In an ever-evolving smartphone landscape, stock Android phones continue to be a popular choice for users seeking a clean, bloat-free, and user-friendly experience. These devices offer a pure Android experience, free from unnecessary customizations and third-party apps that often slow down smartphones.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be exploring the best stock Android phones of 2023. We’ve considered the unique features, specs, pros, cons, and price range of each phone to help you make an informed decision. So, sit back and delve into the world of stock Android smartphones and discover the perfect device for you.
For newcomers, it makes more sense to accept the stock Android platform rather than spend time and resources developing a custom interface. However, if you’re looking for a safe bet, you’ll want to stick with stock Android. Here is a couple to consider if you’re in the market for a low-cost, stock Android phone.
As the flagship phone from the creators of Android itself, the Google Pixel 7 stands at the pinnacle of stock Android smartphones in 2023. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and exceptional camera capabilities, the Pixel 7 offers a truly premium experience for Android purists.
Google’s commitment to timely software updates and cutting-edge AI technology further sets the Pixel 7 apart from its competitors, making it the go-to choice for those who prioritize a clean, fluid, and optimized Android experience.
Pros Stunning display with smooth 120Hz refresh rate Impressive camera performance Fast and efficient performance Long-lasting battery life Water and dust resistant (IP68)
With enhanced performance features and a captivating transparent aesthetic, the Nothing Phone 2 represents the next big leap in the world of smartphones. Powered by the top-tier Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, the device promises seamless performance that will rival the best in the industry.
The Nothing Phone 2 is the latest marvel from the innovative minds at Nothing Technology, co-founded by Carl Pei of OnePlus fame. Echoing Pei’s penchant for building anticipation, the Phone 2 was meticulously teased throughout the summer, revealing exciting glimpses of the new phone’s capabilities.
Finally, on July 17, the smartphone made its grand debut in key markets including North America, the U.K., Ireland, India, and Hong Kong. With an upgraded camera system, this second iteration by Nothing Technology is ready to make waves in the smartphone industry, just like its predecessor. Be ready to embrace the future of technology with the Nothing Phone 2.
Specs
+ Ports USB-C + Operating System Android 13 + Front camera 32MP + Rear cameras 50MP Sony IMX890 (main), 50MP JN1 (ultra-wide) + Dimensions 6.38 x 3 x 0.33 inches (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6mm) + Colors White, Gray + Weight 7.09 ounces (201.2g) + Charging 45W + IP Rating IP54
Pros Thoughtful transparent design Impressive 6.7-inch display Improved 50MP main camera
Cons Not many changes from Phone 1 No zoom lens Below-average video performance
The OnePlus 10 Pro is an epitome of the perfect blend of performance, design, and a pure Android experience.
As part of the company’s commitment to offering a clean and efficient user interface, the OnePlus 10 Pro comes with OxygenOS, a close-to-stock Android skin with minimal customizations.
This powerful flagship phone boasts impressive specs, a stunning display, and an advanced camera system, making it one of the best stock Android phones in 2023 for users seeking a premium device without any unnecessary bloatware.
Pros Beautiful design with premium build quality Superb display with 120Hz refresh rate Excellent performance with 5G support Impressive camera quality Long-lasting battery life and fast charging
The Samsung Galaxy S22 FE offers a perfect balance of flagship features and affordability, making it a top contender among the best stock Android phones in 2023.
This Fan Edition (FE) model provides users with the Samsung flagship experience, including powerful performance, an impressive display, and advanced camera capabilities, at a more budget-friendly price point.
Running on Samsung’s One UI, which is based on stock Android, the Galaxy S22 FE offers a refined and user-friendly experience with regular updates. If you’re looking for a flagship-like device with a close-to-stock Android experience, the Samsung Galaxy S22 FE is an excellent choice.
Specs
+ Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ + Processor: Exynos 2200 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 895 (depending on the region) + Storage: 128GB/256GB + RAM: 6GB/8GB + Rear Camera: Triple-lens setup (50MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto) + Front Camera: 32MP + Battery: 4,500mAh with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging
Pros Flagship features at a more affordable price Impressive camera performance Smooth and efficient performance Close-to-stock Android experience with One UI Solid battery life with fast charging
Cons No microSD card slot Plastic back instead of glass
The Nothing Phone 1 is an innovative and stylish smartphone that offers a unique user experience, making it a standout option among the best stock Android phones in 2023.
As the first smartphone from the company founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, the Nothing Phone 1 delivers a clean and efficient Android experience with a minimalist design philosophy.
This device provides users with powerful performance, a stunning display, and a camera system that captures excellent photos. If you’re looking for a distinctive and feature-packed device with a stock Android experience, the Nothing Phone 1 is a fantastic choice.
Pros Unique and stylish design Powerful performance with 5G support Impressive camera capabilities Stock Android experience with timely updates Smooth display with a high refresh rate Cons No IP rating for water and dust resistance
The Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendly alternative to Google’s flagship Pixel series, offering the same stock Android experience without the hefty price tag.
The Pixel 6a is designed for users seeking a clean and optimized Android experience, complete with timely updates and the renowned Pixel camera capabilities.
This mid-range smartphone delivers impressive performance, a vibrant display, and Google’s advanced AI features, making it one of the best stock Android phones in 2023 for those on a budget.
Specs
+ Display: 6.2-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate, HDR10 + Processor: Google Tensor + Storage: 128GB + RAM: 6GB + Rear Camera: Dual-lens setup (50MP primary, 12MP ultrawide) + Front Camera: 8MP + Battery: 4,500mAh with 18W fast charging, wireless charging
Pros Affordable price with flagship-like features Impressive camera performance Smooth and efficient performance Stock Android experience with timely updates Solid battery life
The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is a top-tier device that combines flagship features with a close-to-stock Android experience, making it a strong contender among the best stock Android phones in 2023.
