Android One
Android One is a Google-devised program for hardware builders making smartphones. It was originally designed for smartphone users in emerging markets. It was started at Google's I/O conference in 2014. It originally focuses on the entry-level device for the emerging market.
Android One comes without any equipment that manufacturers like to bundle in - no skins, no additional services, and no duplicate apps. That means no pre-loaded apps like Microsoft Office or Facebook app, no additional news apps are present.
The biggest supporter of Android One is Nokia, which has a full portfolio of the device using the software.
Phone that runs Android One
The HTC U11 Life was the first Android One mobile phone. After that, Nokia made a huge commitment to Android One.
LG also joined the Android One list with the LG G7 One while Xiaomi Mi A2 also executes on Android One, and Motorola One also supports Android One.
Android One gives you a pure Android experience free from bloat, and some devices are fast to update to a new version of Android. One example is Nokia which has made the fastest update to its portfolio.
What does Android One feature?
According to Google, Android One is the "purest form of Android", and you can get the best version of Android, right from the box.
Google apps
You get Google software like YouTube, Maps, and Google Duo - in fact, the full suite of Google services. The Android One phones also come with built-in Google Play Protect, which helps to ensure that your apps are secure.
Google Assistant
Android One phone is optimized for Google Assistant so that you can use Google's helper to hail a ride, text a friend, and you can perform all that things with Assistant on other devices.
Google support
Using Android One, your device will receive up to two years of upgrades to the latest version of Android. It means, if you bought an Android One phone on "Oreo", you should end up with "Android 10".
Manufacturer hardware support
Android One also provides support for hardware elements of a manufacturer's device. For example, the HTC U11 Life added a squeezable frame, so there is a software support for that. You will also get the manufacturer's own camera apps.
Best Android One Phones
There are lots of Android One phones available, and they vary in their features and price. Depending on your budget, you can pick the best Android One smartphone. Besides, the best Android One phones should contain the latest Android updates and a clean user interface. If you visit the home web page of Android One, you will see the list of Android phones they promote as the best Android One phones. Below we have mentioned some of the latest releases of Android One smartphones:
Nokia 5.3
Nokia 5.3 is a rising successor of its Nokia 5.1 Plus smartphone with upgraded features. It was announced at HMD Global. The phone comes at a reasonable price with convincing features, including the Android 10 (Q) operating system version, sufficient 3GB RAM, and 64 GB storage (support 512 GB expandable). The device is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor and lots more attractive features that are listed below:
Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| Real Camera | 13 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | 4000mAh, Li-ion, non-removable |
| Display | 6.55 inches (16.64 cm) |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Operating System | Android 10 (Q) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 260 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 260) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Dimension | 164.3 mm x 76.6 mm x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 180 grams |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Storage | 64GB, expandable up to 512GB |
| Network & Connectivity | 4G, 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, USB Connectivity |
| Multimedia | FM radio, Loudspeaker, Audio Jack |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Reason to buy
- Reasonable budget phone with OS version Android 10
- It offers unlimited Google Drive storage
- It even provides good battery life
- The camera features are also pretty good
Reason to avoid
- It has lack fast-charging feature
- Bloated hardware due to custom UI skin
Nokia 8.3 5G
HMD Global (Nokia) officially launched Nokia 8.3 5G in March 2020, packed with 6 GB and 8 GB of RAM. Its excellent camera feature (front and rear) gives pleasure in photo clicking and recording video. Its 6 GB or 8 GB with Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G makes it one of the best intelligent gaming phones. Other features include a fingerprint sensor, which offers a secure unlocking experience. More of its features are listed below:
Specifications
| RAM | 6 GB, 8 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G |
| Real Camera | 64 MP + 12 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 24 MP |
| Battery | 4500mAh, Li-ion, non-removable |
| Display | 6.55 inches (16.64 cm) |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Operating System | Android 10 (Q) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2.4 GHz, Single core, Kryo 475 + 2.2 GHz, Single core, Kryo 475 + 1.8 GHz, Hexa Core, Kryo 475) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Dimension | 171.9 mm x 78.5 mm x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 220 grams |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Storage | 64 GB, expandable up to 512 GB |
| Network & Connectivity | 5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, USB Connectivity |
| Multimedia | Loudspeaker, Audio Jack |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Reason to buy
- It provides a 4500 mAh battery with an 18W fast charging feature
- Excellent 6 and 8 GB RAM
- The attractive camera feature both rear and front
Reason to avoid
- Heavy 220 grams as compared to other
Motorola One Action
Motorola One Action phone comes with a 6.30 inches touchscreen display with a 1080 x 2520 pixels resolution. It is one of the Android One budget phones. The phone is powered by a Samsung Exynos Octa 9609 processor resulting in a fantastic gaming experience. The phone comes in a mid-range segment and fits in every field. The phone's camera setup is also superb, with an autofocus feature. Besides a small battery and hybrid slot, it has no significant downside.
Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos Octa 9609 |
| Real Camera | 12 MP + 16 MP + 5 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh |
| Display | 6.3 inches (16 cm) |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Operating System | Android v9.0 (Pie) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2.2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A73 + 1.6 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A53) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 pixels |
| Dimension | 160.1 mm x 71.2 mm x 9.15 mm |
| Weight | 176 gram |
| Camera Sensor | CMOS image sensor |
| Autofocus | Yes, Phase Detection autofocus |
| Storage | 128 GB, expandable up to 512 GB |
| Network & Connectivity | 4G, 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, USB Connectivity |
| Multimedia | FM radio, Loudspeaker, Audio Jack |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Reason to buy
- Strong configuration and unique design
- Impressive cameras setup
- Punch-hole display
Reason to avoid
- Small battery and slow charging
- Hybrid slot
Xiaomi Mi A3
Xiaomi Mi A3 is available in two variants of RAM, 4 GB, and 6 GB. It is one of the full-featured Android One smartphones, including camera setup, battery performance, display type, etc., all at a reasonable price. The phone is good for day-to-day handling tasks. Look at its features and specification listed below:
Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| Real Camera | 48 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP |
| Front Camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 4030 mAh, Li-ion (type), removable no, quick charging - yes |
| Display | 6.08 inches (15.44 cm) |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED |
| Operating System | Android v9.0 (Pie) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 260 + 1.8 GHz, Quad core, Kryo 260) |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels |
| Dimension | 153.4 mm x 71.85 mm x 8.4 mm |
| Weight | 173.8 grams |
| Camera Sensor | Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor |
| Autofocus | Yes, Phase Detection autofocus |
| Storage | 64 GB, 128 GB, expandable up to 256 GB |
| Network & Connectivity | 4G, 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS with A-GPS, NFC - no |
| Multimedia | FM, Loudspeaker, Audio Jack |
| Sensors | Fingerprint Sensor, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope |
Reason to buy
- Good-looking design
- Excellent cameras
- Long-lasting battery life
- Smooth performance
Reason to avoid
- Low-screen resolution display
- Rear cameras struggle in lowlight scenarios and are slow to autofocus
Motorola One Vision
Motorola One Vision has a powerful configuration and attractive design that makes it different from the competition. Its octa-core processor, Samsung Exynos 9609, and 4 GB RAM enable it to perform day-to-day tasks. The phone is capable of performing multitasking and playing online games smoothly. Its punch-hole display feature adds a plus point to such a budget device. Regarding camera quality (48GB + 5GB real, 25GB front), users never get disappointed.
Specifications
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos Octa 9609 |
| Real Camera | 48 MP + 5 MP |
| Front Camera | 25 MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh, Li-Polymer, Not-removable, Quick charging |
| Display | 6.3 inches (16 cm) |
| Display Type | IPS LCD |
| Operating System | Android v9.0 (Pie) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2.2 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A73 + 1.6 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A53) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 pixels |
| Dimension | 160.1 mm x 71.2 mm x 8.7 mm |
| Weight | 180 gram |
| Camera Sensor | CMOS image sensor |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Storage | 128 GB, expandable up to 512 GB |
| Network & Connectivity | 4G, 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS with A-GPS |
| Multimedia | FM radio, Loudspeaker, Audio Jack 3.5 mm |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
Reason to buy
- Powerful configuration and attractive design
- Nice cameras setup
- Punch-hole display
Reason to avoid
- Small battery and slow charging
- Hybrid slot
What happened to the Android One program?
If you visit the Android One website now, you will see that the portal is stuck. You will find that the website is advertising Nokia 5.3 Android One smartphone running on Android 10 (Q), which was released in 2020. Other phones on this portal are also older still.
Android One team and program are not considering launching new phones. It is not the only defector; they have also not released any Android One device these years.
