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Joining the Android One Ecosytem – Xiaomi’s Mi A1!

Ever heard of Android One? It is a low-cost line of consumer electronic devices meant for developing nations, and runs on the Android operating system.

Not everyone in the world is able to afford a top of the line Android device, hence there is a market that exists out there that is served by the likes of Xiaomi.

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Over in Singapore, there’s quite a rabid following of the company’s products especially their power banks which are both quality and reasonably priced.

In a state of constant evolution, Xiaomi, is set to capitalise on the Android One program, with their new Mi A1 phone created in collaboration with Google. This will be the first ever collaboration in the world for any handset maker.

The Android One hardware and software standard enables consumers to get their hands on decent devices running that closely resembles stock Android, and is perfect for people who want a no-frills experience.

Being made available now in India for INR 14,999 (approximately SGD$314), the Mi A1 will also come to over 40 markets globally including Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Mexico.

“By taking this next step with Android One, we are excited to be working with partners around the world to bring high quality Android device experiences to more consumers. Mi A1 marries excellence in device design with a simple and pure Android experience, the best of Google built in, and a commitment to future software and security updates. We’re thrilled to welcome Xiaomi and the Mi A1 to the Android One family.”

Jamie Rosenberg, Google’s VP of Business & Operations, Android & Google Play

That said, the A1 is not a bad phone at all. It has a dual camera configuration, much like the Xiaomi Redmi 5X, sporting both wide angle and telephoto lens. Actually they are the same phone under the hood. Surprise, surprise.

Here are the rest of the specs:

  • Premium full-metal body
  • Dual camera, optical zoom:
    12MP wide angle + 12MP telephoto
    Exceptional portrait photography with background blur
    Beautify, for natural selfie enhancements
    5MP front camera
  • Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 625 with 14nm FinFET technology (Octa-core 2.0GHz)
  • 4GB RAM + 64GB internal storage
  • Up to 128GB microSD expandable storage
  • 5.5-inch full-HD Corning® Gorilla® Glass display
  • 3080mAh battery, USB Type-C port
  • Rear fingerprint sensor
  • IR blaster, with Mi Remote App
  • Dual SIM (3-choose-2 hybrid SIM tray)
  • Dimensions: 155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3mm
  • Weight: 165g
  • Available in Black, Gold and Rose Gold
  • Stock Android

If you want to experience a pure Android phone with a low entry price, perhaps the Xiaomi Mi A1 is the phone for you.