What are the different Android skins?

All Android smartphones run on Android, the Google operating system. It's an open source operating system. That means everybody can use the software and change it as they like. That's exactly what manufacturers do. Almost every brand put their own layer over the stock Android. This way, colors, menu layouts, and icons differ per smartphone brand. Manufactures sometimes also choose to add extra functions or apps. For example, Samsung and OnePlus smartphones all run on Android, but the operating system looks very different.

Samsung changes Android so it's suitable for special functions. This can be the S Pen controls with Note devices. The design of Samsung's Android version is very different to stock Android. The icons are larger and are more colorful. You can download a Samsung theme to adjust this design as you like. Samsung installs a lot of bloatware apps on OneUI devices like Calendar or the virtual assistant Bixby. With OneUI, it's not possible to delete these apps. This way, you lose some of your storage capacity.

On OnePlus smartphone, you can find an operating system that combines stock Android with a few additions. For example, you can easily adjust the standard icons as you like. You can change the color and the shape of the buttons. OnePlus also pre-installed some apps. Don't you want these apps? You can delete them easily. The menus are organized and are pretty similar to the stock Android.

Xiaomi MIUI differs a lot from the standard Android version. The settings menu of this interface has a different layout and the design is different. You can adjust this with Xiaomi themes as you like. You can delete the bloatware that's installed on the device. A downside of MIUI are the ads which you see in various places. You see them on the internet, just as with other brands, but also in your settings menu. You can block these with an Adblocker.

ColorOS differs a lot from stock Android in a few areas. The menu layout of your settings is very different, for example. Some options or settings are more hidden than you're used to from other Android interfaces. In addition, the design and switching between apps looks different. That's not necessarily better or worse. The switch from to OPPO smartphone with ColorOS takes some getting used to. It depends on your own taste and preferences whether you'll like it.

Android One is a version of stock Android like Google developed it. Android One isn't really a skin, but a type of quality label that says something about updates. Because of the 'bare' Android version, the manufacturer doesn't have to make any expensive and time-consuming changes to updates. this way, you'll receive them soon after they're released. The functions and design of Android One aren't exciting or innovative, but they're simple and user-friendly. All Nokia and most Motorola smartphone run on Android One. The operating system on other Motorola devices looks the same in terms of design.

Sony uses Xperia UI. This skin looks a lot like the stock Android version, but there are differences. Sony changed a few things in the design. The colors are a bit darker, for example. Sony also added functions you can't see right away. Stamina Mode helps to save battery. The manufacturer also doesn't add much bloatware. This way, the storage capacity isn't filled with pre-installed apps.