Why can't I install stock Android on my phone just like I can install Linux on pretty much any PC? Is there a fundamental difference with phone hardware which makes this especially difficult?
You can, sometimes:<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_(Android)" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_(Android)</a><p>The Wikipedia article explains it quite well in the introduction. The fundamental difference lies in the economical model of smartphone sales, where you may be limited (legally or technologically) in what you are allowed to do with the hardware by the carrier or manufacturer.