Google, Xiaomi partner to launch the Android One Mi A1 smartphone

Staff Writer September 6, 2017

1 minute read

Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has launched its first Android One device in partnership with Google.

The Mi A1 is the latest in a line of Android One devices to hit developing markets over the past few years.

Android One is a software and hardware standard through which Google controls the development and design of the devices while leaving the building to partner manufacturers in each country. The program is essentially designed to bring affordable but good quality mobile phones to more people.

9to5Google reports that the Xiaomi Mi A1 features a completely stock version of the Android OS, running Android 7.1.2 Nougat out of the box, and along with a confirmation that the A1 will receive an update to 8.0 Oreo before 2017 is over.

Specs

Looking at the specifications for the Mi A1, the device sports a 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and a 3,080 mAh battery.

What is unique here is the dual-camera system on the back. Xiaomi is utilizing two 12MP sensors on the Mi A1, with the secondary one being a telephoto lens. Not only will this allow you to zoom in on your subjects without losing image quality, but it will also help for capturing portrait photos with a bokeh effect.

Other features on the Mi A1 include a metal design, USB Type-C, dual-SIM support, a microSD card slot, and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Pricing & Availability

The price is currently set at around $234 (approximately UGX. 840,000) and unlike in the past, the Xiaomi Mi A1 will not be limited to Chinese markets only, as the company is pushing for a global release.