Google’s Android One program was originally geared towards bringing low cost smartphones to people in developing markets.
However, the latest release, the Xiaomi Mi A1 boosts the specs beyond anything we’ve seen on an Android One phone before.
Running stock Android, the Mi A1 has a 5.5-inch 1080p display with a respectable Snapdragon 625 processor, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
However, there’s also 12-megapixel dual cameras, including a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.
It brings USB-C connectivity, a fingerprint sensor, microSD storage capacity and a headphone jack.
However, while most of the Android One devices until now have been available for $100, the Mi Ai will cost $234.
The device will ship with Android 7.1, but Google is promising “an upgrade to Android Oreo before the end of the year.”
‘Stunning detail’
It’ll be available in 40 countries, including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Mexico. There’s no news yet on whether it will arrive in the UK, but no Android One handsets have thus far.
According to Google, the launch represents the next evolution of Android One devices.
In a blog post on Tuesday the company wrote: “Today, our newest program partner Xiaomi just launched Mi A1. This phone is a great example of what Android One represents: a collaboration between Google and our partners to deliver a software experience designed by Google.
“For example, users can capture moments in stunning detail on Xiaomi’s dual camera with 2X optical zoom. They can then seamlessly save unlimited photos at high quality with Google Photos.”
Would you like the opportunity to buy an Android One phone? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
