The great Ars Android interface shootout

It's been quite a year of surprises from Google. Before the company's annual developer conference in May, we anticipated at least an incremental version of Android to hit the scene. Instead, we encountered a different game plan-Google not only started offering stock features like its keyboard as separate, downloadable apps for other Android handset users, but it's also offering stock Android versions of non-Nexus-branded hardware like Samsung's Galaxy S4 and the HTC One in the Google Play store. So if you'd rather not deal with OEM overlays and carrier restrictions, you can plop down some cash and purchase unlocked, untainted Android hardware.

But the OEM-tied handsets aren't all bad. Sometimes the manufacturer's Android offerings tack on a little extra something to the device that stock or Nexus Android hardware might not. These perks include things like software improvements and hardware enhancements-sometimes even thoughtful little extra touches. We'll take a look at four of the major manufacturer overlays available right now to compare how they stack up to stock Android. Sometimes the differences are obvious, especially when it comes to the interface and user experience. You may be wondering what the overall benefit is to sticking with a manufacturer's skin. The reasons for doing so can be very compelling.

A brief history of OEM interfaces

Why do OEM overlays happen in the first place? iOS and Windows Phone 8 don't have to deal with this nonsense, so what's the deal with Android? Well, Android was unveiled in 2007 alongside the Open Handset Alliance (a consortium of hardware, software, and carriers to help further advance open standards for mobile devices). The mission was to keep the operating system open and accessible to all so users could mostly do whatever they wanted to do with it. As Samsung VP of Product Planning and Marketing Nick DiCarlo told Gizmodo, "Google has induced a system where some of the world's largest companies-the biggest handset manufacturer and a bunch of other really big ones-are also investing huge money behind their ecosystem. It's a really powerful and honestly pretty brilliant business model."

The main issue with all of these different companies using the same software for their hardware is one of differentiation-how does Samsung or HTC or LG or Sony make an Android phone that doesn't have the same look, feel, and features as the competition's similarly specced phones? Putting their own skins, software, and services on top of Android gives them access to the good parts of Google's ecosystem (in most cases, the Google Play store and the surrounding software ecosystem) while theoretically helping them stand out from others phones on the shelf.

These skins haven't exactly been received with open arms. For many enthusiasts, skinned Android sometimes means that outstanding hardware is bogged down by all these extra offerings that manufacturers think will make their handset more appealing. But the overlays-or skins, as they're often referred to-usually change the way the interface looks and acts. Sometimes it introduces new features that don't already exist on Android.

For Samsung, its Android interface domination began with the Samsung Behold II, which ran the first incarnation of the Samsung's TouchWiz Android UI. The name previously referred to Samsung's own proprietary operating system for its phones. Reviewers weren't too excited about Samsung's iteration of the Android interface, with sites like CNET writing that the "TouchWiz interface doesn't really add much to the user experience and in fact, at times, hinders it." Sometimes it still feels that way.

Samsung is notorious for packing in a breadth of features, but its aesthetics are often lacking. But again, that's subjective, and it all comes down to the user. I've been using the last version of TouchWiz on a Galaxy S III. While I've had some instances where it was frustrating, I've come to appreciate some of the extra perks that shine through.

HTC's Android skin is called the Sense UI, and it was introduced in 2009. I've had some experience with it in my earlier Android days when I had an HTC Incredible, but it's come a long way since then. According to Gizmodo, the interface's roots go back to 2007, when HTC had to alter its software for Windows Mobile to make it touch-sensitive so that it wouldn't just be limited to stylus input. It was eventually ported over to the HTC Hero, which was also the first Android device to feature a manufacturer's interface overlay.

As for LG and Sony, their interfaces have less storied histories (and less prominent branding). Each borrows moves from what the two major players do and then implements the ideas a little better or a little worse. It's an interesting dynamic, but the big theme here is choice: there is so much to choose from when you're an Android user that it can be overwhelming if you're not entirely sure of where to go next. Brand loyalty and past experiences can only go so far as the constant stream of updates and releases means manufacturers seek new directions nonstop.

Each manufacturer puts some flair on its version of Android. Samsung's TouchWiz Nature UX 2.0, for instance, features a bubble blue interface with bright, vibrant colors and drop shadows to accompany every icon. LG's Optimus UI uses... a similar aesthetic. But both interfaces allow you to customize the font style and size from within the Settings menu, even if the end product could ultimately end up as a garish looking interface.

Among the selection of manufacturers, Sony and HTC have been the most successful in designing an Android interface that complements the chassis on their respective flagship devices. HTC's Sense UI has always been one of my favorites for its overall sleekness and simplicity. Though it's not as barebones as the stock Android interface, Sense 5.0 now sports a thin, narrow font with modern-looking iconography that pairs well with its latest handset, the HTC One.

Sony's interface is not only pleasing to use, it also matches the general design philosophy that the company continues to maintain throughout its lifespan. Though it has no official alias, the Xperia interface showcases clean lines and extra offerings that don't completely sour the overall user experience.

In this comparison, we're taking a look at recent phones from all of the manufacturers: a Nexus 4 and a Samsung Galaxy S 4 equipped with Android 4.2.2. The HTC One, LG Optimus G Pro, and Sony Xperia Z are all still on Android 4.1.2. We were unable to actually get any hands-on time with the latest Android 4.2 update to the HTC One.

We didn't include Motorola in the gang because the company is undergoing a massive makeover right now. Plus, its last flagship handset was the Droid Razr Maxx HD, which debuted back in October and has relatively dated specifications. We have some high hopes for what might be in store for Motorola's future, especially with Google's immediate backing, but we're waiting to see what's to come of that acquisition later this year.