Samsung's UI will always be better than stock

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

I would like to add to this that it changes from year to year as well... One year Moto will be really good at updates, the next it will be someone else. I have to agree that over the "life" of Samsung they have never been really good with updates, hopefully that will change starting now and it is not just their turn to be better.

I hope so too.

It's not really the timing that irks me about Samsung. It's the inconsistency.

They can roll out patches really quickly from January to June and then suddenly skip 2 months and then release September. That's what they have to solve. Make them arrive in a consistent and regular manner.

 

[barondebxl]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Android updates do not affect me personally, and the reason being is that I switch phones all the time. like right now I have the note 8 and I'm pretty sure I'll get the SO when it comes out which should be by April at the latest. Furthermore, this note 8 has so many features itself that I could care less for Oreo honestly. I'm happy as is. Yes the update would be welcomed but since Oreo isn't a major one, I can live without it.

 

[garak0410]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Android updates do not affect me personally, and the reason being is that I switch phones all the time. like right now I have the note 8 and I'm pretty sure I'll get the SO when it comes out which should be by April at the latest. Furthermore, this note 8 has so many features itself that I could care less for Oreo honestly. I'm happy as is. Yes the update would be welcomed but since Oreo isn't a major one, I can live without it.

Oreo has enough features to keep me from going back to the Note 8 for now. The Note 8 with Oreo is going to be quite amazing when it is released.

 

[Aquila]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

I hope so too.

It's not really the timing that irks me about Samsung. It's the inconsistency.

They can roll out patches really quickly from January to June and then suddenly skip 2 months and then release September. That's what they have to solve. Make them arrive in a consistent and regular manner.

IMO the goal should be security patches rolling within 24 hours of public release, unless there is an explanation for a delay. They (oem partners) get most of the updates at least a month in advance. And then the goal for a major OS update, such as Nougat to Oreo, should be within 72 hours of public release - because in that case, they've generally had most of the code needed for six months or more.

 

[chanchan05]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

IMO the goal should be security patches rolling within 24 hours of public release, unless there is an explanation for a delay. They (oem partners) get most of the updates at least a month in advance. And then the goal for a major OS update, such as Nougat to Oreo, should be within 72 hours of public release - because in that case, they've generally had most of the code needed for six months or more.

While ideal, there is no way this is possible. A major OS update is not finished when the OEM receives the code 6mos prior. Along the way there are several revisions to the code which may screw up the features OEM puts on their firmware/devices, necessitating rewrites. Also each revision may necessitate changes to the drivers of the hardware the OEM uses. For example, 2mos prior to public release of the major update, some guy at Google releases a change in the code for better security. Since the security chip is part of the SoC, folks building the Exynos and Kirin chips may need to rewrite drivers, and these drivers need to be integrated into the update and checked to work. That alone pushes back again the date at which the major OS update can be released. An example would be Samsung only starting beta test AFTER the public release of the update. Because at that point there is no more changes to the major update code and they can focus on stability and bug fixing. Releasing 72 hrs after the major update for OEMs like Samsung and Huawei is basically the beta version.

 

[Mike Dee]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

The purists refuse to believe that the Note 8 can function flawlessly, without lag.
They are Wrong. My phone is just as fast today as it was on release day.
I am Really sick of the "Samsung lag" BS. That horse is dead. Just stop beating it already.

Is it just the purists? I've seen quite a few of the posters who like to swap phones complain about Samsung lag. Are they just stating it to justify swapping phones?

 

[Aquila]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

While ideal, there is no way this is possible. A major OS update is not finished when the OEM receives the code 6mos prior. Along the way there are several revisions to the code which may screw up the features OEM puts on their firmware/devices, necessitating rewrites. Also each revision may necessitate changes to the drivers of the hardware the OEM uses. For example, 2mos prior to public release of the major update, some guy at Google releases a change in the code for better security. Since the security chip is part of the SoC, folks building the Exynos and Kirin chips may need to rewrite drivers, and these drivers need to be integrated into the update and checked to work. That alone pushes back again the date at which the major OS update can be released. An example would be Samsung only starting beta test AFTER the public release of the update. Because at that point there is no more changes to the major update code and they can focus on stability and bug fixing. Releasing 72 hrs after the major update for OEMs like Samsung and Huawei is basically the beta version.

