Stock Android Issues: 3 Weaknesses You Should Know

The Nuances of Stock Android

Enthusiasts of the Android operating system frequently favor devices like those in the Nexus and Google Play Edition lines, appreciating the unadulterated experience of stock Android. This preference often stems from a desire to bypass the customized interfaces – such as Samsung’s TouchWiz or HTC’s Sense – implemented by various manufacturers.

Despite its popularity among purists, stock Android is not without its limitations. Certain areas could benefit from improvements, and these are often addressed in alternative Android versions.

Areas for Improvement in Stock Android

While offering a clean and streamlined user experience, stock Android possesses inherent weaknesses. These shortcomings are frequently resolved through modifications found in both official Android iterations and those developed by the wider Android developer community.

Several key areas demonstrate where alternative Android versions often surpass the capabilities of the standard, unmodified operating system. These enhancements cater to a broader range of user needs and preferences.

• Customization options are often more limited in stock Android.
• Certain power-user features may be absent.
• Some stock implementations lack advanced control over system settings.

The development of custom ROMs and manufacturer-specific skins frequently aims to address these deficiencies, providing users with a more tailored and feature-rich Android experience.

Multi-App Multitasking on Android

Android’s multitasking capabilities primarily focus on managing applications that run in the background. However, the operating system historically has limited native support for displaying two applications simultaneously on the screen.

Despite this limitation, the potential for improvement exists. Google’s own 10-inch Android tablet, the Nexus 10, struggled to gain significant market share. Being a 10-inch device restricted to running only one application at a time presented a clear disadvantage.

Considering Android applications are already designed to dynamically adjust to varying screen dimensions, enabling the concurrent viewing of multiple apps on a device like the Nexus 10 seems feasible. This enhancement would significantly boost the versatility of Android tablets.

Such a feature would allow Android tablets to more effectively compete with Apple’s iPad and Windows tablets, which offer multi-application functionality like the Snap feature.

Samsung’s Multi Window Feature

Samsung has proactively addressed this need with its "Multi Window" feature, available on Galaxy Note and Galaxy S smartphones, as well as Galaxy Note and Galaxy Tab tablets. While not universally compatible with all Android applications, it represents a substantial effort to enhance the flexibility and power of Samsung’s devices.

Even on tablets primarily used for media consumption, the ability to simultaneously watch a video and browse the web would greatly improve the user experience.

Related: Get Real Multitasking on Android With These 8 Floating Apps

Alternative solutions, such as floating apps, offer a degree of multitasking functionality. However, these often feel inelegant, requiring users to rely on a limited selection of applications specifically engineered to operate in a floating window.

Samsung’s TouchWiz interface generally provides a more refined and comprehensive multi-app experience compared to the standard Android operating system.

Camera Performance in Stock Android

The native camera application and underlying camera system within stock Android have historically been areas of weakness. This criticism extends to various Nexus devices, encompassing models from the Galaxy Nexus through the Nexus 5.

Consistent issues with camera quality and performance have been noted in reviews. Devices running Google Play Editions, which remove manufacturer-specific enhancements, often demonstrate diminished camera capabilities compared to their counterparts.

Issues with the Stock Camera App

Beyond a limited feature set, the standard Android camera app is often described as having an unintuitive and cumbersome user interface. Its design can present challenges for users seeking a straightforward photography experience.

Recent software updates, such as one released for the Nexus 5, have indicated some progress in camera performance and consistency. However, stock Android generally lags behind other Android customizations in delivering superior camera hardware and software.

Improvements are being made, but a gap remains between stock Android’s camera capabilities and those offered by competing Android implementations.

• Inconsistent Results: Camera performance varies significantly across Nexus devices.
• Limited Features: The stock app lacks advanced options found in other camera applications.
• Awkward Interface: The user interface is often considered confusing and difficult to navigate.

While enhancements are underway, stock Android’s camera system continues to be an area requiring further development to meet user expectations.

Permissions

The state of Android's permission system has been a topic of discussion, particularly in light of recent changes. Concerns have been raised regarding the limitations of the existing system, as highlighted in reports about its shortcomings.

While Android device manufacturers have not prioritized the implementation of more robust permission controls, alternative solutions are emerging through community-driven projects. Custom ROMs, such as CyanogenMod, are actively developing enhanced permission management features.

Currently, users desiring granular control over app permissions face limited options. These include switching to iOS, rooting their Android device, or utilizing a custom ROM like CyanogenMod. Google’s recent removal of the hidden permission manager from stock Android builds for Nexus devices further emphasizes this challenge.

The Need for Control

A common concern is the potential for applications to access and transmit sensitive user data without explicit consent. For example, a game might request access to a user’s contact list and subsequently share this information with advertising networks.

Google’s approach appears to be streamlining the user experience by potentially restricting certain advanced features from the standard Android distribution. Consequently, users who value an unlocked and customizable Android experience may find custom ROMs like CyanogenMod more appealing.

It’s important to note that this discussion doesn’t encompass every potential deficiency in stock Android. Samsung’s TouchWiz, for instance, includes a wide array of features, some of which may be considered superfluous by certain users.

However, for individuals who appreciate innovative functionalities, such as a smartphone that activates upon eye contact, TouchWiz offers features not found in stock Android.

Ultimately, the ideal Android experience is subjective. Some users may prefer the simplicity and purity of stock Android, while others may value the additional features and customization options offered by manufacturers like Samsung or HTC.

Image Credit: Kārlis Dambrāns on Flickr, Kārlis Dambrāns on Flickr