Consumers have strong faith in stock Android software and it also makes more sense for new entrants to embrace stock Android rather than to spend time and resources perfecting a custom interface. Stock Android has progressively gotten better and is considered a safer bet. So, if you are looking for a stock Android or pure Android phone priced under 20,000 INR, here are a few options that you could consider. READ: Samsung Galaxy A30 Review With Pros and Cons

Stock Android: Advantages and Disadvantages

The stock Android software is popular because it’s relatively lighter and faster as it isn’t bogged down or burdened with customization options, added features, ads, and preloaded apps that you might or might not use. Or in other words, you will (generally) get a clean reliable interface, won’t have to endure ads and recommendations in your notifications panel, and get to decide what apps you want to keep on your phone. It’s also a safer bet for consumers. If you aren’t sure whether you will find a particular software in line with your taste, it’s generally safer to side with Google’s vision aka stock Android. On the other hand, the unadulterated Android experience can feel crippling and unbelievably bland at times. That’s because Stock Android is missing a few staple options and that can be really annoying. For instance, we receive many consumer complaints regarding missing features like call recording or a proper, separate gallery app.

Best stock Android Phones under Rs 20,000

1. Moto G60 and G40 Fusion

Moto G60 (review) and G40 Fusion (review) are almost similar phones, with minor differences. Both of these phones run Motorola’s clean Android 11 software and are powered by Snapdragon 732G octa-core chipset. These aren’t slim or light phones, but perhaps the 6000mAh battery justifies the heft. The IPS LCD panels on both phones support 120Hz refresh rate. The primary difference between the two is in their camera hardware. The G60 brandishes a 108MP primary rear camera and the G40 Fusion has a 64MP primary rear camera.

Moto G60 price and specifications  Moto G40 Fusion price and specifications 

2. Moto G 51 5G

Moto g51 5g (review) is one of the most affordable 5G phones in India. It has a massive 6.8-inch IPS LCD display that supports HDR10 and 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by Snapdragon 480+, this one runs Android 11 with My UX on top. So, it’s not exactly stock Android, but it’s close and worth counting in. There are four cameras on the rear, a 5000mAh battery, and a rear fingerprint sensor. Moto G51 5G price and specifications 

3. Moto G9 Power

Moto G9 Power (review) is another sizeable phone that provides remarkable value for its price. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 662 octa-core chipset, paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The handset has a 6.8-inch HD+ display, a massive 6000mAh battery, and a 64MP primary rear camera. The software is Android 10-based My UX which is clean and simple and close to stock Android. Moto G9 power price and specifications 

4. Motorola One Fusion+

Motorola One Fushion+ is a competitive specced stock Android phone priced under INR 20,000. This one employs Snapdragon 730G octa-core chipset with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Then there is the customary quad-camera arrangement on the rear with a 64MP sensor in the lead, 16MP pop-up front camera,  a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support, and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The only catch is that you will have to buy this from recurring flash sales. Motorola One Fusion + price and specifications

5. Micromax IN Note 1

Micromax is trying to make yet another comeback in India with its In series phones. The IN Note 1 offers decent hardware for an affordable phone and runs simple stock Android software. It’s an appealing phone for casual users, even when Micromax is yet to get the nuances right. Features to look forward to including Helio G85 octa-core chipset, 6.67-inch Full HD+ display, and a 5000mAh battery with fast charging. Micromax In Note 1 price and specifications 

6. Moto G9

Moto G9 (review) is another affordable stock Android phone from 2021 that’s powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 paired with 4GB RAM and up to 64GB storage. This one has a 48MP primary rear camera, a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution, and a 5000mAh battery with 20W fast charging. The Moto G9 starts at Rs. 11, 500 at launch and is an option worth considering for people who prioritize stock Android.

Moto G9 price and specifications

7. Moto G8 Plus

Motorola Moto G8 Plus is powered by Snapdragon 665 octa-core chipset, runs pure Android, supports Dolby Atmos audio, has a vivid display, and a 4000mAh battery. It’s not a phone for hardcore gamers but is a decent option for quotidian consumers who prioritize clean software. Moto G8 Plus price and specifications

8. Xiaomi Mi A3

Mi A3 is the third Android One or stock Android phone from Xiaomi. Going by early 2021 standards, the Mi A3 can be termed as a compact and light phone. It has a 6.08-inch display with HD+ resolution and is powered by Snapdragon 665 octa-core chipset, which is a minor improvement over Snapdragon 660 on its predecessor. The handset has an in-display fingerprint sensor, triple rear cameras, a water-drop notch, and a 4030mAh battery with fast charging support. On the downside, the display isn’t sharp enough and that really bogs the experience down. Mi A3 price and specifications

9. Motorola One Vision

The primary highlight of the Motorola One Vision is its 21:9 aspect ratio screen that’s quite immersive when you find the right content. The 6.3-inch IPS LCD display is full HD sharp and has a punch-hole cutout to accommodate the selfie camera. The handset is powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9606 octa-core chipset and employs a 48MP primary rear camera. The 3500mAh battery doesn’t sound very inspiring, but on a positive note – Moto bundles an 18W Turbocharger in the box. If you are fascinated by the prospects of experiencing pure Android software on that rather tall screen, Moto One Action is almost the same phone, save for the differences in camera hardware.

10. Nokia 8.1

The Snapdragon 710 powered Nokia 8.1 is now available in the sub 20K price segment. The handset has a 6.18-inch screen with Full HD+ resolution and a large notch. The handset runs stock Android 9.0 Pie out of the box, starts at 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, and Zeiss optics for front and rear cameras. It’s fueled by a 3500mAh battery and has fast charging support. Nokia 8.1 price and specifications  READ: 10 Best Phones Under Rs. 30,000 You Can Buy In 2021

10 Best Pure Android Running Smartphones for 2022

As you might have noticed, phones with the best hardware aren’t running on stock Android. Last year hasn’t been particularly good for stock Android, and the only compelling option that comes to mind is Google Pixel 4a. Here’s the list of affordable stock Android phones In India in 2022 I’m already using Mi-A2, I need a better camera and better battery backup. Please suggest the best option

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