This is one of the things that project treble will help with.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

This is one of the things that project treble will help with.

It should.

It also carries the bonus that a barebones AOSP build can be used on any Android device without messing about, albeit not in a fully reliable state.

 

[garak0410]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Is it just the purists? I've seen quite a few of the posters who like to swap phones complain about Samsung lag. Are they just stating it to justify swapping phones?

The last Samsung Phone I used for over a year, the Note 5, never got the lag. I didn't have the Note 7 long enough and jury is still out on the Note 8 but so far, no lag on the 8 either.

 

[gregg6942]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

It's funny that I stumbled upon this. I could not agree anymore. Let me tell my story...

So I had the note 8. Loved it big time, beat phone I've ever had, little to no complaints. Then I kept hearing about about the pixel 2Xl being great and all, even a couple of my friends got it and we're saying how it's a great device. So I sold my note 8, bought the pixel 2 XL a week ago. Today I got a note 8 back and I couldn't be happier. The pixel 2XL is a good phone let me get that out of the way, it's a great phone actually. Greta battery life, great camera, software is smooth and fast, speakers are good and the display isn't as bad as they make it out to be, all you gotta do is swithc to the saturated mode and you'll be just fine. With that being said, it is absolutely overhyped. When you hear people talk about it, they make it sound as if it's the best thing ever etc...the note 8 is 20 times better in my opinion. No, it's 50 times better. I mean I ENJOY using the note while the pixel bored me to death. It is so boring oh my God, I don't see how people can use it. It's not quite like using an iPhone but it's almost as boring honestly. The phone has no identity to me, it's just a good phone and that's it whereas with the note, there's so much you can do, so many features, it always keeps me busy and wanting for more. That's the best way for me to put it in words. But honestly, I think the pixel 2 XL is absolutely overrated, I just don't see the hype. In fact, I prefer the OnePlus 5T that I had back in November because it charges much faster, it's just as fast, it has more ram, the build quality is great, the phone is super fast, the screen is better despite being 1080P all for nearly half the price. Also the speaker is louder on the 5T despite it being a single firing one. So yeah, I did digress quite a bit lol, but stock Android is definitely overrated and super duper boring. It's not for me and I know now not to listen to others and just see for myself. I prefer Samsung's skin over stock anyway.

Couldn't have said it better myself. And I want to reiterate those 3 words OP said & I agree with.. "in my opinion" .. thanks !!

 

[garak0410]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

But honestly, I think the pixel 2 XL is absolutely overrated, I just don't see the hype. stock Android is definitely overrated and super duper boring. It's not for me and I know now not to listen to others and just see for myself. I prefer Samsung's skin over stock anyway.

I have both the Note 8 and the Pixel 2 XL. I respectfully disagree that the Pixel 2 XL is overrated. Perhaps in certain contexts is is but I think it may be a tad underrated as I've not seen any of the problems reported in the press and the camera, in my own testing, kills the Note 8's camera in most settings.

I never had a problem with the new TouchWiz (Samsung Experience) beyond the boxier icons and I love and use the S-Pen. But I am enjoying Oreo a lot and when my Note 8 gets Oreo, I may go back to it, even if it means giving up a little on the Camera.

 

[Byrese]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

This has been a really good thread. Lots of opinions!

 

[Tsepz_GP]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

I disable, uninstall, block, you name it, everything google I can, whether it's my note 8 or my BlackBerry phone.

I don't live in the US, I'm not interested in google and I'm not interested in their behind the scenes data capture.

I like samsung, and I particularly like their oem apps.

Suits me

Same here. I find that many of Googles apps are simply not as resource friendly as Samsung. You can tell which company has thorough experience with Mobile Hardware and Software.

