You don’t like Android’s UI? Here are some custom skins

There are lots of custom Android skins, but most of them are minor adjustments to the pure Android experience. Android 4.4 KitKat features a more refined user interface than previous versions of the OS. Here is what the home looks like:

Home launchers don’t fix the problem, since you run into vanilla Android once you leave the home to do something elsewhere. Custom skins are the way to go, as the modifications go beyond just the home. If like me you like Android’s functionality but find vanilla Android not so nice, here are some Android OS smartphone brands that hide the vanilla Android away and give you a more refined user experience.

Gionee’s Amigo

I am absolutely in love with Gionee’s Amigo UI. It effectively hides Android so well that you would be forgiven if at first you did not know that you were looking at Android OS when you use their smartphones.

HTC’s Sense

HTC’s Sense UI is sweet. Sense UI used to be heavy but recent reviews suggest that it has now been trimmed down nicely.

Samsung’s TouchWiz

Samsung’s TouchWiz has come a long way. It packs in a lot of extra functionality, but in my opinion that’s also the problem. It is too busy with features that most people will never use. Too much unwanted stuff (bloatware).

Honorary Mention: Sony

Sony’s custom UI is one of the best polished without too much bloatware piled in. On the flip side, it doesn’t do much to hide Android as much as the others do either.