List of phones with stock Android in 2018

Android is the world's most popular smartphone platform. And the range of Android phones out there is enormous. Here, we will make a list of the best stock Android phones to buy in India, in 2018. These smartphones offer the right mix of performance and features. Before that, you have to check out some points of the device for selecting it.

Why is stock Android or pure Android software so special?

The stock Android software is popular because it’s relatively light and faster as it isn’t bogged down or burdened with customization options, added features and preloaded apps that you might or might not use. Or in other words, you will (generally) get a clean reliable interface and get to decide what apps you need to keep on your phone. Having a phone with stock Android has a lot more benefits, which is why there’s such a demand for it that manufacturers other than Google launch special stock Android phones once in a while. Discover its benefits and you’ll definitely want your next phone to be a stock Android device.

Speed

It’s obvious that if your phone is topped with extra software, a heavy interface, and a bunch of additional features, it will be slower than a phone with no such frills. That’s why Nexus and Pixel have a reputation to perform superbly in comparison to phones with the same hardware.

Storage Space

Modified Android versions pre-install their own apps that in most cases are useless and take up storage space on your phone. Stock Android phones have no third party apps or their constant notifications, giving you more free space to utilize as you wish.

Consistency

All stock Android phones are visually consistent. You know just exactly how the software looks and behaves. This makes it easier when you move to a phone made by a different maker (but is still stock Android) since the core feeling is still the same. You won’t feel as disoriented as you would when you move from a Samsung to a Xiaomi as the UIs are completely different to use.

Security

Whenever there’s a security flaw in Android, Google is quick to develop patches for it. However, it may take longer to roll out in devices with modified versions of Android. Manufacturers have to customise the update based on their own OS to make sure it’s compatible. All this wasted time can increase the security risk on the phone.

Faster Updates

Every new Android update reaches a stock Android phone much faster than it would for everyone else. They don’t need to wait for manufacturers to modify and reskin Android for their phones. While most phones are getting the new Android 8.0 Oreo updated right now, all stock Android phones have been well-updated with all security patches and feature the moment it was released. If you want more control on your phone along with faster updates, consider a stock Android smartphone. Luckily, there are quite a few to pick from.

How much storage do I need?

You'll need space to store your apps, and you might want to keep photos and music on the device too. That's less of an issue than it used to be, though, as apps like Google Photos and Google Music mean your personal media can live in the cloud. Internal storage sizes tend to start at the 32GB mark on flagships and around 16GB on budget devices; many handsets let you use a microSD card to cheaply expand this.

What is the best smartphone for battery life?

Smartphone battery life has improved over the years, but we’re still living in a world where a charge may only just get you through the day. Bigger phones tend to have better longevity, though - since they can pack in bigger batteries – and some budget phones also have the impressive stamina for their size and price. Do your research and, but go for the highest-capacity battery you can find.

Now, let’s take a look at the list -

Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play

Motorola is all set to launch Moto G6 and Moto g6 Play in India. The two Moto phones include 5.7-inch displays and are powered by entry grade Snapdragon 400-series chipsets. Out of the two, the Moto G6 has dual rear cameras. Other similarities include Android Oreo, big batteries, and 8MP selfie shooter. Ram & Storage - 3 GB RAM, 32 GB inbuilt. Processor - Octa Core, 1.8 GHz Processor. Primary camera - 12 MP Dual Rear. Front camera - 16 MP Front Camera. Battery - 3000 mAh Battery.

Moto G5s Plus

The Moto G5s Plus (Hands-on review) is the first dual camera Moto that’s also favored by a full metal body, latest stock Android software, and an impressive spec sheet. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 625 octa-core chipset paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Other notable highlights include 3000mAh battery with fast charging, front mounted fingerprint scanner, and a 5.5-inch Full HD display.

Google Pixel 2 XL

the best phone in the market to get is the Google Pixel 2 XL. The Pixel 2 XL may have the same performance as every other flagship Android phone this year, but then Google phone more than makes up for it in the camera department. Ram & Storage - 4 GB / 64 GB. Display - 6 (1440 x 2880). Processor - 2.4 GHz,Octa. Operating system - Android. Primary camera - 12.2 MP. Front camera - 8 MP. Battery - 3520 mAH. Soc - Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.

Nokia 1 (Android Go)

Nokia 1 is an option you can consider if you are looking for entry-grade devices. It makes do with minimal hardware resources, but benefits from light Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) software tailor-made by Google for low-end phones. The Nokia 1 has a 5.4-inch FWVGA screen and is powered by 1.1GHz quad-core MT6737M chipset paired with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage. The handset is meant for basic users on a budget, probably those who wish to upgrade to smartphones from feature phones.

