiz to the modern and functional One UI. Its strengths are:
- Full integration with the Samsung ecosystem (televisions, watches, tablets…)
- Advanced Dark Mode not only for native apps, but also for third-party apps
- Samsung DeX: Turn your smartphone into a desktop computer
- Exclusive tools for S Pen in compatible models, perfect for productivity
- Advanced battery management and background apps
One UI has evolved into an interface designed for one-handed use, simplifying menus and improving usability, although it still takes up a significant amount of storage space due to all its add-ons. Performance remains high in premium ranges, but may suffer in budget models..
Xiaomi's MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi boasts customization with MIUI, and more recently with HyperOS. It is characterized by:
- Virtually endless customization options (themes, icons, widgets, control center…)
- Exclusive tools: Screen recorder, floating windows, system cleaner, iOS-style control center
- Battery optimization with usage profiles, extreme saving mode and intelligent night charging management
- Adaptation to the user's taste, although sometimes it feels saturated with options and with a very different design from pure Android
- In previous versions it has received Criticism of bloatware and the presence of ads, although Xiaomi continues to refine these issues
The jump to HyperOS has meant a significant visual overhaul and improvements in fluidity, matching the performance of other top layers such as One UI, although with certain aspects copied from iOS and betting heavily on customization on the lock screen and notifications.
Huawei EMUI
Huawei has made a strong commitment to extreme customization with EMUI, and is now moving towards its own HarmonyOS system. Its distinguishing features:
- Ultra power saving mode to stretch the battery to the limit
- Full integration with Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), dispensing with Google services in most markets
- Design reminiscent of iOS, with its own apps that duplicate those of Google
- Advanced security and privacy options
EMUI has been criticized for being more complicated to learn and for introducing changes to the organization of settings and notifications that can be confusing for users accustomed to the standard system.
Other great layers: ColorOS, OxygenOS, Funtouch OS, realme UI, Flyme OS and ZenUI
- OPPO ColorOS: Highly customizable, with a focus on animations and innovative features, although somewhat removed from the classic Android experience.
- OnePlus OxygenOS: : Previously a benchmark for cleanliness and speed, it has now become more like One UI, gaining features but losing some of its "stock" essence.
- realme UI and Funtouch OS: They are derived from ColorOS, focused on customization and fluid experience, each with their own little touches.
- Flyme OS (Meizu) and ZenUI (ASUS): Layers known for their unique designs, nods to iOS and extra utilities, generally highly appreciated in Asia.
In all these cases, The layers offer their own functions, a differential design and utilities that in theory aim to improve the experience, although the problem of app duplication and complexity for the new user is often repeated..
Pure Android: a commitment to simplicity and speed
And what about Pure AndroidHere the objective is diametrically opposite: offer a clean, fast system without superfluous additionsThe most representative devices are the Google Pixel and selected models from Nokia, Motorola and the little-remembered Essential Phone and BQ.
These terminals are committed to:
- Superior fluidity and performance, by avoiding heavy layers and unnecessary bloatware
- Fast and priority updates, especially on the Google Pixel
- Fewer pre-installed apps, which leaves more storage space and prevents duplication of functions
- Greater security and stability, thanks to automatic patches and direct support from Google
Some critics consider pure Android to be "bland" or "too basic", but for many users it is rather a blank canvas where everyone adds only what they need, taking advantage of the huge variety of apps available on Google Play. Pixel-exclusive features (such as Google Lens, the Pixel Launcher, and AI tools) demonstrate that customization is possible even here, but always in an integrated and lightweight way.
Advantages and disadvantages of pure Android versus customization layers
Advantages of clean software
- Maximum fluidity: By not having unnecessary additions, the mobile responds more quickly and consumes fewer resources.
- Immediate updates: Models running pure Android receive new features and security patches sooner.
- Absence (or minimization) of bloatware: Fewer pre-installed apps mean more free memory and less background usage.
- Greater visual coherence and less confusion in the menus and settings.
Disadvantages of stock software
- Fewer standard features: Some advanced utilities are only found on mobile phones with a cape.
- Limitations in visual customization: To modify icons, themes or animations you need a launcher or external apps.
- It can be a bit "boring" for those seeking a differentiated experience.
- There is no guarantee of an update. outside of Google Pixel, although the probability is higher.
Pros and cons of customization layers
- More exclusive features and utilities, such as Samsung's DeX desktop, Motorola's smart gestures, or Xiaomi's advanced panels.
- Better adaptation to hardware, especially in top models from each manufacturer.
- Own design and possibility of thoroughly customizing every aspect of the mobile.
- Greater risk of confusion due to too many options or radical changes with respect to what Google proposes.
- Bloatware and app duplication, which reduce space and can slow down modest devices.
- Slower and more fragmented updates, since each version must be adapted to the specific layer of each brand.
Bloatware: Pre-installed apps: a problem or a benefit?
A recurring theme is that of the pre-installed applications (bloatware)All manufacturers, including Google, add stock apps to their phones. The main difference is that on pure Android, you'll only have Google's bloatware (Gmail, Maps, Google Photos, etc.), while phones with a custom skin also add their own apps: email, music players, galleries, etc. This can be useful for those who use those services, but it creates space and duplication issues if you don't.
Some layers allow you to delete these apps, but many others only allow you to disable them.On low-end and mid-range phones, this ends up impacting both storage and performance. Furthermore, duplicating functions (two calendars, two contact managers, etc.) can be confusing and redundant.
Visual and functional customization: real benefit or source of confusion?
One of the biggest attractions of capes is their ability to radically change the design and organization of the system: icons, themes, drop-down menus, app drawer, quick settings panel… However, this can also work against you if the manufacturer overcomplicates the menus or alters the layout of the settings. It is very common that, when changing brands or mobile phones, the user feels that he or she "must relearn" how to use the system, something that does not happen with pure Android.
In many cases, features like the presence or absence of the app drawer, the way notifications are displayed and organized, or the behavior of shortcuts can vary so much that even everyday tasks become more complicated if you're not used to them.
System updates and fragmentation: Android's big challenge
An endemic problem of Android is the version fragmentation: There are hundreds of models with different versions and not all of them receive the latest updates in time. Personalization is one of the reasons for this delay., as each manufacturer needs to adapt their layer to the new version, which delays deployment even for expensive models. Only Pixels (and previously Nexus) usually receive the latest update on time.
Projects like Android One Android Go tried to bring the "pure" experience and fast updates to the general public, but with a few exceptions (some Nokia products or Xiaomi's Mi A), they haven't captivated users. The trend is that only brands that focus on clean, well-optimized software are able to keep up.
Can a customization layer be removed?
Many people wonder if they can transform their custom skinned phone into a "Pixel" using plain Android. Technically, it's possible with rooting, but it's a bit complicated. complex and risky processes (bootloader unlocking, loss of warranty, possible compatibility issues with banking apps or streaming services, risk of bricking the device, etc.).
The simplest alternative for "clean" the system es install a launcher like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher. While they don't replace the skin, they do allow for an experience much closer to stock Android visually and in terms of organization.
Which brands are betting on pure Android in 2025?
Currently, Google (Pixel), Nokia, and Motorola (with very minor modifications) still believe in the "stock" experience. Essential Phone was a benchmark but has since disappeared. The rest of the brands, with a few specific exceptions, have almost completely abandoned pure software in favor of differentiation through layers.