Building on Motorola’s long-standing reputation for delivering clean and user-friendly Android experiences, the Edge 30 Ultra offers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system.
This premium device is perfect for users who desire a high-performance smartphone with a near-stock Android experience and a beautiful design. The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra stands out as one of the best stock Android phones in 2023, offering a complete package for demanding users.
Pros Exceptional performance with 5G support Stunning display with a high refresh rate Versatile camera features Near-stock Android experience Long-lasting battery life with fast charging
The Asus Zenfone 9 is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that offers a near-stock Android experience through its ZenUI interface.
Stripping away most of the unnecessary customizations and bloatware, the Zenfone 9 caters to users who appreciate a clean and efficient Android experience without sacrificing performance or features.
With its top-of-the-line specs, an impressive camera system, and a stunning display, the Asus Zenfone 9 is undoubtedly one of the best stock Android phones in 2023 for users seeking a premium device with a near-stock Android experience.
Specs
+ Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ + Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 895 + Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB + RAM: 8GB/12GB + Rear Camera: Triple-lens setup (64MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto) + Front Camera: Same as rear camera (Flip Camera) + Battery: 5,000mAh with 65W fast charging
Pros Innovative Flip Camera design Powerful performance with 5G support Stunning display with a high refresh rate Near-stock Android experience Solid battery life with fast charging
Cons No wireless charging support No official IP rating
The Realme GT 2 Pro Pure Edition is a top-tier flagship device that offers a clean and optimized Android experience, catering to users who prioritize performance and efficiency.
This special edition of the GT 2 Pro features a near-stock Android experience with minimal customizations, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly interface.
With its powerful specs, a vibrant display, and an advanced camera system, the Realme GT 2 Pro Pure Edition is undoubtedly one of the best stock Android phones in 2023 for those seeking a high-performance device without unnecessary bloatware. Specs
+ Display: 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ + Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 895 + Storage: 128GB/256GB + RAM: 8GB/12GB + Rear Camera: Triple-lens setup (50MP primary, 50MP ultrawide, 2MP macro) + Front Camera: 32MP + Battery: 5,000mAh with 120W fast charging Pros Cutting-edge performance with 5G support Gorgeous display with adaptive refresh rate Impressive camera capabilities Near-stock Android experience Extremely fast charging Cons No wireless charging support No IP rating for water and dust resistance
+ Funtouch OS with a near-stock Android experience + Gimbal camera system for stable photography and videography + Ultra-slim design + 120W FlashCharge fast charging technology
The Vivo X80 Pro is an innovative and feature-rich smartphone that offers a near-stock Android experience through its Funtouch OS interface, making it an excellent choice among the best stock Android phones in 2023.
With its impressive performance, cutting-edge camera technology, and a smooth display, the Vivo X80 Pro is designed for users who want a high-end smartphone experience with a close-to-stock Android feel.
The device is available in India, making it an attractive option for users who are seeking a powerful and well-rounded smartphone with a near-stock Android experience.
Specs
+ Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ + Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000 + Storage: 128GB/256GB + RAM: 8GB/12GB + Rear Camera: Triple-lens setup (50MP primary, 48MP ultrawide with gimbal stabilization, 12MP telephoto) + Front Camera: 32MP + Battery: 4,500mAh with 120W FlashCharge fast charging Pros Sleek and elegant design Powerful performance with 5G support Impressive gimbal camera system Near-stock Android experience through Funtouch OS Smooth display with a high refresh rate
Cons No wireless charging support No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
+ OxygenOS with a near-stock Android experience + Fast and smooth display with a high refresh rate + Hasselblad-tuned camera system + Warp Charge fast charging technology
The OnePlus 10R is a powerful and feature-packed smartphone that offers a near-stock Android experience through its OxygenOS interface, making it a top choice among the best stock Android phones in 2023.
With its impressive performance, advanced camera system, and smooth display, the OnePlus 10R is designed for users who want a high-end smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
Available in India, the OnePlus 10R offers a fantastic combination of performance, design, and user-friendly interface, making it an attractive option for users who value a near-stock Android experience.
Pros Premium design and build quality Powerful performance with 5G support Impressive camera capabilities Near-stock Android experience through OxygenOS Smooth display with a high refresh rate
Cons No wireless charging support No official IP rating for water and dust resistance
The Pros and Cons of using stock Android
Positive
Faster updates
Clean interface
Google integration
Good security
Minimal bloatware
Longer lifespan
Developer-friendly
Consistent experience
Negatives
Limited customization
No extra features
Hardware limitations
No additional apps
As a result of the lack of modification choices, extra features, adverts, and pre-installed apps, the stock Android OS is popular because it is lighter and faster. In addition, instead of being bombarded with adverts and recommendations in your notification panel, you’ll be in control of what apps you retain on your phone, which is a welcome change.
As a result, it’s a more secure option for consumers. However, if you’re unsure if a particular app will meet your needs, it’s best to stick with Google’s view of Android or “stock.”
The pure Android experience, on the other hand, may be crippling and painfully dull at times. Android is a compromise. A few things are lacking from the stock Android experience that may be a genuine pain. For example, consumers frequently complain about the absence of call recording or a dedicated gallery app.
Rajat Singh, a versatile author with a decade of experience, explores every niche with unique insights, from tech and health to lifestyle and business.
