Customization is one of the cornerstones that distinguishes Android from other mobile operating systems. While closed systems like iOS focus on uniformity and tight controlAndroid allows each manufacturer to put their stamp on the system through so-called customization layers. These modifications go far beyond the aesthetic: completely transform the interaction, additional functions and even the performance of the device, making the choice of one layer or another a decision as relevant as the hardware itself when purchasing an Android mobile.
If you value customization, fluidity, a wide variety of possibilities and an experience tailored to your needs, discover which customization layer is best can make a difference in your daily life. In this article, we analyze all the most relevant layers of the Android ecosystem: the most popular, the emerging, and the lesser-known alternatives, summarizing their strengths and weaknesses in the greatest level of detail on the market. We also include information and comparisons based on user experience and the most influential analyses in the industry. This way, we help you make the most informed and up-to-date decision possible.
What is a customization layer in Android?
A customization layer It is the modification that manufacturers apply to the base Android system to differentiate their products in the market. Technically, Android is an open source operating system – known as Android Open Source Project, or AOSP– that any manufacturer can take and adapt to their devices.
These layers, often called UI (User Interface), go far beyond simply changing the wallpaper or icons:
- They redesign the interface and menus, changing the visual experience and navigation through the system.
- Add exclusive applications and tools that are not present in pure Android, such as security, productivity, advanced camera or battery management apps.
- They include their own functions such as energy-saving modes, smart assistants, integration with devices from the manufacturer's ecosystem, or artificial intelligence features.
- They modify resource management (RAM, battery and performance optimization), directly affecting daily fluidity and autonomy.
- Customize the notifications, control center, and multitasking experience, allowing for unique or more advanced behaviors compared to pure Android.
It is important to highlight that the customization layer does not replace the operating system.: Android always runs underneath. However, the layer changes both the appearance and many practical functions, which may be more or less appealing to different users. Some are lightweight and closer to the Google experience, others offer a host of options and tools, and some even integrate with artificial intelligence.
When updating Android, each manufacturer's customization layers typically also update, so improvements, features, and bug fixes depend largely on each brand's support and the speed with which they adapt their layer to the new version of the system.
Why is it so important to choose the right customization layer?
The choice of customization layer can influence your user experience as much as the camera or processor of your phone. Some layers provide added value, others can saturate the system or slow it down.Some prioritize security, others productivity, extreme customization, integration with their own ecosystem...
- If you're looking for maximum simplicity and speed, you'll probably prefer a layer as close to pure Android as possible.
- If you love customizing every detail or integrating your phone with other devices from the same manufacturer, a layer like One UI or ColorOS will be much more extensive.
- If you value privacy and security, there are layers and brands that stand out for their extra protection tools.
- And if you need your phone to be practical, efficient, and reliable no matter how much time passes, some models stand out for their update policies and stability.
In addition, the layer also defines the exclusive services to which you will have access: cloud services, integration with accessories, productivity modes, AI... Choosing the right layer is choosing a digital lifestyle consistent with your expectations and needs.
The most popular and highly rated customization layers on Android
- HyperOS – Xiaomi
- One UI – Samsung
- ColorOS – OPPO
- OxygenOS – OnePlus
- Nothing OS – Nothing
- EMUI – Huawei
- Realme UI – realme
- Funtouch OS – Vivo
- Hello UI – Motorola
- Magic OS – Honor
- Other layers: MyOS, RedMagic OS, JoyUI, Flyme…
Xiaomi's HyperOS: The New Era After MIUI
Xiaomi has left behind its famous and controversial MIUI to bet on HyperOS, a layer that seeks to offer a more stable, faster, and visually refreshed system. While it still retains many customization options and some legacy features, HyperOS arrives with clear promises of improving resource management and reducing bloatware and ads, two major weaknesses of MIUI in its latest versions.
Main advantages of HyperOS:
- Number of customization options: complete changes to icons, layouts, fonts, animation effects, and more.
- Optimized battery and RAM management (including various performance modes and adaptive usage profiles).
- Refreshed dashboard and notifications, with priority organization and sound bar integration and multimedia control directly from the control center.
