Earlier this year, Xiaomi and OnePlus conducted polls in which they pit their own UI against stock Android. To the surprise of absolutely no one (except maybe Xiaomi), stock Android won both times. Android fans tend to gravitate towards the stock Android interface for a myriad of reasons. This includes the bloat-free UI, the promise of timely updates and even the thought of experiencing Android the way Google intended it. So here are some of the best smartphones in India that offer stock Android.
Google Pixel 2 XL
Kicking of the list is Google’s own take on what a premium Android smartphone should be. The Google Pixel 2 XL sports a 6-inch P-OLED display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC. However, the highlight of the smartphone is its 12.2MP rear camera, which is considered by many to be one of the best on a smartphone.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
OnePlus 6
The OnePlus 6 runs on OxygenOS that takes almost everything from Stock Android and adds its touch magic touch to it. The UI is just as minimalist as Stock Android and things are equally easily accessible. There are a lot of optimisations under the UI that makes the OnePlus 6 the speediest, if not the fastest Android phone out there right now.
Google Pixel 2
The Google Pixel 2 takes everything that the Pixel 2 XL offered and offers it in a more compact form factor. The phone features a 5-inch display, but is still powered by a Snapdragon 835. On top of this, you also get the same camera as the one found on the Pixel 2 XL.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Nokia 8 Sirocco
At MWC 2018, Nokia announced that it was fully embracing the Android One Program. As a result, Almost all its Android phones were getting the Android One treatment, including this that were being revealed that day. Leading that charge was the Nokia 8 Sirocco. The smartphone features a 5.5-inch P-OLED display and is powered by a Snapdragon 835 SoC. However, the highlight of the phone is dual-glass design.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Nokia 7 Plus
The Nokia 7 Plus was the first smartphones from the company to feature the 18:9 display aspect ratio. The device sports a 6-inch display and is powered by a Snapdragon 660 SoC. At the back of the phone is a dual-rear camera setup with 12MP + 13MP cameras.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Nokia 6 (2018)
The original Nokia 6 was the first Nokia-branded Android phone to be unveiled and the Nokia 6 (2018) is an updated version of the smartphones. Also known as the Nokia 6.1, the phone offers a 5.5-inch display and is powered by a Snapdragon 630 SoC. At the back is a single 16MP camera.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is the first smartphone from Asus to offer stock Android. The phone features a massive 5000mAh battery and offers a large 5.99-inch display with an 18.9 display aspect ratio. At the back is a dual-rear camera setup consisting of 13MP + 5MP cameras.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Xiaomi Mi A1
The Xiaomi Mi A1 is the first smartphone from Xiaomi be a part of the Android One Program. As such, the phone offers Android Oreo, making it the only device in the company’s lineup to currently offer Oreo. The device offers a 5.5-inch display, and at the back is a dual-camera setup consisting of two 12MP units.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Moto Z2 Force
The Moto Z2 Force is currently the flagship Moto device in India. The highlight of the phone is the ShatterShield display tech that the company claims to be shatterproof. Like all phones in the Z-series, the device is compatible with the company’s Moto Mods.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Moto Z2 Play
Moto Z2 Play is a more affordable way for users to get their hands on a Moto’s Z-series of devices. The smartphone features a 5.5-inch display and is powered by a Snapdragon 626 SoC. At the back is a single 12MP unit, while at the front you get a 5MP cameras.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Moto G6
While the hardware underneath might be underwhelming for a spec-sheet enthusiast, it is more than enough to run the stock-Android interface of the Moto G6. The Moto G6 is powered by Android 8.1 Oreo that comes added with Moto's productivity-enhancing features. It also looks stunning from the outside with a premium glass design and its signature watch-dial like camera bump.
Moto G5S Plus
The Moto G5S Plus is an upgraded version of the standard Moto G5 Plus, and offers a dual-rear camera setup. The device offers a 3000mAh battery and is powered by a Snapdragon 625 SoC. The phone also offers a 5.5-inch Full HD display.
You can read our review of the smartphone here.
Honorable mention: Android Go
Of your budget is really limited, but you still want a taste of stock Android, then you might want to purchase a phone with Android Oreo (Go Edition). Currently, there are three smartphones that offer the OS in India. The Nokia 1, the Micromax Bharat Go, and the Lava Z50. Alcatel is also expected to launch an Android Go device called the Alcatel X1.