More and more users are looking towards pure Android smartphones, which have some advantages over models with proprietary shells from manufacturers. You can install only those applications that are really needed completely from scratch, and use exclusively the original Android interface, as Google sees it and calls it Material Design.
But the key feature of Android One family smartphones is the ability to update to the latest OS versions. Read more about all the advantages of this system here. You can view the list of devices that support the Android One program on the official website. It is also worth mentioning that such smartphones include any Google Pixel model (not only those included in the selection).
At the moment, there are very few current smartphones that fall under the conditions of Android One support. For this reason, the rating will include models with minimal modifications (shells based on “bare” Android with minor changes).
Rating of the best pure Android smartphones in 2022
A pure Android smartphone is suitable for those who do not need pre-installed programs. It is often problematic to remove them; meanwhile, they can reduce the speed of the OS, creating an additional load on the gadget’s resources.
Google Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 smartphone has an advanced dual camera with a 12.20 MP, 16 MP sensor. Thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor and built-in 5G modem, you can comfortably run the games for which it is perfect. The 4000 mAh battery capacity allows you to play for a long time without recharging.
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The device has a 6-inch display; in the very corner of the screen there is a front camera, which does not interfere at all. The RAM is 8 GB, the maximum internal memory is 128 GB, which is more than enough to store various files. Users note a decent processor, despite the fact that it is not particularly popular.
Nokia 5.3 4/64GB Dual Sim
The smartphone from a well-known brand has a nice design with a 6.55-inch drop-shaped screen. The body is made of composite, which makes it resistant to damage. This gadget has less RAM than the previous model, it is 4 GB, and the built-in memory is 64 GB.
The phone is equipped with 4 cameras, the main one with a 13 MP sensor. The device can be used to take close-up and macro shots. The device runs on pure Android 10, which is updated regularly.
Nokia 2.4 3/64GB
This device deserves attention and is included in the ranking of the best pure Android smartphones in 2022 thanks to its capacious 4500 mAh battery. With average use of the smartphone, the charge lasts for 2 days. The device is unlocked using a fingerprint sensor, face recognition technology and a pattern key.
The device takes good photos in low-light conditions if you activate the “Night” mode. The camera supports the function of combining several frames into one, due to which the picture is obtained with good detail. All standard settings for editing finished photos are present.
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Motorola Moto G8 4/64GB
The popular smartphone from the American company Motorola will become a reliable assistant. It features a 16MP dual camera that captures vibrant videos and photos even in low light. In offline mode, the device operates for up to 2 days, since the battery capacity is 4000 mAh.
The phone is comfortable to use thanks to the eight-core processor, which allows applications and games to run quickly. There is enough built-in memory to store songs, pictures and even movies. The screen has a nice design, with a neat “eye” for the front camera. The phone copes well with multitasking, so the user can easily switch between programs that are turned on at the same time.
Xiaomi Mi A3 4
Another phone running pure Android. The device has an excellent triple camera that takes clear photos. The main camera 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP will capture all the details. If the user loves to take selfies, this smartphone will help create beautiful pictures thanks to the 32 MP front camera.
Like most models, there are 2 nanoSIMs with alternating operating modes. The device is powered by a 4030 mAh battery, which is enough for the whole day and even more.
#3 – Nokia 5.4
Price: 13,990 rubles
The most suitable budget phone on pure Android. It runs version 10 and will receive at least two more updates - this is much better than Chinese devices can offer for the same money. In addition, the model has a cool design with an island front camera and an unusual camera unit on the back.
The device is based on Snapdragon 662 - a good solution for a smart phone for 14 thousand rubles. Nokia 5.4 is stable when solving natural tasks and feels quite cheerful in modern games. At the same time, a 4000 mAh bank will provide a whole day of active use of the smartphone. The model also has a good quad camera with a 48 MP main sensor, a modern Type-C port, NFC and aptX support.
Nokia 5.4
The best Android smartphones of 2022 under 30,000 rubles
30,000 rubles is the lower limit of the premium segment in the smartphone market. The ranking of the best mobile devices includes devices at the flagship level.
Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
Poco X3 NFC has a powerful gaming chipset and an excellent 64 MP camera. Users note excellent stereo sound in this device; watching videos is accompanied by 8D sound. The display is 6.67 inches in size with a stylish design, the front camera is located in the center of the screen. The interface works smoothly and quickly, this can also be seen in games.
Peculiarities:
- Stable performance, 3D cooling technology.
- Energy optimized display. The refresh rate slows down when there is nothing happening on the screen.
- Studio quality sound.
Samsung Galaxy A52
To shoot high-quality content, this smartphone with a 64 MP camera is suitable. To take selfies, the Samsung Galaxy A52 received a 32 MP front camera. The user has access to many filters for photo editing. The advantage of this gadget is the presence of moisture protection and contactless payment. You no longer have to carry your wallet and cards with you. The device runs demanding games thanks to its powerful processor.
