Android One

Android One
Developer Google and OEM
Manufacturer International & Local Manufacturers
Type Smartphones
Retail availability September, 2014 – Present
Operating system

Stock Android provided by Google

(Current OS – Android 7.1.1)
Website www.android.com/one/

Android One is a line of consumer electronics devices that run the Android operating system. It is a standard created by Google for Android systems,[1] and customers in the developing world. Google manages the design, development, marketing, and support of these devices while all manufacturing are carried out by partnering original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Android One smartphones run software close to stock Android, without the often extensive vendor-specific modifications that many smartphone vendors apply. Security and system updates are handled by Google, avoiding problems some earlier phones have had with lacking security updates.[2][3] The first set of Android One devices features MediaTek's quad-core MT6582 Mobile System-on-Chip (Mobile SoC).[4]

Android One phones initially rolled out in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal,[5] Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Myanmar[6] and other South Asian countries in 2014.[7] The first Android One smartphones were by the Indian brands Micromax, Spice and Karbonn in September 2014, the second generation Android One smartphones were by Indonesia brands Mito Impact, Evercoss One X, Nexian journey in February 2015 and the first Android One preinstalled with Android 5.0 Lollipop. Other manufacturers including QMobile have launched an Android One device named QMobile A1,[8] on July 6, 2015 in Pakistan. Android One launched in Nigeria in August 2015 with the Infinix Hot 2 X510 (1 and 2 GB RAM version) and became the first Android One in Africa.[9] Infinix Hot 2 X510 was also exported to other African countries such as Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and also Asian countries such as United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Indonesia (2 GB RAM version only). Other manufactures are to follow gradually.

In 2016, Softbank announced that they will be the first carrier in Japan to introduce an Android One phone in the country, namely the Sharp 507SH which was released in late July 2016.[10]

Various news articles mention that the Android One standard also dictates minimum hardware requirements,[11][12] but the actual list of minimum requirements doesn't seem to have been made available on the Internet.

History

This is one of the biggest launches we've done anywhere, not just India, Philippines and Indonesia. For us Android One was a journey to try and reach the next 5 billion people. And India accounts for a substantial portion of the share where free border trade with Nepal was also included. It was found that nearly 7 percent of Android Ones produced in India were bought by people from Nepal. Android One was conceived deeply with India in mind.
Sundar Pichai, NDTV Interview, 2014[13]

Android One was launched by Sundar Pichai, Product Chief & Designated CEO of Google.[14] It has been noted that the initiative was created with Indian market as the basic standard.[13] He was also noted saying that he has been using the device for 'quite some time' as his 'primary' device and it was a 'high-end computing device in every sense of the term'.

With Android One we set the bar to be a great software experience and a great device. We really want to bring in a whole new set of people who have never tried a smartphone before.
Sundar Pichai

He also stated that the initial set of devices share common hardware because they are based on the reference platform. An increasing range of devices will be launched in the future as Google expands this programme.[15]

Products

Android One has launched in the following countries for now and further expanding its budget range products in different geographical ranges of the world.

First generation

OEM Model Country SoC
Karbonn Sparkle V India MT6582
Micromax Canvas A1 India MT6582
Spice Dream UNO India MT6582
Symphony Roar A50 Bangladesh MT6582

Bangladesh

Along with Micromax Canvas A1, Spice Dream uno and Karbon Sparkle V also get local brand Symphony Roar A50. >

Asia

India is the first country to release Android One devices. The devices are available in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Micromax Canvas A1

Micromax Canvas A1 is one of the initial Android One phones, which is manufactured by Micromax Mobile with the cooperation of Google. The Micromax Canvas A1 features Android 4.4.4 (Kitat) OS with 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and 4.5 inch capacitive touchscreen. This device has 1 GB RAM, 4/8 GB internal storage (2.35/5.75 GB usable) and a Mali-400 GPU. In June 2015, Micromax Rolled out a refreshed version of the Canvas A1 which had twice the internal storage and Android 5.1 Lollipop Preinstalled. Both of them recently got updated to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.[16]