- Convergence with devices from the Xiaomi ecosystem (mobility, wearables, home automation, etc.).
- Inspiration from iOS and One UI by adding physical separation of notifications and more advanced lock screen modes.
- Reduction (but not yet elimination) of advertising and unwanted apps regarding MIUI.
Weak points:
- Persistence of certain bloatware and some proprietary apps that cannot be removed.
- Little use of Material You color palettes and less intuitive color customization options than the competition.
- AI in HyperOS is still under development and doesn't offer as many advanced features as One UI or ColorOS.
- The experience may vary depending on the device range: it is much smoother on the high-end range.
HyperOS is a step forward compared to MIUI, especially due to its improved stability, cleanliness, and new customization options. Still, it must continue to evolve to compete head-to-head with leading AI layers, color options, and fewer pre-installed apps.
Samsung's One UI: The benchmark in balance, customization, and support
One UI It's Samsung's customization layer, and for many analysts and advanced users, the most mature and complete in the Android ecosystem. Samsung has polished the experience to make its layer a benchmark in performance, functionality, customization, and technical support.
What makes One UI so valued?
- Good Lock App: It allows extreme customization thanks to specific modules for the lock screen, icon style, 3D wallpapers, unique themes, animations and much more, without depending on external launchers.
- Battery and performance management: very efficient, with multiple consumption profiles and automatic memory optimization.
- Full integration with the Samsung ecosystem: Galaxy Watch watches, tablets, wearables, Smart TVs, home appliances and other devices thanks to features like SmartThings or Samsung DeX.
- Advanced security featuresSamsung Knox is one of the most robust protection systems, adding data encryption, permission control, and real-time protection even for enterprise users.
- Fast and long updates: Samsung leads the way in update policy, with updates lasting up to 4 or even 7 years for premium models, bringing them closer to the Pixel experience.
- AI and productivity: Integration of features such as simultaneous translation, voice transcription, image search, and smart access into the Galaxy AI experience.
Lesser highlights:
- The number of features and settings can be overwhelming for first-time users.
- Some menus, such as Settings, may require too many steps to access advanced options.
- The navigation is so rich that it sometimes feels less intuitive until you fully adapt.
One UI is the most balanced layer for those who want advanced customization, performance, integration with other devices and maximum security.Its user community and technical support are among the highest-rated in the entire mobile industry. It's simply one of the most complete and satisfying Android experiences.
OPPO's ColorOS: Design, AI, and Personalization at the Highest Level
OPPO has managed, according to expert media and demanding users, to position its coloros among the best Android customization layers on the market. ColorOS stands out for having the most elegant and fluid design, with smooth transitions and an aesthetic that pleases both in light and dark themes.In addition, the brand has incorporated artificial intelligence features not only in its high-end phones but also in its mid-range ones.
Key Features of ColorOS:
- High level of visual customization: Deep changes to icons, colors, animations, fonts, lock screen, Always-On Display, and more.
- Advanced AI Features: Smart image editing, context-sensitive suggestions, quick access to features based on daily usage, and productivity assistants.
- Efficient battery and RAM management, including dynamic profiles and background optimization.
- Functional multitasking: floating windows, split screen, and intuitive access to recent apps.
Points to consider:
- Presence of bloatware (there may be up to 20 pre-installed apps on imported models), although many can be uninstalled.
- Some AI features may not be fully polished or tailored to all markets.
ColorOS is the choice for those looking for aesthetic design, fluidity, deep customization, and access to the latest AI features.
OnePlus' OxygenOS: Fluidity, Productivity, and Visual Cleanliness
OnePlus was for years the benchmark in terms of a clean Android experience close to the original Google, and although the integration with OPPO has modified part of its philosophy, OxygenOS remains one of the most optimized, stable, and productivity-oriented layers.
Main advantages of OxygenOS:
- Lightweight interface with few unnecessary modifications, ideal for those looking for a pure Android-like experience.
- Very smooth operation, with agile animations and seamless transitions between apps.
- Advanced but non-intrusive customization: Changes to icons, colors, screen organization, and handy widgets.
- Multiple energy saving options and background app optimization.
