Xiaomi and Google working on a new Android One smartphone: Report

Xiaomi and Google working on a new Android One smartphone: Report
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Xiaomi is reportedly collaborating with Google to launch Android One edition of its Mi 5X smartphone. The handset is expected to become available only in Indonesia.

Xiaomi is reportedly working on an Android One smartphone in collaboration with Google. According to an Indonesian tech blog, Xiaomi will soon join Google to announce an Android One version of the company's Mi 5X smartphone. The Android One version of the Xiaomi Mi 5X will run stock Android, of course, and will get future Android updates ahead of regular Mi smartphones.

Last Android One device came from Sharp exclusively for the Japanese market in June. The Xiaomi handset is expected to become available in Indonesia first, but it will not be the first Android One device in the country. Before Mi 5X, there have been smartphones like Mito Impact, Evercross One X and Nexian Journey One available in Indonesia as part of Google's Android One program. The smartphones are reportedly available at a retail price of around $75 (approximately Rs 5,000).

Android One is Google's project aimed to bring a better Android experience to the entry-level smartphone segment. The project failed to convince Google's OEMs and some of the Android One devices launched in emerging markets didn't really excite consumers. Google has not spoken about Android One for quite some time now and at this year's I/O developer conference, the search giant announced Android Go – a lightweight version of Android for cheap smartphones.

In terms of specifications, the Mi 5X features a 5.5-inch full HD display, 4GB RAM, 32/64GB storage and Snapdragon 625 chipset. The handset also features dual 12MP rear cameras with 2x optical zoom and a 5MP front camera. The smartphone was announced with MIUI 9 and is backed by a 3080mAh battery. Xiaomi joining Google's Android One program will be a big boost for the platform. However, it remains unclear whether the company will stick to same design language and hit sub $200 (approximately Rs 13,000) a price tag.

Karthekayan Iyer
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