Karbonn Sparkle V

Karbonn Sparkle V runs on Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) operating system (upgradeable to 6.0.1 Marshmallow through OTA) and is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. The dual-SIM smartphone device has 1 GB RAM and 4 GB internal storage. It has Mali 400 GPU graphics. The 4.5-inch display has a resolution of 480×854 pixels. It comes equipped with a 5 MP rear camera and 2 MP front camera. The device has connectivity options as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS and a microUSB port. Its 1700 mAh battery delivers 160 hours of stand by time, and 8 hours of talk time. As part of the Android One initiative, the Karbonn Sparkle V would get automatic OTA updates to the latest version of the Android OS in line with Nexus and Google Play Edition devices. It is also the first Android One device ever to have become available in Europe.[17] It has also been upgraded to Marshmallow.[18]

Spice Dream UNO

The Spice Dream UNO (Mi-498)[19] is powered by a MediaTek SoC with a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor and Mali-400 GPU paired with 1 GB of RAM. It is a dual-SIM phone. It has a 4.5-inch screen with FWVGA (480×854 pixels) IPS LCD display. It was released with android version 4.4.4. The new batch comes with Android 5.1 lollipop and the old batch is upgradeable to Android 5.1. It has a 5 MP camera with an LED flash and ability to shoot full HD videos and a 2 MP front camera. It comes with 4 GB of internal storage and the option of adding a microSD card of up to 32 GB capacity. The phone is powered by a 1700 mAh Li-ion battery. Spice claims the battery will offer 10 hours of talk time and 160 hours of standby. Now it runs on android 6.0.1.

Indonesia

Mito Impact

It is the Android One device available for Indonesia. Based on Google's reference design, it has a 4.5-inch, 480x854 resolution IPS display, a MediaTek MT6582 SoC with 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali 400 MP2 GPU, 1 GB RAM, 1780 mAh battery, 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front camera, FM radio and dual SIM support. The new device does bear some minor improvements over the original three, namely that it has 8 GB of storage space instead of 4. The main attraction of the Mito Impact One is that it is running Android Lollipop out of the box. The device is available as of February 2015

Evercoss One X

It is the Android One device available for Indonesia at the price of Rp. 999,000 ($82). Based on Google's reference design, it has a 4.5-inch, 854x480 resolution IPS display, a MediaTek MT6582 SoC with 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali 400 MP2 GPU, 1 GB RAM, 1700 mAh battery, 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front camera, FM radio and dual SIM support. The new device does bear some minor improvements over the original three, namely that it has 8 GB of storage space instead of 4. The main attraction of the Evercoss One X is that it is running Android Lollipop out of the box.

Nexian Journey One

Nexian Journey One is the Android One device available for Indonesia. Based on Google's reference design, it has a 4.5-inch, 854x480 resolution IPS display, a MediaTek MT6582 SoC with 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and Mali 400 MP2 GPU, 1 GB RAM, 1700 mAh battery, 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front camera, FM radio and dual SIM support. The new device does bear some minor improvements over the original three, namely that it has 8 GB of storage space instead of 4. The main attraction of the Nexian Journey One is that it is running stock Android Lollipop out of the box. Nexian Journey One was launched on February 4 and claimed to be the first device launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Myanmar

Cherry Mobile One

On June 23, 2015, Google announced the first Android One phone in Myanmar. The Cherry Mobile One, the Android One device from the Philippines, is the first to market in Myanmar. As with most Android One devices, it runs on a MediaTek MT6582 SoC, with a 4.5-inch, 480x854 resolution IPS display, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage, a Mali-400 GPU, 5 megapixel-rear camera, 2 megapixel-front camera, FM Radio, and dual SIM support. The Cherry Mobile One will come with Android Lollipop 5.1.1 out of the box. It will be available in stores on June 26, 2015.[20]