- Improved update support, reaching averages of 4 years in many models.
Weak points:
- In the most recent versions, it has been including certain bloatware and shared features with ColorOS that may not appeal to long-time fans of the brand.
- Its differentiation and original personality have been reduced compared to previous editions.
OxygenOS is especially suitable for those who value fluidity, visual clarity, and speed, but without sacrificing the customization and productivity options that distinguish OnePlus.
Nothing OS by Nothing: Minimalism, AI, and Pure Android Reimagined
Nothing OS has emerged as one of the layers best rated by experts and users who love simplicity. It is an experience very close to pure Android, but with Unique design details and a zero bloatware policyAll the changes are designed to give the user control and the ability to "make the phone their own" from the very first moment.
What makes Nothing OS different:
- Minimalist, clean and futuristic design, with its own font and graphic elements, but without overloading the screen.
- Neuromorphism and integration with AI: Artificial intelligence wallpaper generation, custom sounds, and a unique notification system.
- Non-existent bloatware: No extra apps like Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn pre-installed; just the essentials (weather, camera, voice recorder, and built-in utilities).
- Native support for third-party icons and widgets, allowing the user to fully customize without restrictions.
- Balance between pure Android and proprietary add-ons: There is hardly any “filler” and everything that is added adds to the experience.
Nothing OS is, according to many, the perfect example of how a ROM can be lightweight, intuitive, fast, and visually appealing without overloading the system with unnecessary apps or features.
Huawei's EMUI: Power and ecosystem despite limitations
Huawei was a world leader in layer innovation for years and still is today. EMUI It is one of the most complete and advanced. Despite the absence of Google services in recent models outside of China, EMUI continues to stand out for its performance, customization and its own ecosystem..
EMUI Strengths:
- Elegant and effective design, with an attractive and familiar iOS point for new users migrating from Apple.
- Very deep customization options, including Always-On Display, advanced themes, multi-user, and gesture control.
- Advanced battery management and extreme saving modes.
- Own app ecosystem (AppGallery, Huawei Mobile Services), with integration with Huawei laptops, wearables and smart devices.
- AI-powered productivity and performance optimization tools.
Limiting points:
- Lack of Google services (GMS) outside of China, so some Western services and apps don't work natively.
- Need to learn how to use Discover Android news and APK management to install popular apps.
Despite its limitations, EMUI is one of the most complete, stable, and secure layers for those living within the Huawei ecosystem.
Realme UI: Constantly evolving customization and usability
Realme, an independent brand that emerged from OPPO, has managed to create its own identity with Real UI, a layer that draws on ColorOS but with a youthful, customizable approach focused on daily usability.
Notable Features:
- Customizing icons, themes, backgrounds, and app organization with many easy-to-adjust options.
- Smart optimization features that learn from use to manage battery and resources.
- Bloatware somewhat present although reduced in the latest models.
- Some features, translations, and menus still need polishing compared to the competition.
Realme UI is ideal for younger users or those looking for a good balance between customization and simplicity, although it still has a long way to go to reach the level of ColorOS or One UI.
Vivo's Funtouch OS: Options and Integration Without Excess
Funtouch OS It is the layer of Vivo, one of the world's largest manufacturers. Its philosophy is to combine the basics of Android with many customization options and the least amount of bloatware among Chinese brands.
Its most notable points:
- Lots of useful widgets and productivity features.
- Moderate visual customization, without sacrificing speed or simplicity.
- fluidity and stability in daily experience.
- Design and transitions less polished than in the leading layers.
Funtouch OS is a very valid option for those who want a balance between options and simplicity.
Motorola's Hello UI: The purest and lightest experience
Motorola seeks maximum proximity to stock Android with its Hello UIIt's the preferred choice for users and businesses who appreciate a nearly clean, bloatware-free, and highly optimized experience.
Key benefits:
- No distractions: barely any pre-installed apps other than Google's own.
- Exclusive gestures (Moto Actions) and focus on productivity from a minimalist interface.
- Agile updates and a system adapted to the business environment (remote management, hybrid work).
- Ideal for those looking for a pure and simple Android experience.