3 examples: Samsung Internet, Samsung Pay and Samsung Music.

Samsung Internet: allows content blocking and is far less of a RAM and power hog

Samsung Pay: supports more global standards

Samsung Music: less resource intensive and nowhere near as dependant on internet connection as Google Play Music.

I also love things like the Call Blocking features Samsung built into their phones, the Samsung File Manager that continues to be a lot better than most 3rd party Filem Managers with its own Zip facility even.

Samsungs video player, which has generally been better with codes support than most video players etc etc...


I went with Samsung as I found that with Samsung I did not have to rely on 3rd Party Apps as much as I would have to with "Stock Android" devices. Companies like Samsung, LG, Sony etc... have long been in the business of building both Smart and Feature Phones, and they therefore seem to have a better understanding of what one needs, I barely if ever have to go to Play store to get anything other than specialised apps for things like FB, Instagram, my banks app, medical aid app etc...

And then on top of all that, is Samsungs incredible hardware, from Display, Camera, SPen, build quality etc... they generally do a great job, IMO, better than what Google usually brings, IMO.

 

[Zeemee]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Hi, there was a time when you could buy a decent Android phone and root them fairly simply with a little help and I chose to go that route as failure "Bricked Phone" didn't cost you 800 to 1000 bucks then, having said that as I've aged I still like the high performance of the top dollar phones yet hate not being able to start with a clean slate like back in the day with rooting but I just can't risk damaging a $950 phone so I bring new phone home, factory reset and manual reinstall picking and choosing what best suits my needs, some Samsung, some Google trying my best to prevent app duplication of course while trying to give me as much control over "My Equipment" as possible. Thanks all.

 

[Byrese]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Same here. I find that many of Googles apps are simply not as resource friendly as Samsung. You can tell which company has thorough experience with Mobile Hardware and Software.

3 examples: Samsung Internet, Samsung Pay and Samsung Music.

Samsung Internet: allows content blocking and is far less of a RAM and power hog

Samsung Pay: supports more global standards

Samsung Music: less resource intensive and nowhere near as dependant on internet connection as Google Play Music.

I also love things like the Call Blocking features Samsung built into their phones, the Samsung File Manager that continues to be a lot better than most 3rd party Filem Managers with its own Zip facility even.

Samsungs video player, which has generally been better with codes support than most video players etc etc...


I went with Samsung as I found that with Samsung I did not have to rely on 3rd Party Apps as much as I would have to with "Stock Android" devices. Companies like Samsung, LG, Sony etc... have long been in the business of building both Smart and Feature Phones, and they therefore seem to have a better understanding of what one needs, I barely if ever have to go to Play store to get anything other than specialised apps for things like FB, Instagram, my banks app, medical aid app etc...

And then on top of all that, is Samsungs incredible hardware, from Display, Camera, SPen, build quality etc... they generally do a great job, IMO, better than what Google usually brings, IMO.

Never thought about all of these. Good post!

 

[Zeemee]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

We're at a point where most all of the "Flagship" phones are excellent, I think that can be agreed on to a point. As a retired Samsung USA tech who genuinely enjoys the Play store and a great deal of the innovation that rise's from that group daily I still never forget who the people were who got us to the present day Play Store and of course Android in the first place, those folks who struggled to make something different, their own, something to add to the great idea which is Android. Those touchy Touch Wiz guys, the Whacked Web sense dudes and so many others that didnt want to own Android just be a part of it. The truth is as most of the older techs...lol here will affirm is Android was a dream meant specifically to aid poor, underdeveloped countries, to give the real common men and women of the world a chance at affordable, working technologies they could hold in their hand. The dream was to allow all a chance to communicate on a level never before achieved verbally and more importantly visually. Putting a camera/phone in a hand instead of a weapon made Android more powerful than those early designers ever dreamed possible. The dream that was Android still is, let everyone make it better for everyone. The big spendy phones of today only say Android, it's the little, reliable and affordable phones in that poor families possession that truly are what Android was supposed to be. I feel blessed to have seen and been apart of what Android was and is today so be gentle on each other as you continue to be a part of the original dream to help aid and benefit one another in the Play Store of our world. IOS went in a different direction and maybe all of us Androidites can help them see what Android saw so many years ago.