Pakistan

QMobile A1

On July 6, 2015, Google has launched the QMobile A1 in Pakistan. The new Android One smartphone is readily available for purchase at retail stores across the country. The QMobile A1 brings a stock Android experience (Lollipop 5.1.1) to an affordable price point for those who simply cannot splash out on flagship devices. The QMobile A1 comes with a 1.3 GHz Quad core processor, a 4.5" IPS FWVGA screen, dual-SIM support, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB ROM and Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) pre-installed. The device also has a back camera of 5.0 MP along with a LED flash, a front camera of 2 MP and a 1700 mAh battery.[21][22]

Philippines

Cherry Mobile One

The Cherry Mobile One is the latest addition to the Android One family, marketed specifically for the Philippine market. As with most Android One devices, it runs on a MediaTek MT6582 SoC, with a 4.5-inch, 480x854 resolution IPS display, 1 GB of RAM, a Mali-400 GPU, 5 megapixel rear camera, 2 megapixel front camera, FM radio and dual SIM support. The new device does bear some minor improvements over the original three, namely that it has 8 GB of storage space instead of 4 GB. Like the Mito Impact and the MyPhone Uno, the Cherry Mobile One will come with Android Lollipop 5.1.1 out of the box. On June 23, 2015, Google announced that the Cherry Mobile One will be sold in Myanmar.[20][23][24]

MyPhone Uno

Like the Cherry Mobile One, the MyPhone Uno is made with the Philippine market in mind, and shares similar specifications. The Uno, however, only comes with 4 GB of internal storage, but will also receive regular software updates.[23][24] The MyPhone Uno shares the same design as the Micromax Canvas A1.

Second generation

SoC: Mediatek MT6582

India: Lava Pixel V1

In July 2015, Lava launched the 3G phone Pixel V1 with a 1.3 GHz quad-core Mediatek MT6582 processor and 2 GB RAM. It recently got updated to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow).[25]

Indonesia: Infinix Hot 2 X510

After being launched in Nigeria one month ago, Infinix Hot 2 X510 came into the Indonesian market as 2nd gen Android One phone on Sept 28, 2015. This Android One phone has some improvements over the 3 other Android One devices launched before. It has a 5-inch, 720 x 1280 resolution, 293 ppi, Capacitive IPS display surfaced with DragonTrail Glass; 2 GB RAM and 16 GB Internal ROM; 8 MP rear camera with single LED flash and 2 MP front camera; LED notification; 2200 mAh Li-ion battery and good stylish body with mirror looks back panel made from polycarbonate plastic. The other specifications are still the same with its predecessors. The Infinix Hot 2 uses a 6580 MediaTek SoC with a 1.3 GHz ARM Cortex A7 Quadcore processor and Mali 400MP1 GPU; FM Radio; Micro SD; in built GPS; and 3G dual micro SIM support. But the Infinix Hot 2 also lacks some features present in its predecessors such as no gyroscopes or a magnetic/compass sensor and no OTG USB support. The Infinix Hot 2 also doesn't support 4G LTE. The Infinix Hot 2 comes in multiple choices of colors: Gold, Black and White and much more. The Infinix Hot 2 also has the original pure AOSP 5.1 Lollipop preinstalled. It got Android 6.0 Marshmallow in January, 2016 and will get incremental android version which is scheduled by Infinix not by Google directly.

Nigeria: Infinix Hot 2 X510

On August 18, 2015, Infinix Mobility launched the Infinix Hot 2 in Lagos, Nigeria. The flagship smartphone which runs on Android One was first made available on Jumia, one of the largest online retail stores in Nigeria. Infinix Hot 2 comes with a 1.3 GHz Quadcore processor, 5" HD double glass screen, dual-SIM support, 16 GB ROM and Android 5.1.1 Lollipop pre-installed. It is in two variations with one having 1 GB RAM and the other having 2 GB RAM. It has a 2 MP front camera and 8 MP back camera. It received an update to Android version 6.0 during the early quarter of 2016.[26] [27] [28]

Portugal and Spain: Bq Aquaris A4.5

In September 2015, BQ launched in Spain the Aquaris A4.5. It was the first of the second generation of Android One devices to become available in Europe.

