Top 7 Best Smartphones with Pure Android According to Android Authority

Explore premium devices from various price segments powered by Google's pure Android operating system, ensuring a clutter-free user experience.

Modern smartphones rarely surprise with radically different specs within their price categories, as processors, displays, and memory capacities tend to align closely. Therefore, manufacturers often compete by offering unique software interfaces and features.

However, many custom skins come loaded with bloatware that slows down device performance. This has led to a growing preference for smartphones running stock Android.

The advantages of using an unmodified operating system include not only faster performance but also quicker access to the latest updates. Below are some of the best options available.

High-End Smartphones

Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Google's latest Pixel phones are highly regarded for their pure Android experience and timely updates. Both models boast premium hardware, sleek minimalist designs, and exclusive software features like the versatile camera app.

The Pixel 2 XL features a 6-inch QHD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, while the smaller Pixel 2 has a 5-inch Full HD screen with a 16:9 ratio. Additionally, the XL model offers a larger 3,520 mAh battery compared to the Pixel 2's 2,700 mAh, and slimmer bezels.

Both smartphones are powered by the Snapdragon 835 processor, paired with 4 GB of RAM and a high-quality 12.2 MP rear camera capable of producing impressive background blur effects despite having a single lens.

Google Pixel 2 Specifications

• 5-inch AMOLED display, 1920 × 1080 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 835 processor
• 4 GB RAM
• 64 or 128 GB internal storage (non-expandable)
• 12.2 MP rear and 8 MP front cameras
• Non-removable 2,700 mAh battery
• Android 8.0 Oreo
• Dimensions: 145.7 × 69.7 × 7.8 mm; Weight: 143 g

Google Pixel 2 XL Specifications

• 6-inch POLED display, 2880 × 1440 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 835 processor
• 4 GB RAM
• 64 or 128 GB internal storage (non-expandable)
• 12.2 MP rear and 8 MP front cameras
• Non-removable 3,520 mAh battery
• Android 8.0 Oreo
• Dimensions: 157.9 × 76.7 × 7.9 mm; Weight: 175 g

Nokia 8 Sirocco

The Nokia 8 Sirocco is part of Google's Android One initiative, guaranteeing a pure Android experience along with timely updates. It ships with Android 8.0 Oreo and is expected to receive an upgrade to Android 8.1.

An enhanced version of the Nokia 8 released in August 2017, this model features a larger 5.5-inch curved-edge display reminiscent of recent Samsung Galaxy S and Note series phones. It offers slimmer bezels and an IP67 water resistance rating for reliable protection.

The standout feature is its dual rear camera system with Carl Zeiss optics and 2x optical zoom. Although recently announced, it uses the Snapdragon 835 processor instead of the newer Snapdragon 845. The flagship was released in April.

Specifications

• 5.5-inch POLED display, 2560 × 1440 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 835 processor
• 6 GB RAM
• 128 GB internal storage, expandable up to 256 GB
• Dual rear cameras: 12 MP and 13 MP; front camera: 5 MP
• Non-removable 3,260 mAh battery
• Android 8.0 Oreo
• Dimensions: 140.9 × 73 × 7.5 mm

Mid-Range Smartphones

Xiaomi Mi A1

The Mi A1 is Xiaomi's first Android One smartphone, gaining popularity due to its clean Android OS, which appeals to users not fond of Xiaomi's MIUI skin. It offers excellent value for money.

Equipped with a 5.5-inch Full HD display, the phone runs on a Snapdragon 625 processor with 4 GB of RAM. While it doesn't compete with the Pixel 2 XL in performance, it is powerful enough for the average user.

The rear dual-camera setup enables bokeh effect photography. Initially shipped with Android Nougat, the device supports an upgrade to Oreo.

Specifications

• 5.5-inch IPS display, 1920 × 1080 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 625 processor
• 4 GB RAM
• 64 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB
• Dual rear cameras: 12 MP each; front camera: 5 MP
• Non-removable 3,080 mAh battery
• Android 7.1.2 Nougat
• Dimensions: 155.4 × 75.8 × 7.3 mm; Weight: 165 g

HTC U11 Life

This smartphone comes in two variants: one with HTC's Sense UI and another running pure Android 8.0 Oreo.

A key feature of the U11 Life is Edge Sense technology, allowing users to launch apps by squeezing the phone. This feature debuted on the HTC U11 and works impressively.

The device sports a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 630 processor, and offers 3 or 4 GB of RAM depending on the configuration.

Specifications

• 5.2-inch SuperLCD display, 1920 × 1080 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 630 processor
• 3 or 4 GB RAM
• 32 or 64 GB internal storage, expandable up to 256 GB
• 16 MP rear and front cameras
• Non-removable 2,600 mAh battery
• Android 8.0 Oreo
• Dimensions: 149.1 × 72.9 × 8.1 mm; Weight: 142 g

Budget Smartphones

Nokia 2

The Nokia 2 runs stock Android 7.1 Nougat, receives monthly security updates, and is expected to upgrade to Android 8.0 Oreo. This affordable 5-inch phone stands out with a robust 4,100 mAh battery.

Users can upload unlimited photos and videos to Google Photos. The device features IP52 splash resistance, an aluminum frame, and a polycarbonate back cover.

Inside, it houses a Snapdragon 212 processor and 1 GB of RAM. The rear camera offers 8 MP resolution.

Specifications

• 5-inch IPS display, 1280 × 720 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 212 processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 8 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB
• 8 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras
• Non-removable 4,100 mAh battery
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Dimensions: 143.5 × 71.3 × 9.3 mm; Weight: 161 g

Motorola Moto E4

The Moto E4 runs a nearly stock version of Android Nougat, with only a few added apps and features. This keeps the operating system close to pure Android, earning it a spot on this list.

It offers excellent value with a 5-inch HD display, Snapdragon 425 or 427 processor, and 2 GB of RAM at an affordable price.

Despite its budget status, the Moto E4 includes a fingerprint scanner and a splash-resistant nano-coating. Its battery capacity is 2,800 mAh.

Specifications

• 5-inch IPS display, 1280 × 720 pixels resolution
• Snapdragon 425 or 427 processor
• 2 GB RAM
• 16 GB internal storage, expandable up to 128 GB
• 8 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras
• Non-removable 2,800 mAh battery
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Dimensions: 144.5 × 72 × 9.3 mm; Weight: 150 g

Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Device Technologies as of 17-06-2021. The article titled " Top 7 Best Smartphones with Pure Android According to Android Authority " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Device Technologies field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.

The topic " Top 7 Best Smartphones with Pure Android According to Android Authority " helps you make smarter decisions within the Device Technologies category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.