There are two types of Android users out there - the one who use it as it is and the one who go out and mod every possible thing in their phone. Some people argue that modding isn't safe but that's a myth. Sticking to the stock ROM provided by the OEM doesn't do justice to the Android platform. So let's take a look at which one is better for you and why you should choose it.
INTERFACE
The interface is the first thing that you come across in any ROM in a device. While Stock Android ROMs provided by OEMs such as OnePlus, Nokia, Moto and Custom ROMs run on the stock interface, this isn't same with the skinned Android ROMs such as EMUI or MIUI. These ROMs are heavily skinned and have their own interface. It depends on user-to-user that what kind of interface they like or prefer. Although the stock Android interface is much cleaner and smooth, but it lacks some functionalities that the custom interfaces offer.
CUSTOMISATIONS
The stock Android refrains to a limited number of customisation options. There is not much you can customise on a phone which is running on stock Android OS. Whereas, the skinned OS offers a host of customisation options like Themes, Gestures, various usability shortcuts but due to these options, the updates often get delayed. On the other hand, the Custom ROMs pack a plethora of customisation options. You can change anything and everything that you see on your phone. A custom ROM like RR OS offers a ton of customisation options, so much so that you will get lost in the customisation menu.
UPDATES
This is an important aspect of any Android device. If your phone isn't running on the latest Android version or security patch, then you may miss out on some cool features provided by Google. For eg. The latest MIUI 10 will bring Android P like Volume controls, the Status bar on most of the Mi devices regardless of the Android Version they are running. That's a good thing surely but the API level will be the same, hence the features supported in those APIs won't be supported by the OS.
The devices running Stock Android such as Moto, Nokia (Android One) and other get faster updates than a device running skinned OS such as MIUI. But even then, these devices stop receiving updates after a year or 2 mostly and run on the old Android versions. Whereas, the custom ROMs support a large number of devices and older devices as well. The Android version on these devices is always the latest and even the security patch is updated monthly.
Let's take a few examples. Redmi Note 4, which was launched in January 2017, runs on MIUI 9.5 based on Android 7.1. Whereas, the Lineage OS build available for the same device is based on the latest Android 8.1. Another example is the Moto G4 Plus, which runs Stock Android. The device is running Android Nougat whereas the custom ROM build for the same device is based on Android Oreo 8.1.
TREBLE SUPPORT
Google introduced the Project Treble last year with the launch of Android Oreo. The phones launched with Android Oreo or later will support Project Treble, i.e., the updates will be much faster in those phones. Although the new phones do support Treble, the old ones don't. But there are custom ROM available for some devices which don't support Treble on the stock ROM but the custom ROMs can enable the support for those devices.
SECURITY
Many people think that modding their device will hinder the security of their phone. That's true to some extent but not completely. The custom ROMs run the latest security patches provided by the Google, which means they are much safer than a device running months old security patch on stock ROM. The only risk involved with custom ROMs is that you need to be familiar with the process. It is not everyone's cup of tea and hence one should be really careful, especially the first time.
VERDICT
Neither ROM is perfect for all. It comes down to personal preferences, some people want customisations, some want latest updates while some are happy even with whatever the device manufacturer has provided. But if you are willing to spend a little time and put in some efforts, then you should definitely try out a custom ROM. Once you use one, there's no going back.
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