Does Android OS clutter similar to Desktop OS

What I mean by this. Is it expected that overtime, the performance of a device will be reduced, and the software will work slower? This is assuming no changes in core OS (e.g upgrade from 4 to 5 etc). For example, does installing and removing apps leave traces behind, that over time build up and slow the OS? Is there any indication that a user can look for, in order to determine if its time to flash the device, and re-install the OS? p.s Lets ignore the scenario where a bunch user installed process-hog- background apps are killing the device.