Back in Google I/O 2014, Google introduced the Android One program for entry-level smartphones in emerging markets where smartphone penetration is still weak and people have low budgets in buying a smartphone. This program will help local manufacturers to keep their devices cheap yet being able to support and update to the latest version of Android.
One of the Android One handsets, the Spice Dream UNO Mi-498
The new line ups include the Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn Sparkle V and the Spice Dream UNO Mi-498, all three of them comply to the minimum Android One program requirement, which includes a 4.5-inch 854×480 resolution display, Quad-Core Mediatek 1.3GHz processor with 1GB RAM, 4GB of internal storage with MicroSD expansion, 5 Megapixel main and 2 Megapixel front camera, and dual SIM support. These phones are Indian made smartphone and they’re obviously launched in India as the first phase of the Android One program, the program will soon reach other countries which include The Philippines and Myanmar.
Sadly according to sources, the phones will retail from 6,399 Rupees which translates into USD$105, with that price alone you could be pretty be equipped with better phones such as our recently reviewed Moto E, Xiaomi Redmi 1s, and ASUS ZenFone 4. Apart from getting guaranteed Android OS updates, Android One certainly isn’t as appealing as it is since you could pretty much buy a better specced device at the same price point. Which makes us wonder if this is the case that Android One isn’t going to reach our shores here.
Source: Google
