Stock Android, also called “vanilla” Android, is the most basic version of the Android operating system available.

Stock Android devices run the core kernel of Android as designed and developed by Google.

For example, a stock Android phone on Verizon’s network will not include Verizon-installed apps.

What do you mean by stock Android?

Stock Android, also known by some as vanilla or pure Android, is the most basic version of the OS designed and developed by Google. It’s an unmodified version of Android, meaning device manufacturers have installed it as is. Some skins, like Huawei’s EMUI, change the overall Android experience quite a bit.

What is the benefit of stock Android?

A more efficient Android phone allows Google to do more background personal data gathering of Android users without bogging down their devices. Stock Android OS is also more efficient in terms of operation for phone users. Custom software like Samsung’s TouchWiz UI eats up RAM and CPU resources of tablets/smartphones.