Here are the best smartphones offering a near-stock Android experience

Most phone makers add a custom UI on top of Android — such as OnePlus’ OxygenOS or Samsung’s One UI — with extra features and a different design. However, these so-called “skins” often come with pre-installed apps and extra flare, which impacts the overall user experience. That’s why there’s a demand for phones with stock Android, which a manufacturer hasn’t modified.

If you’re in the market for a phone running stock Android, you might be sad to hear true stock Android is pretty hard to find these days. Even Pixel handsets come with the Pixel UI launcher. Save for Android One handsets, which are affordable and meant for emerging markets, pretty much all devices have some modifications. This is why we’ll mainly focus on phones with a “near-stock Android” experience.

Also read: The best Android phones available

The best phones with stock Android

Editor’s note: We will regularly update this list of the best near-stock Android phones as new devices launch.

Google Pixel 7 series

The latest Pixel series is excellent for those looking for a great camera system and a clean software experience. These two devices are made with premium materials and offer a design that will make most competitors jealous. The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro also sport Google’s latest Tensor G2 chipset, which isn’t the best on the market but is good enough for demanding users. They run Android 13 and are guaranteed to get three major OS upgrades.

To make matters even more enticing, the prices are very competitive. These are hands-down the best phones with a near-stock Android experience you can get. Another great thing worth highlighting is that they will be among the first to get the latest version of Android when it launches, as Google sends it out to its Pixel phones on day one.

Google Pixel 7 specs:

Pixel 7 Pro specs:

Google Pixel 6a

Those looking for a Google smartphone that will keep their wallet healthy should look at the Pixel 6a. It has enough power to keep most casual users happy, supports 5G, and is one of the best phones with a near-stock Android experience. It’s also one of the best budget phones overall.

You get a pretty sizeable 4,410mAh battery, stereo speaker, and an IP67 rating. Like all other Pixels, it also features a camera that is way too good for this price range and challenges even high-end phones.

Of course, Google had to make some sacrifices somewhere. The design isn’t as premium, and the phone is mainly made of plastic. It also has no wireless charging, which has become an essential feature for many users.

Pixel 6a specs:

ASUS ROG Phone 6D series

The ASUS ROG Phone 6D series consists of two phones. First, there’s the standard ASUS ROG Phone 6D, which is still an amazingly powerful device. Specs include a MediaTek Dimensity 9000+, 12-16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a large 6.78-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate, and a huge 6,000mAh battery.

The ASUS ROG Phone 6D Ultimate is a more capable version of the standard iteration. Most specs are actually the same, but the Ultimate edition comes with 16GB of RAM (no 12GB version) and 512GB of storage. Additionally, it has an added 2-inch screen in the rear and a motorized air vent for improved cooling.

Both are great devices, even for the most demanding users, and ASUS is known for offering a very clean UI. There will be some gaming enhancements in software, such as the Armoury Crate app, but those can be hidden out of the way most of the time.

ROG Phone 6D specs:

ROG Phone 6D Ultimate specs:

ASUS ZenFone 9

The ASUS ZenFone 9 is likely the best option for those who want powerful specs in a small package. Think of it as a mini flagship running a stock-like version of Android.

The ASUS ZenFone 9 comes packed with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, up to a whopping 16GB of RAM, and as much as 256GB of storage. It also features an excellent 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an IP68 rating, and a 4,300mAh battery.

What’s best is that it’s also really affordable considering everything you get. This phone will keep up with the most demanding users while keeping your wallet healthy and your pocket spacious.

ZenFone 9 specs:

Sony Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV

Sony’s UI is super clean and keeps things as simple as they get. It works best on the company’s flagship Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV phones.

The Xperia 1 IV is the better of the two, offering a large 4K display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a potent chipset, a headphone jack, and even a microSD card slot. The battery comes in at 5,000mAh and supports 30W charging, getting it up to 50% in 30 minutes, according to Sony. It’s a great camera phone, offering super camera autofocus, stellar video capture, and a few unique content-creator apps. The speakers are great as well.

The Xperia 5 IV offers a bit less, coming with a smaller display with a lower resolution, a slightly weaker camera system, and less RAM, among other things. But it does cost a lot less, making it a more reasonable buy than its super-expensive big brother.

Xperia 1 IV specs:

Xperia 5 IV specs:

Moto Edge 30 Fusion

Those looking for a capable and good-looking device that won’t absolutely break the bank should consider the Moto Edge 30 Fusion. It costs significantly less than $1,000, which is the current standard for high-end products. You can usually get it for about $600-$700. It packs quite a punch, too.

Specs include a Snapdragon 888+ chipset, up to 12GB of RAM, a 4,400mAh battery, and a 6.55-inch Full HD+ screen with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. It’s a very powerful device at a fair price, and like all Motorola phones, it comes with a near-stock Android experience.

Moto Edge 30 Fusion specs:

Nokia X30

Nokia is known for not tinkering much with its software, offering a clean look and simple interface for users to enjoy. Such is the case with the Nokia X30, which is definitely among the best phones with near-stock Android.

It has a lot going for itself, considering the low price. The Snapdragon 695 isn’t a performer, but it will do fine for casual use. It also comes with 6-8GB of RAM, up to 256GB of storage, and a 6.43-inch Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. You’ll also get a 4,200mAh battery.

Nokia X30 specs:

Nothing Phone 1

The Nothing Phone 1 is the first handset released by the company founded by Carl Pei — co-founder of OnePlus. It stands out due to its design, highlighted by the Glyph Interface at the back that lights up when you get a notification.

It’s a mid-range device that offers a software experience close to that of stock Android. The primary camera is decent, and the display is quite nice. You also get wireless and reverse wireless charging, two rear cameras, and stereo speakers.

The biggest negative is the availability — while the phone is available in Europe, it wasn’t released in the US. You can usually find it imported, though.

Nothing Phone 1 specs:

FAQs

If you’re unhappy with any of these phones, maybe it’s time to consider going another route. The great thing about Android is you can customize it to your liking. Check out our list of the best Android launchers available.