Android app theme - difference when using theme from style xml file

Question

Why is there a difference between theme defined in AndroidManifest.xml and theme taken from styles.xml?

1) AndroidManifest.xml:

<application ... android:theme="@android:style/Theme.Black">

2) AndroidManifest.xml

<application ... android:theme="@style/AppTheme">

styles.xml

<resources>
  <style name="AppTheme" parent="@android:style/Theme.Black" />
</resources>

1st setting gives black theme and no action bar. 2nd has dark action bar and light menu.

EDIT : options 1) and 2) - notice Menu and ActionBar

EDIT 2:

Why doesn't the 2nd option actually use the AppTheme (Theme.Black) ? (tested on SGS3)

Answer 1

@android:style/Theme.Black implements the exact theme implemented by Android (or device manufacturer). However, @style/AppTheme allows you to perform custom modification in your theme which actually extends the original Theme.Black from android, and in order to perform custom modifications, you use style resources.

In simple words, its just like using Activity class or YourOwnActivity class which extends Activity with extra features inside.

Answer 2

You probably have another styles.xml file, perhaps under a directory like "values-v11", that is defining the @style/AppTheme differently than @android:style/Theme.Black and taking precedence over the file you're viewing/modifying.