They definitely aren't playing by the same rules. If Google Drive needs an API or permission it gets it no questions asked.
In the Play Store, find the Drive app, select "About this app", scroll down to "App permissions", and tap "See more". It does not have the "manage external storage" permission listed, which is the one Nextcloud says they need.
alt Hacker News
In the Play Store, find the Drive app, select "About this app", scroll down to "App permissions", and tap "See more". It does not have the "manage external storage" permission listed, which is the one Nextcloud says they need.