Comparing Android’s Stock ROM and Custom ROM, Which Is Best?
Android has established itself as the most popular type of mobile operating system. Android has a market share of mobile operating systems that is close to 63%, making it the most preferred OS for all of the major smartphone OEMs in the world. It is quite remarkable to learn that Android is the largest operating system in terms of internet usage all over the world. However, the dominance of Android is no longer limited to the sales of mobile devices. Android is now the most popular operating system on the internet, overtaking Windows, which previously held a market share of 37.91 percent.
Because its source code is available to the public, Android’s operating system can now be modified and customised by each individual developer to meet their specific requirements. Because of this, there has been a rise in the popularity of custom ROMs and firmwares, which come with updated looks and additional features.
In the world of computers, ROM stands for read-only memory; however, this is not the case with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. When talking about mobile devices, the term “ROM” refers to the device’s firmware, which is analogous to an operating system on a computer.
Stock ROM Vs. Custom ROM
Stock ROMs are modified versions of Android that have been developed by mobile device manufacturers specifically for use with their products. Stock ROMs are included by default with smartphones when they are shipped.
Pure Stock Android refers to the unmodified, original version of Android. Mobile manufacturers believe that they need to make their products look distinctive, so they customise this form even further, despite the fact that this shape is actually pretty cool. The finished product is referred to as the Stock ROM.
People are able to purchase Android phones equipped with Stock ROMs at reduced prices from a variety of online stores such as CashKaro and others like it, which offer additional cash back to customers. The fact that this cashback can be transferred to the user’s bank account without the user incurring any fees is an additional benefit. These kinds of online sites are giving many of the industry giants in e-commerce a run for their money.
Stock ROMs are the culprits behind the various user interfaces (UIs) that are found on mobile devices manufactured by various companies. For instance, the TimeScape UI is standard on Sony Xperia phones, while the TouchWiz UI and Grace UX are standard on Samsung phones, and the Blur UI is standard on Motorola phones.
Even though Stock ROMs perform their functions admirably, there are times when users require something additional and novel to pique their interest. This is where the use of custom ROMs becomes applicable.
Individual developers or a community of developers can modify the Android operating system’s source code to create a custom operating system known as a “ROM.” These ROMs are distinct from Stock ROMs in that they confer increased control over Android devices to their respective owners.
Stock ROM — Why To Choose?
These are the operating systems (ROMs) that come pre-installed on brand-new Android mobile devices (phones and tablets). Mobile companies often personalise them in order to differentiate their products from those of competing manufacturers.
Security
The security of your device is the single most important reason why you should avoid deviating from the Stock ROM. Because these are operating systems developed by reputable companies, there is no room for malware, spyware, or other types of malicious software on these systems. The fact that the manufacturing company places a high priority on users’ privacy helps to ensure a positive overall experience for customers.
Warranty
The warranty on the device is not voided if it is used with the Stock ROM. Another reason why the majority of people choose to stick with the Stock ROM rather than switching to a Custom ROM is because of this.
Typical Components
Stock operating systems, also known as ROMs, come equipped with premium features that aren’t available in standard Android software. A personalised launcher, home screen, and app drawer are all included in these features. By way of illustration, the Swype feature enables users to instantly obtain the appropriate word by swiping their fingers across the letters on the keyboard.
Manufacturers Apps
The majority of preloaded apps that come with stock ROMs are of high quality and are provided by the device manufacturer. These applications are distinct from one manufacturer to the next, and even from one model to the next. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy S8 features Bixby, an app that acts as a virtual assistant, similar to how the iPhone features Siri. Additionally, Sony Xperia phones include TrackID, a feature that allows users to obtain information about an unidentified track that is currently playing on the device.
Why Go with a Custom ROM?
A custom ROM is an Android operating system fork that is maintained and developed by an online community of Android programmers.
Root Access
Users can gain administrative privileges on their Android devices by installing a Custom ROM. This is a highly effective option that grants users total command over their mobile devices. Android and iOS both have equivalent administrative logins called “root,” which allow full control of the device. Users of an Android device with a Stock ROM are essentially limited to the role of guests on their own device.
Highly Customizable
Custom ROM can be modified to almost any extent and has a lot of flexibility. Stock ROMs allow users to remove the bloatware that comes preinstalled on their Android devices.
Better Performance
To improve the system’s performance, users can tweak their Custom ROM by adding or removing apps, limiting background activity, and making other adjustments. Since these Custom ROMs don’t have as many apps pre-installed as Stock ROMs do, they don’t take up as much space. Users can freely adjust app settings, including optimization, usage limits, and access controls. This has the potential to increase the Android device’s speed and prolong its battery life.
Regular Updates
The regular release of updates is a major perk of using a Custom ROM. Custom ROM developers have a community that is quick to release updates, unlike traditional phone manufacturers who may forget about older phones and only release updates for the latest models. Custom ROMs offer users access to the latest software, including beta versions.
While the discussion of which ROM is superior will rage on for some time, you should choose the ROM that best suits your needs. Users who are concerned with safety and warranty should opt for the Stock ROM, while those who want more freedom and flexibility should go with the Custom ROM.