 

[Mike Dee]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

why is it such a big deal? stock experience is kind of boring. take out all the fun stuff and give you only the basic's. Basic phone with a heavy price tag..
OLED screen is cheap aswell.
Don't you think Google is getting abit greedy now?

this is comparing Pixel 2 XL to Note 8 or s8+

Buy what you like and don't worry about what other people like. That's my deal.... I never try to second guess what others buy what they do.

 

[LPRodgers]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Bixby.....love my note 8 but why I need two assistants is beyond me, and the fingerprint sensor placement is ridiculous. Always drives me back to my pixel XL but these are the two best Android phones in the business.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Same here. I find that many of Googles apps are simply not as resource friendly as Samsung. You can tell which company has thorough experience with Mobile Hardware and Software.

3 examples: Samsung Internet, Samsung Pay and Samsung Music.

Samsung Internet: allows content blocking and is far less of a RAM and power hog

Samsung Pay: supports more global standards

Samsung Music: less resource intensive and nowhere near as dependant on internet connection as Google Play Music.

I also love things like the Call Blocking features Samsung built into their phones, the Samsung File Manager that continues to be a lot better than most 3rd party Filem Managers with its own Zip facility even.

Samsungs video player, which has generally been better with codes support than most video players etc etc...


I went with Samsung as I found that with Samsung I did not have to rely on 3rd Party Apps as much as I would have to with "Stock Android" devices. Companies like Samsung, LG, Sony etc... have long been in the business of building both Smart and Feature Phones, and they therefore seem to have a better understanding of what one needs, I barely if ever have to go to Play store to get anything other than specialised apps for things like FB, Instagram, my banks app, medical aid app etc...

And then on top of all that, is Samsungs incredible hardware, from Display, Camera, SPen, build quality etc... they generally do a great job, IMO, better than what Google usually brings, IMO.

Kinda goes both ways. I tend to prefer a bit of what Google does with a bit of what Samsung does.

It's great that some of Samsung's apps can be installed on any Android phone so you are given the choice.

It's all up to personal preference in the end. Featureset or fast updates?

 

[billykac]

Re: i don't understand why people like Stock Android so much?

Same here. I find that many of Googles apps are simply not as resource friendly as Samsung. You can tell which company has thorough experience with Mobile Hardware and Software.

3 examples: Samsung Internet, Samsung Pay and Samsung Music.

Samsung Internet: allows content blocking and is far less of a RAM and power hog

Samsung Pay: supports more global standards

Samsung Music: less resource intensive and nowhere near as dependant on internet connection as Google Play Music.

I also love things like the Call Blocking features Samsung built into their phones, the Samsung File Manager that continues to be a lot better than most 3rd party Filem Managers with its own Zip facility even.

Samsungs video player, which has generally been better with codes support than most video players etc etc...


I went with Samsung as I found that with Samsung I did not have to rely on 3rd Party Apps as much as I would have to with "Stock Android" devices. Companies like Samsung, LG, Sony etc... have long been in the business of building both Smart and Feature Phones, and they therefore seem to have a better understanding of what one needs, I barely if ever have to go to Play store to get anything other than specialised apps for things like FB, Instagram, my banks app, medical aid app etc...

And then on top of all that, is Samsungs incredible hardware, from Display, Camera, SPen, build quality etc... they generally do a great job, IMO, better than what Google usually brings, IMO.

Great post.
Yes - I love those apps (Samsung Pay, Music and Browser) and all three are certainly superior to the Google equivalents - this coming from a horrid Google Fanboy (me).

And for anyone fact-checking, yes, I am 100% aware that the Samsung Internet app is a Chromium build. It's the superior (IMO) UX and ad-blocking that makes Samsung's variant a stand-out.