Point to keep in mind: many users may miss advanced gallery applications, photo editing, or proprietary utilities that do incorporate additional layers.
Honor's Magic OS: elegance and its own features
Honor, now separated from Huawei, develops its own interface under the name MagicOS. It combines a sleek and elegant appearance with progressive integration of artificial intelligence and smart functions..
Its keys:
- Fluid design and elegant transitions, although it may be overloaded for some users.
- AI built into Magic Portal to manage content and productivity.
- Quite a bit of visual customization, although less mature than in ColorOS or One UI.
- Insistence on proprietary services and stores, which can be annoying for those who prefer the Google ecosystem.
Magic OS is a good choice for those looking for innovation, integration, and unique features beyond what stock Android offers.
Other featured and alternative layers
Android has dozens of lesser-known layers that provide value in specific niches:
- MyOS (ZTE): Basic experience but with all Google services; recommended only for tested and updated models.
- RedMagic OS (Nubia): gaming-oriented, with an ultra-fast interface and advanced gaming features.
- JoyUI (Black Shark): also aimed at gaming devices, with specific optimizations.
- Flyme OS (Meizu): attractive and functional layer reserved for the Asian market.
- Magic UI (Pre-spin-off Honor): Basically a variant of Huawei's EMUI.
These options may be interesting in specific markets or for advanced users.
Direct comparison: strengths and weaknesses of each layer
To make your choice easier, here's a visual summary of the highlights and top ratings for each layer.
- ColorOS (OPPO): Better design, powerful AI, deep customization. Noticeable but uninstallable bloatware. Better management features in ColorOS.
- One UI (Samsung): Extreme customization, leading AI integration, security, and update support. The sheer number of features can be overwhelming.
- OxygenOS (OnePlus): Maximum fluidity, clean and fast experience, focus on productivity. Loss of personality compared to older versions.
- Nothing OS: Minimalism, zero bloatware, AI in backgrounds and sounds, full customization. Limited native apps (but the user chooses).
- HyperOS (Xiaomi): Variety of visual options, ecosystem integration, improved performance. Bloatware persistence and less AI than the competition.
- EMUI (Huawei): Stability, customization, and its own ecosystem. Lack of Google services.
- Realme UI: Customizable, simple. Translation and menus could be improved.
- Funtouch OS (Vivo): Balanced, few extras, good productivity. Less polished design.
- Hello UI (Motorola): purity, zero distractions. Few advanced native apps.
- Magic OS (Honor): proprietary design and features, AI in development. It can be overloaded or insistent on its own services.
Which customization layer should you choose based on your profile?
There's no "absolutely best customization layer": the key is to combine what you value most in your daily life with your budget and expectations. Here are some practical tips based on different usage profiles:
- If you are looking for simplicity, cleanliness and speed: Nothing OS, Motorola's Hello UI, or even OxygenOS (in the cleanest versions).
- If you want extreme customization and access to the latest AI features: The best AI apps for Android in 2024, ColorOS, One UI or, to a lesser extent, HyperOS and Magic OS.
- If you prioritize the security, technical support, and durability of your mobile phone: One UI shines with Samsung Knox and the industry's best update schedule.
- If you are a gamer or advanced user: the best car games for Android or gaming-specific layers such as RedMagic OS and JoyUI.
- If you are interested in integration with the manufacturer's ecosystem: Choose One UI (Samsung), ColorOS (OPPO), or EMUI (Huawei, if your environment uses devices from the brand).
- If you need productivity and efficiency in your daily life: split screen on Android, ColorOS and One UI offer the best shortcuts, assistants and multitasking management.
Remember that personal tastes and previous experience with other brands are decisive: test, explore, and choose the layer that suits your mobile usage style.
The world of Android customization layers is diverse and constantly evolving. From minimalist options like Nothing OS or Hello UI, to AI-powered solutions like ColorOS and One UI, to specialized layers for productivity, security, or gaming, the user experience directly depends on the care and vision of each manufacturer. The trend is clear: more customization, greater smart integration, and better support, adapting to each person's lifestyles and preferences. Choosing the right layer is key to getting the most out of your Android smartphone, ensuring a unique experience that's consistent with what you really need.
