Although the Android Puro has made history and even Google itself does not apply it to its Pixels, it makes all the sense in the world: it's one thing to look for a minimalist interface to get a better experience in terms of usability and a other to lack of useful applications and gestures that They can differentiate themselves compared to other brands and diapers. Plus, it's not so much about power anymore, since even relatively inexpensive phones have enough power to move apps and functions around.
Thus, it is actually more logical to talk about clean Android, a concept that the Google Pixel addresses by precisely proposing a minimalist but not minimal experience. Of course, there is life beyond the Google Pixel and it's worth it. After all, unlike other manufacturers like Xiaomi, the Mountain View company launches few mobile phones and these are high and mid-range.
Taking as reference only the technical sheet and especially when someone is looking for the best quality-price ratio with tight budgets, I generally recommend brands like Xiaomi or Realme, but on a personal basis the experience of using their diapers of respective customizations (HyperOS and Realme UI respectively) I feel too dense. Yes, there are a few pre-installed apps that I don't use much of, but in general I find too many settings and configuration processes so extensive that they complicate the experience.
Although the general design trend has been toward minimalism for years, from China, they tend to opt for baroque. There is one exception, which is definitely worth it and is my favorite: Motorola.
My favorite Android layer is HelloUI: in the entry range this seems like a differential feature to me
However, Motorola has managed to maintain its essence by evolving over time with its HelloUI. It's not pure Android, because who has Pure Android these days? We've seen it before, not even Google itself. But Moto offers a clean customization layer close to that of Google.
This is generally a good idea with mid- and high-end models, but if you get into the entry-level mud it's providential because there is no Pixel worth it. If the person who is going to use the phone is also someone who is not very tech savvy, they will appreciate not having to move around as much. However, I love technology and try a few terminals throughout the year and greatly appreciate its simplicity.
Be careful, I insist: it's not that it doesn't come with bloatware like Meta or Booking applications, but There are some clean applications, others very interesting. like Moto Unplugged to avoid distractions, Smart Connect to link the mobile phone to a PC and even the possibility of creating wallpapers with AI. And the best part, its beautiful gestures take the experience up a notch, like shaking to turn on the flashlight.
As I said: it's not Android Stock (because there isn't any anymore), but it strikes a balance by offering attractive and functional software that is quite clean. Visually, it's not pure AOSP, but it's quite similar: notification panel, quick settings panel, launcher… or how easy and intuitive it is to change certain settings without worrying about a thousand menus.
It is clear that colors depend on tastes, but in the Android ecosystem I have been opting for Pixels for years not only because they are the pretty children of Google in terms of updates and own functions, but also because this experience of less is more. But the Google Pixels are not alone: Motorola is an excellent alternative and its entry-level proposition is solid.
Cover | Enrique Perez
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