[Chetan_Rao]

Are there any decently specced compact Androids that DON'T have a glass back?

I don't put phones in cases, and while I'm not the drops-it-often kind, I don't want a delicate darling device.

My reference phone is a Pixel 4a.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

I don't put phones in cases, and while I'm not the drops-it-often kind, I don't want a delicate darling device.
My reference phone is a Pixel 4a.

The last phone I used without a case was a Samsung S10, and a small slip off from my pocket was enough to transform me.

Moving from a Pixel 4A your best bet would be a Pixel 9 – and get a sturdy yet thin case like a Spigen Thin Fit, or some minimal ones like Casefinite.

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

I don't put phones in cases, I don't want a delicate darling device.

Motorola Edge 50 (Rs. 30k) is apparently a military grade phone. Although you going to war is a low probability event, it should nevertheless make it suitable for those who don't put phone cases. And "vegan leather" back should make it grippy to hold.
https://www.91mobiles.com/hub/motorola-edge-50-review/
https://www.amazon.in/Motorola-Stora...dp/B0DCHRSF9J/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xj_6PwVdy4

[Thad E Ginathom]

I think that the Pixel a series don't have glass backs. I do agree that it seems rather a ridiculous material to use, especially if finished shiny!

To add grip without much thickness: skins?

[yedukrishnan199]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Are there any decently specced compact Androids that DON'T have a glass back?

I don't put phones in cases, and while I'm not the drops-it-often kind, I don't want a delicate darling device.

My reference phone is a Pixel 4a.

There are quite a few options that don't have a glass back and are decently specced for the price, here goes:

1. Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and Edge 50 Pro
The flagship from Motorola with SD 8s Gen 3 Processor, wooden back or silicone polymer back (eco-leather) as per the colour chosen and one of the best cameras under 50k too. It's got crazy fast 125 W charging with 50 W wireless charging, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage and a whole lot more features for Rs.49,999 (after the SBI CC discount). Its sibling the Edge 50 Pro can also be considered at Rs.27,999 if you don't want to splurge (it gets a SD 7 Gen 3, 12gb ram, 256gb storage and comes with slightly inferior cameras but are worth the price)

Reviews
https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_ed...ltra-12919.php
https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_ed...eview-2690.php

Links
https://www.flipkart.com/motorola-ed...b60f613543aaa0
https://www.flipkart.com/motorola-ed...7827527c8a538c


2. OnePlus Nord 4
The new Nord 4 isn't your usual glass sandwich phone. Its chassis is almost entirely made of aluminium and is one of the better options in the 30k to 40 k segment, it gets an SD 7+ Gen 3 chipset, a 5500 mAh battery, 100W fast charging, 4 major Android upgrades and a lot more, starting at Rs.27,999 (with Credit card discounts), this is an absolutely wonderful device at its price.

Review
https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_nord_4-review-2724.php

Link
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0D7VKSZGW/...ding=UTF8&th=1


There are quite a few other options as well, like the Poco X6 Pro (with eco-leather back) priced under 20k, the Nothing Phone 2a or 2a Plus, Pixel 8A, Realme GT 6T with plastic backs, the MIL-STD-810H compliant Edge 50 Neo with eco-leather or plastic backs, or if you want something under 15k, the CMF Phone 1 with a replaceable back cover (eco-leather or plastic available for purchase) is also a great option.

Sorry, I didn't see the word compact at first, in that case, the Pixel 8A is your best bet

[Chetan_Rao]

Thanks for the responses gentlemen. But I should've probably highlighted COMPACT, a deal-breaker requirement. I switched from a OnePlus 7T to the Pixel 4a specifically for the size. Not going back.

[dmplog]

Moto Edge 50 Neo is a compact phone with all the other goodness of Moto phones (near stock android, 5 year OS upgrades, telephoto camera, gripper back and a mid range processor). Though this is still not same sized as Pixel 4a, but as compact as it can get without breaking bank.

[Fuldagap]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

Motorola Edge 50 (Rs. 30k) is apparently a military grade phone. Although you going to war is a low probability event,

MIL-STD-810H is a US Military standard, among a host of other standards.
Motorola's efforts to bring, really bring and match those standards for such cheap phones is really commendable.

The various standards and what they stand for, how devices are certified against them or tested can be read online.
When it is Motorola, it is not just a marketing gimmick.

Motorola is still big time across the world in military spec telecommunication hardware, it is but imperative that normal customers too get a taste of it.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Thanks for the responses gentlemen. But I should've probably highlighted COMPACT, a deal-breaker requirement. I switched from a OnePlus 7T to the Pixel 4a specifically for the size. Not going back.

I'd say check out the Xiaomi 14.

[tbppjpr]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Are there any decently specced compact Androids that DON'T have a glass back?

I don't put phones in cases, and while I'm not the drops-it-often kind, I don't want a delicate darling device.

My reference phone is a Pixel 4a.

Pixel 8a is compact phone considering current trend and doesn't have glass back. Its available offline at discounted price of 35K on Reliance store.

4a was very sweet size but now a thing of past.

[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

But I should've probably highlighted COMPACT, a deal-breaker requirement.

Just looked up Pixel 4a numbers -> 5.8 inch screen but more importantly 143g.

Now, a 6 inch screen smartphone with a weight of 200g will have more "in-pant" or in-hand bulky feel than a 6.3 or 6.4 inch smartphone with a weight of 160g or 170g. So add one more filter - weight - so that the handling experience is closest to Pixel 4a. By default, light smartphones will not have a glass back (glass is heavy).

For the shortlist, Google "lightest smartphone" or "slimmest smartphone", and then filter out the options. Or Google weight of each smartphone in the existing shortlist.

[fiat_tarun]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Are there any decently specced compact Androids that DON'T have a glass back?

I don't put phones in cases, and while I'm not the drops-it-often kind, I don't want a delicate darling device.

My reference phone is a Pixel 4a.

A Pixel 8/9 or the Samsung S24 will be the a good replacement to the 4a as they aren't too much bigger. I'm using a Pixel 8 with a transparent skin and it gives you the grip as well as some protection from minor falls.

[Fuldagap]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

For the shortlist, Google "lightest smartphone" or "slimmest smartphone", and then filter out the options. Or Google weight of each smartphone in the existing shortlist.

For this, Gsmarena.com's filter options are the best.

[am1m]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

But I should've probably highlighted COMPACT, a deal-breaker requirement.

I think we need to forget about that, they're not making good compact phones anymore. The Samsung s24 is now considered a 'compact' phone!

I too want something I can carry in my pocket without it looking like I'm 'really happy' to see everyone around me all the time! And I've been looking, but apart from the ageing iPhone SE, and the expensive Samsung z flip, doesn't seem like there are any other options.

[Sheel]

Originally Posted by fiat_tarun

A Pixel 8/9 or the Samsung S24 will be the a good replacement to the 4a as they aren't too much bigger. I'm using a Pixel 8 with a transparent skin and it gives you the grip as well as some protection from minor falls.

Can you please share a link to the transparent skin? Thanks !