Moto Z2 Force

The Moto Z2 Force may have been late to the party, but the phone can take a good amount of beating, quite literally. The phone features a shatter shield display which means it can withstand normal drops quite easily. Ram & Storage - 6 GB | 64 GB. Display - 5.5 (1440 x 2560). Processor - 2.35 GHz,Octa. Operating system - Android. Primary camera - 12 + 12 MP. Front camera - 5 MP. Battery - 2730 mAH. Soc - Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1

Asus drastically changed its smartphone strategy this year. Apart from aggressively competitive prices, Asus has also revamped its software which used to be the biggest peeve point of Asus devices. The new Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 (Review) houses a 5000mAh battery, sticks to the latest hardware trends, and also runs almost stock Android software. Asus still adds a few minor enhancements, like Zenmotion gestures, but without tempering the stock Android spirit.

Nokia 6.1

Instead of investing time and effort in nurturing a custom OS from the ground up, Nokia wisely decided to side with Stock Android software on all its phone in the second innings. HMD global has upgraded Nokia 6 to Nokia 6.1 (or Nokia 6 2018) and has made some much-needed improvements. The Nokia 6.1 looks stunning, has a sharp and well calibrated Full HD display, and is now powered by powerful Snapdragon 630 octa-core mobile platform. Now, a 4G RAM option of the phone is also available in India.

Google Pixel 2

The Pixel 2 follows the model set by last year's first-gen Pixel, combining top-notch specs with Google's software expertise. Powered by the latest Android 8.0 Oreo (with no bloat whatsoever), the phone offers a set of promising stereo speakers, a 5-inch OLED screen, water resistance and a rear-positioned fingerprint scanner. Its highlight, however, is the 12MP camera. While it is no slower than any other high-end camera, this shooter uses multiple frame processing to create photos with better dynamic range. Portrait mode is also on board. One thing that is missing, however, is a 3.5mm audio jack.

Moto X4

With the Android One designation, the phone promises for two years of software updates, and Moto X4 will be updated to Android 8.0(Oreo) before the end of this year. As per positive speculation, the handset will be updated to Android P, whenever this is available. With the software support promise, the handset is unique in comparison to other phones which actually deny in providing updates.  RAM 3 GB RAM. Storage 32 GB. Camera 12MP+8 MP Dual lens Primary Camera, 16 MP Front Camera. Display 5.2 inches 1080 x 1920 pixels. Processor Octa Core 2.2 GHz, Cortex A53. Non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery.

Lenovo K8 Note

In terms of performance, Stock Android is a welcome change. The look and feel of the user interface are incredible, making the phone to fall into the elite panel. Such greater update looks real treat at such price segment. RAM 4 GB RAM. Storage 64GB. Camera 13MP+5MP Dual lens Primary Camera, 13 MP Front Camera. Display 5.5 inches 1080 x 1920 pixels. Processor Deca Core, 2.3 GHz. Non-removable Li-Ion 4000 mAh battery.

Nokia 8

The handset runs smoothly under Android flagship. On account of recent 3D games such as Gear. Club and Guns of Boom which run very smoothly, it can be concluded that the Nokia 8 is marvelous at such price. The phone doesn’t become too hot when such high-end tasks are running. These features make every reason for its purchasing.  RAM 4 GB RAM. Storage 64 GB. Camera 13MP+13 MP Dual lens. Primary Camera, 13 MP Front Camera. Display 5.3 inches 1440 x 2560 pixels. Processor Octa-core (4x2.45 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo). Non-removable Li-Ion 3090 mAh battery.

Xiaomi Mi A1

You get all the goodness of Stock Android Nougat, along with the assurance of regular security patches and an Android Oreo update before the end of the year. Even you will get with Android P update, once it is available. The mobile tops in terms of providing security updates, and is definitely considered as iconic.  RAM 4 GB RAM. Storage 64GB. Camera 12MP+12MP Dual lens Primary Camera, 5 MP Front Camera. Display 5.5 inches 1080 x 1920 pixels. Processor Octa Core 2.0 GHz. Non-removable Li-Po 3080 mAh battery.

 

Many people enjoy stock ROM. Android provides options to easily customize the look and user experience of your system. If you are using stock Android, you cannot get access to rooting that prohibits you to install advance apps, change system permissions or settings, but you can very well achieve it using a custom ROM. Thank you!