Android is an almost ubiquitous operating system (OS) that supports most smartphones. The compact specification sheet with customized software has always been the key point that distinguishes many brands. The total cost of ownership of mobile phones is much higher than that of hardware components. When a user browses the numerous smartphone options available on the market, he/she may tend to choose a device to get the largest specifications within the budget, which more or less at the expense of a better user experience and the latest software. Sanmeet Kochhar, vice president of HMD Global, Nokia Home of Mobile Phones, said that if users ignore basic functions such as long-term OS updates, their data privacy will be at great risk.
Mr Kochhar said the role of smartphones in bridging India’s digital divide is undeniable. Affordable devices are critical to bring India online. The shipment of 150 million devices in 2020 shows how people consider smartphones as an essential item. He observes that user data patterns are a highly sought-after commodity. One’s usage data patterns are critical for targeting him/her with advertisements, pop-ups on phones, and play a key role in off-setting the minimal profit margins on hardware. This brings up the million-dollar question. Is one’s phone truly his/her own when it is being used by the company as a billboard despite paying full price? What really is the cost of giving up control over the phone and leaving it open to security risks? He made it clear that apps installed through the Google Play Store are more secure than the pre-installed apps on the device. These pre-installed apps often have system-level access to data, few safeguards to prevent data pilfering to off-shore servers, usually in China. Since smartphones have become essential of one’s personal and financial transactions, one needs to be aware and vigilant about who has access to his/her data and why.
Mr Kochhar said, custom Android skins, pre-loaded on the smartphones give little or no control in the user’s hands. These applications can rarely be removed, and there is no transparency over data usage metrics. This stands in sharp contrast to a pure Android experience that has no added bloat, gives users explicit controls over what they install and the level of access apps have. This customization also delays the delivery of security updates and OS upgrades, leaving the devices vulnerable to cyber-criminals who want to steal the data. Pure Android, by its nature, is faster with security patches and yearly major updates. There are many options available in the market that considers user privacy and safety as the core priority, without any scope of compromise. It is the responsibility of the user to make a fully informed decision of prioritizing long-term secure experience over short-term specs, while buying a smartphone, Mr Kochhar warned.