You need good software to make the most out of good hardware, but I think our definition of good is different. For software, as long as the software doesn't get in the way of launching the app you want, most normies will consider that good. It doesn't matter that Android is bloated and inefficient if the user can tap the Instagram or Facebook icon and have that open up without user perceptible delay.

The average person is remarkably able to put up with shit. Look at the experience on smart TVs for example. The vast majority of people are fine with the absolutely shitty experience as long as they can open up Netflix.