Android SIM-Free Smartphones

Android OS Versions

Android 10

The tenth version of the Android operating system has introduced several new features, including the much-requested dark theme that saves both your battery and your eyes, redesigned gesture controls, Smart Reply, or Live Captions for any video. Android 10 also has native support for foldable phones.

Other interesting additions to Android 10 include Focus mode, which you will particularly appreciate when you want to study, location permission options for individual apps, or enhanced parental controls with screen time limits or the option to track app usage.

Pie (9.0)

Mobile phones with Android Pie do not bring any major changes, but the new OS remedies a few problems of its predecessor Oreo. Android Pie uses rounded corners and has a redesigned Quick Menu. Optionally, you can enable gesture controls, and you can also change the way you toggle between apps.

Oreo (8.0 - 8.1)

Android Oreo is a significant upgrade from Android Nougat. The PIP (picture-in-picture) feature lets you watch videos while chatting. One of the most important new additions is Project Treble. This allows you to update your Android Oreo phone without having to wait for the hardware manufacturers to update their code.

Nougat (7.0 - 7.1)

Android version 7.x mobile allows you to use updated and new emoji and two languages at the same time. The system can run two applications side-by-side and Daydream-ready Android phones have a Virtual Reality (VR) mode.

Marshmallow (6.0 - 6.0.1)

Now On Tap starts searching when you hold your finger on the home button. You can adjust the access to features and data for the applications that your Android phone contains. Doze or Standby applications optimise battery usage.

Lollipop (5.0 - 5.1.1)

It uses design with shadows and movements. With Android Multiscreen, you can seamlessly switch between your Android phone, tablet or smart TV. Notifications are moving to the lock screen and user accounts can now be switched.

KitKat (4.4 - 4.4.4, deprecated)

With "Ok Google", you can use your Android phone to voice. Smart Dial puts the contacts you call most often, providing caller identification and spam protection.

Jelly Bean (4.1 - 4.3.1, deprecated)

Google Now Assistant lets you create voice commands, and a pop-up notification bar to instantly respond directly from the notification.

Android One, a.k.a Near-Stock Android

Phones with Android One offer the Android operating system in its simplest and most basic form, without any extra graphical interfaces or pre-installed features usually known as bloatware.

Important Parameters to Consider When Choosing an Android Phone

Display Size

• 4-5" - these devices are easy to handle, and they are also great for watching videos.
• 5-5.5" - great for watching videos and browsing the Internet, but they are not as compact.
• 5.5-5.9" - these phones are called "phablets". This is a compromise between a phone and a tablet. The size of the display is large enough that you can watch videos, browse the web and work in relative comfort.
• 6" and more - these phones are specifically designed for productivity. Great for multitasking, watching movies, or gaming.

System Memory (RAM)

• Up to 1.5GB - suitable for playing simple games and using only a few apps at the same time.
• 2-3GB - can handle performance-intensive games and a large number of apps running simultaneously.
• 4GB or more - an Android phone with more than 4GB of RAM can run even the most demanding apps, such as video and photo editing or high-resolution gaming smoothly and without a hitch.

What Storage Size Do I Need?

Most Android phones have an internal memory between 16 and 64GB, but the operating system is part of it. Many phones give you the option to expand their storage with a memory card of up to 256GB in size. 

• 16GB - can hold several apps and hundreds of music files. This size is suitable for casual users who don't snap many pictures or record videos.
• 64GB - can accommodate dozens of apps, games, music albums, and even several movies. This Android phone has a pretty much ideal price/capacity ratio and should satisfy most users.
• 256GB - suitable for the most demanding users who record high-definition videos and store movies, music, and many apps.

Camera

Want an Android phone with a really great camera? Our wide selection of camera phones has something for everybody.

• Resolution - phones with a 12Mpx sensor resolution and up are commonly available and can take great images. A good front camera has at least 5Mpx. The final image quality also depends on the optical quality of the lens.
• Maximum aperture - determines how much light passes through the optical system and reaches the sensor. An F/2.0 and lower aperture are excellent.
• Optical image stabilisation - the phone uses the optical system and a sensor shift to stabilise the image and video output. If you take your phone photography seriously, make sure your Android phone has it. 
• Software image stabilisation - works on the principle of increasing the ISO sensitivity. You can capture sharper images, but it's not as effective as optical stabilisation.
• Dual camera - it can accelerate the focus, increase the aperture, change the focus area after capturing an image, and adjust the depth of field. However, dual camera capabilities and features are all different and depend the specific phone.

Your Android Phone Can Look Really Great

In addition to the classic plastic body, you can get an Android phone with an aluminium enclosure or combined.

• Metal (aluminium) - a very elegant solution, typical for the mid-range, upper mid-range, and premium range phones.
• Combined - a metal frame with a plastic rear and sometimes a plastic front panel. Usually found in lower and mid-range mobile phones.

Useful Features

• A fingerprint reader allows you to unlock your phone or access selected apps.
• Increased resistance to water and dust depending on the ingress protection (IP) .
• Dual SIM allows you to insert two SIM cards into your phone.
• USB OTG allows you to connect a flash drive or an external data drive using an adapter.
• Notification diode - it flashes if you have unread messages, missed calls, and other unread notifications.
• NFC is a wireless technology suitable for example, for contactless payment by mobile phone using Android Pay .

Still not sure what Android phone you should choose? Check the How to Choose a Mobile Phone article for some useful tips.