For those who love the Android OS, having a phone that runs the original version is always a dream. And today, those dreams have come true because here is our list of best stock Android smartphones.

1. Essential PH-1

What is better than a stock Android device? It’s a stock Android device made by the original developer of Android himself, Andy Rubin. In fact, the company name Essential is the actual description of their devices, Said Rubin. The PH-1 has only the features that are Essential to the users. No annoying apps, no modifications of the pure android OS, just the essentials. Even the name of the firm is not on the phone.

However, minimalism in the design doesn’t mean the spec sheet has to follow. The phone packed one of the best specs available at the time. First, it has a 5.5-inch full-screen display that renders at 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution. Inside, there is a Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. So not just a stock Android phone, it is a powerful and “essential” stock Android phone for Android fans.

2. Google Pixel XL

Another way to get a good stock Android phone is from the giant corporation that has been developing the Android OS, Google (or Alphabet if you will). The Pixel XL features a 5.5 AMOLED screen that renders at 2K Resolution. Underneath is a Snapdragon 821 chipset, 4GB RAM and 32/128GB storage. The phone runs on Android Nougat, but it will be one of the first to receive the update to Oreo. After all, it’s a phone from the company that developed Android for years.

3. Huawei Nexus 6P

Despite the fact that this device is manufactured by Huawei, its common name is only Nexus 6P. Before the Pixels line, this used to be the Google phone. They make the software while Huawei makes the hardware. The Nexus 6P also has a 5.7-inch, 2K display. It launched two years ago, so the hardware is a bit dated with A Snapdragon 810 chip and 3 GB RAM. But that doesn’t mean the device is no longer relevant. Since the software is still under Google’s care, this phone is also getting the Oreo update.

4. Motorola Moto Z2 Force

Although not having much involvement in the development of the OS, Motorola has always been using stock Android on their phones. And it is no different with the Moto Z2 Force. The device has 5.5-inch display under QUAD HD resolution. Regarding memory, it measures 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. So it’s quite powerful and rightfully so for a flagship device.

5. Xiaomi Mi A1

This is the device has been the center of discussion for a while now. That mainly because the Xiaomi Mi A1 is the first Phone that fit the budget price of the Android One initiative and still packs a few top tier specs. For instance, 5.5 full HD screens, dual 12MP primary cameras, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. And the best about this phone is that all those specs available just for EUR 240 (~Rs. 18,360)

5 Best stock Android smartphones: closing thoughts

So that concludes our list of best stock Android smartphones. If you find one of the phones to your liking, be sure to check out our articles about it.