Peculiarities:
- Reliable protection against moisture.
- Good video quality thanks to optical stabilization.
- Stereo sound.
OPPO Reno 5 Lite
OPPO Reno 5 Lite is a stylish and fast smartphone with rich image colors and remarkable brightness. If you tilt the device, image distortion will be minimal. All thanks to the AMOLED matrix. Equipped with an 8-core processor from Mediatek, thanks to which the device consumes little energy. At the same time, games launch quite quickly. The maximum size of the memory card is 256 GB, and the RAM is 8 GB.
Peculiarities:
- AMOLED screen with DC Dimming support.
- Creating videos in 4K.
- Macro photography.
HONOR 30
Another best Android smartphone of 2022 under 30,000 rubles of the flagship class. It comes with a 6.53-inch OLED display. The picture is clearly visible even in sunny weather. There is a popular technology for contactless payments here. The advantage of HONOR 30 is the presence of a 5G module, and thanks to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 you can exchange photos, videos and the Internet with other devices.
#2 – Google Pixel 4a
Price: 31,440 rubles
An excellent solution for those who need a productive, but at the same time compact smartphone. With dimensions of 144x69.4x8.2 mm, the Pixel is equipped with a Snapdragon 730. In most tasks, the chipset shows the same performance as flagship processors. It is capable of ensuring a complete absence of stuttering during everyday use, as well as smooth operation of the most demanding games.
The screen is made using OLED technology, and therefore produces a rich and contrasting picture. Don’t let the 5.8-inch diagonal bother you – consuming content on such a panel is more than convenient. At the same time, the Pixel 4a has phenomenal photo capabilities - the 12.2-megapixel camera takes very detailed and sharp pictures. We can safely say that the device is one of the best camera phones for the money. The only negative is the modest 3140 mAh battery.
Which Android smartphone is best to buy in 2022?
It’s difficult to say exactly which Android smartphone is better. But in 2021, the leader remains the famous Samsung brand. It is followed by the largest telecommunications company Huawei.
Expert opinion! Specialist Ilya Volodin named 2 flagship smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S21 (2021), Xiaomi Mi 11 (2021). They have excellent cameras, fast action and good displays.
If you need a not very expensive mobile device with a powerful processor, you should pay attention to the new products from the Xiaomi brand.
In 2022, manufacturers began to improve smartphone screens, increasing their frequency for a smooth transition of the interface image. The emphasis is on battery capacity, it has become a little larger and devices work longer without recharging.
When buying a phone in any price segment, you should take into account not only its cost, but also its characteristics. A good option is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, it is fast and functional. If your budget is limited, then the Xiaomi Redmi 9C is suitable.
Nokia XR20 – adventurer
The XR20 is the rugged little brother of the above-mentioned X20, one that you can take a hike and throw on the ground. To achieve this, Nokia has added a thicker body and a front edge made of Gorilla Glass Victus.
What we liked:
- Reliable and waterproof
- AndroidOne
Wireless charger
The XR20 weighs 248 grams and is over one centimeter thick. Therefore, it cannot be handled with one hand. In addition to being shockproof, it is waterproof to a depth of 1.5m.
Otherwise, the phone is almost identical to the Nokia X20. So we find the right features, but a notch below what competitors offer at this price level. However, we welcome the presence of wireless charging.
It may tempt those looking for a rugged smartphone. For others, the Nokia XR20 is too expensive.
Nokia G20 – for a small budget
Selling for under RUB 15,000, the G20 is on paper the epitome of an Android One phone: an affordable, no-frills smartphone that offers a decent user experience. In practice, the contract is not fully implemented.
What we liked:
- Nice finish
- For small budgets
3 years software support
The 6.5-inch screen is disappointing with its 1600x720 pixel resolution. This is not much even for a device at this price. Add to this the lackluster brightness and you get a display that leaves much to be desired.
The Helio G35 used leaves a similar taste in our mouth, the Mediatek chip is simply not enough to ensure good smoothness in the system. However, we were pleased with the two and a half days of autonomy. Alas, without fast charging it will take almost three hours to fill the 5000 mAh battery.
Long-term software support remains interesting, but the Nokia G20 lacks the pep to convince users looking for more than a very basic smartphone.
What are the features of Android One
Besides the standard interface, the main feature of Android One is the manufacturers' commitment to provide two years of software updates and three years of security updates. The level of monitoring, unfortunately, is too rare on popular smartphones.
They should also minimize the use of additional software to ensure good performance even on light configurations.
Google Play Protect is enabled by default, but we know that this security solution designed to limit Play Store risks is exceptionally ineffective.
