Differences between Stock Android, Android One and Android Go

It used to be just Android, and today we have several versions. Each of these versions was created with the idea of ​​being as compatible as possible with a group of devices. And so now we have Stock Android, Android One, and Android Go. Many are worried about which version is for which devices and what is the difference between them, so here is an explanation in brief.

Classic Android

You probably have this version too, since it is found on most devices. OEMs such as LG, Samsung, Huawei, etc. take open Android code (AOSP) and tweak it to suit their devices. These companies, on the other hand, must be certified to use Google Mobile Services, and they also pack some of their own applications. For example, in addition to the Play Store, Samsung will also include theirs, as well as a gallery, calendar, clock, etc. and often OEMs insert their own themes like Samsung TouchWiz, HTC Sense, EMUI, etc.

The important difference is that updates to your device are sent by OEM (manufacturer) and that is the reason why you wait a long time for a new update, especially a new version of the system.

Stock Android

Viewed through history, Stock Android is the version of the system that Google has packed into its line of devices. It used to be a Nexus line, and now it’s a Pixel. As the current Pixel line, we will take it into account.

These devices receive updates directly from Google, usually the first, as soon as Google publishes them. Demand for these devices has grown over time, mostly because of the Bloatware-free system. OEMs put in their apps and services, as I mentioned, and all of that can "choke" the phone. That is why more and more people want a pure Android experience without any additional applications and services that will only bother them. However, pure Android does not suit some people because they do not have some useful services offered by OEMs, such as Samsung Health.

Note: don't be confused by the term "Stock" and confuse it with the one I mentioned in the article on ROMs. In this case, it is pure Android, and in that article, it is an unmodified (by the user) ROM that comes with the phone (in this article "classic Android"). The same term is used in both cases but different things are meant.

Android One

This version of Android was launched in India in 2014 and is intended for weaker devices, but was later used in stronger ones as well. Basically, Android One is a kind of service that Google provides to phone manufacturers in the form of software development. Because, some companies just want to make hardware and work on marketing, etc., and they don't have the resources to deal with software (like those OEMs I mentioned - Samsung, LG rade).

Then Google enters the scene and commits to help them, for a fee, implement the software into their hardware. Google then sends Android updates regularly and phones will always have clean Android with the latest updates - just like they do with their line of devices.

I mentioned that Google charges for Android One, and we also know that Android is free, why and how? Manufacturers get Android for free, but Google charges for its coding, development, implementation, and maintenance services - all of which do not have to be done by the device manufacturer.

Android Go

And finally, we have Android Go which appeared recently. This version is also intended for weaker devices, and it is a "lighter" version of Android that comes with "easier" versions of applications, such as Maps Go, Gmail Go, Google Go, etc.

The main difference between Android One and Android Go is that "Go" does not come directly from Google but again from OEM. For example, Nokia is making a cheaper and weaker phone and wants to put Android Go. No problem, they take Android Go and implement it on their phone. Then, when system updates appear, Nokia takes the new code from Google and, after checking and possibly making changes, sends the update to users.

There is a delay in the whole process, and the same thing happens with the standard Android version that I first wrote about.

Summarized

• Standard Android is Android that is customized by OEMs and they send updates, so there is a delay.
• Stock Android comes directly from Google for Google hardware (such as the Pixel line) and it is pure Android. Google is also in charge of regular updates, so there are no delays.
• Android One also comes directly from Google and is also pure Android, but for other devices. Google is in charge of updates and therefore there are no delays.
• Android Go is a replacement for Android One for weaker devices. Updates are sent by OEMs and there is a delay due to this.