It is a dual SIM 4G smart-phone with a 4.5-inch 540x960 pixel screen and a Dragontrail protective finish. The processor is a MediaTek MT6735M chip-set, with a 1 GHz quad-core CPU, two versions with 1 or 2 GB of RAM. Storage is set at 16 GB and it includes an expansion micro-SD card slot for up to 64 GB. The camera set-up consists of an 8 MP shooter on the back and a 5MP front one. The battery capacity is 2470 mAh and it runs Android 5.1.1 out-of-the-box with support and updates directly from Google.[29]

On September 21, 2015, Google has announced the Aquaris A4.5 would also be sold in Portugal.[30]

SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410

These devices are rebrands of the Longcheer L8150, which is based on the Qualcomm Seed reference design, explaining their similarities. Another notable rebrand of the Longcheer L8150 is the Wileyfox Swift, which is available worldwide, commercially supported by Cyanogen OS, and community supported by CyanogenMod.

Philippines: Cherry Mobile One G1

Released on August 10, 2015, The Cherry Mobile One G1 is the third Android One smartphone released in the Philippines. The One G1 is a major upgrade when compared to other Android One devices in the country. It sports a 5-inch HD screen with Dragontrail glass, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (instead of a MediaTek processor), 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and 4G LTE capability.[31]

Thailand: i-mobile IQ II

On August 4, 2015 i-mobile launched the first Android One device in Thailand.[32] The i-mobile IQ II has a 5.0" 1280x720 IPS display, 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor with 1 GB of RAM, 4G LTE (with dual SIM support), 16 GB of internal storage with expandable microSD card slot (max 32 GB), 2500 mAh removable battery, 8 MP back camera, and 2 MP front camera. It comes with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop pre-installed.[33]

Turkey: General Mobile 4G

On May 12, 2015, Google announced the first Android One phone available in Turkey, becoming available in stores on May 15, 2015. The General Mobile 4G is also the first Android One phone that has a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 4G LTE support, using the LTE-capable Snapdragon 410, a 4-core processor running at 1.2 GHz with 2 GB of RAM.[34][35][36]

SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617

Turkey: General Mobile 5 Plus

On February 22, 2016, General Mobile announced their second Android One phone at Mobile World Congress. GM 5 Plus, which comes with the Snapdragon 617 octacore processor along with 3 GB of RAM, 13 MP cameras on both sides, a USB Type-C port and 3100 mAh battery. It's the first Android One phone that has a USB Type-C port. GM 5 Plus is going to be sold in 16 countries firstly launching in Turkey in March.[37]

Japan: Y!Mobile Sharp 507SH, Android One

507SH is the first Android One phone launched in Japan. It is released by Y!Mobile, a subsidiary of Softbank, based on AQUOS U, another similar Sharp phone released by au KDDI. The phone includes numerous functionalities that are unique to Japan, including FeliCa, waterproof, and one-seg. Several other functionalities, like Emopa, were also originally planned to add to the phone, but were removed later as they might delay the software update.[38]

References

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  2. Google reveals the first ultra-cheap Android One smartphones
  3. With Android One, Google puts itself firmly back in the OS' driving seat
  4. MediaTek Teams With Google on Android One™ to Create Affordable Smartphones for Emerging Markets
  5. Google officially launches Android One Smartphones in Nepal
  6. Android One says မင်္ဂလာပါ to Myanmar
  7. Android One: Google's push to rule the smartphone world
  8. official Partner in Pakistan for Android One
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  10. "Sharp Aquos 507SH is Japan's first Android One phone". GSMArena. Retrieved 29 August 2016. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
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  14. Sundar Pichai - CEO of Google
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External links

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