Could Cell still achieve perfection without absorbing the androids?

I was wondering because I remember Cell saying that humans are not enough for him to achieve his perfect state and that he needed the androids. I had thought it implied that he could achieve his perfect form eventually after absorbing enough people, but it would just take way way longer.

We know he doesn't need the androids inside him once he achieves his perfect state, like with Super Perfect Cell losing both 17 and 18. But I had wondered if he had absorbed enough people, perhaps the z fighters, would he just remain in his imperfect form but stronger, or actually change?