Last week, Redmi released its latest budget smartphone in the Indian market, the Redmi A1. The phone, part of a new series from the brand, focus on bringing good value for money in the INR sub-7000 market, targeting the likes of the Redmi 9A Sport and the Realme C30. We’ve already compared the Redmi A1 with the 9A Sport in a previous comparison, so today, let’s take a closer look at how the model fares against the brand rival, the Realme C30. Unlike the 9A Sport, the Realme C30 is a newer device launched back in June 2022. So, it’s better suited to be a competitor to the Redmi A1 which was also announced very recently. 

Redmi A1 vs Realme C30

DESIGN

As we have mentioned in our previous comparisons, designs on cheaper phones have come a long way from being boring and monotonous to looking a lot more premium and unique. The same applies to the two models we have for comparison today, the Redmi A1 and the realme C30. But the two phones adopt different approaches in their designs. 

The Redmi A1 comes with a more toned-down look featuring fresh colors and rounded corners, giving it a simple but premium look. It does not look cheap and the light green and blue color options, in particular, feel pretty good. 

On the other hand, the realme C30 features a more unique design, featuring a striped pattern that goes along its entire height on the back. Clearly, you’ll be able to distinguish the C30 immediately and with two color options of Lake Blue and Bamboo Green, you get a design that stands out in its price segment. 

As for the dimensions, the Redmi A1 is slightly bigger than the Realme C30, despite having similarly sized screens. The Redmi A1 measures 164.9 x 76.5 x 9.1mm while the Realme C30 measures 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5mm. As you can see, the C30 is both thinner and narrower than the Redmi model. Moreover, the C30 is also lighter at 182 grams instead of the 192 grams on the Redmi model. 

Both designs are pretty good for a $100 smartphone. But end of the day, it’ll be your personal choice on what design you prefer, so we leave it up to you to decide which is a better pick in this department. 

DISPLAY

Given that these are $100 smartphones, their specs and displays are going to be very similar. The Redmi A1 comes with a 6.52-inch IPS LCD panel with 400 nits brightness and an 81.4% screen-to-body ratio. On the other hand, the Realme C30 also features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with 400 nits brightness and an 82% screen-to-body ratio. Both of them have HD+ displays featuring 1600 x 720-pixel resolutions. 

Clearly, the two phones are tied in the display department. 

SPECS

The two phones come with entry-level chips that are standard in the budget segment. The Redmi A1 features the MediaTek Helio A22 chipset with quad-core architecture clocked at 2.0GHz. On the other hand, the Realme C30 comes with an octa-core Unisoc Tiger T612 chip clocked at 1.8GHz. While the octa-core design should give the Realme model slightly more power, don’t expect any significant difference in their real-life performances. 

Both phones will struggle with any kind of intensive gaming, so better not to get them for gaming purposes. One advantage of the Realme  C30 is that it gives you a higher-end storage option if you are willing to shell out more. While the Redmi A1 maxes out at 2GB RAM and 32GB of storage, the Realme C30 can go up to 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. However, if you are planning to shell out more for the higher storage variant, make sure to check out other options in the price range with better specs.  

Both the phones rely on Google’s Android GO Edition, given their entry-level hardware. The Redmi A1 comes with the Android 12 Go edition without MIUI while the Realme C30 features the older Android 11 Go edition. 

CAMERAS

Cameras are never the strong point of entry-level smartphones and the same is the case with the two smartphones we are comparing today. The Redmi A1 comes with a dual camera setup, a primary 8MP shooter, and a 0.3MP secondary shooter. The setup is supported by dual LED flash. You can imagine that the secondary camera won’t be of much use but the primary shooter should be able to capture decent samples in daylight. 

The Realme C30 brings a single camera setup of 8MP and a single LED flash. 

On the front, both phones have a basic 5MP camera for selfies and video calls. 

CONNECTIVITY

The two phones feature Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0 with LE support. Unfortunately, they both still come with microUSB 2.0 slots. Also, given their entry-level profile, both phones do not feature a fingerprint sensor. 

BATTERY

Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery on board, with a 10W charger in the box. 

PRICING

The Redmi A1 was launched in a single 2GB + 32GB memory configuration priced at ₹6,499 ($81) in India. On the other hand, the Realme C30’s 2GB RAM and 32GB storage variant retails for a similar ₹6199($78) in India. 

Both phones are pretty much tied up in most departments. The Realme C30 will have a slight advantage in terms of sheer processing power, thanks to its octa-core chip, but it also features an older version of Android Go Edition. On the other hand, the Redmi A1 comes with the latest Android 12 Go edition without MIUI’s bloatware on top.

But the real distinguishing factor between the two devices will be the design. So it really boils down to whether you like Redmi or Realme’s design better and whether you want slightly faster processing power but is fine with an older version of Android Go. 

Redmi A1 vs Realme C30: Pros and Cons

Redmi A1

Pros 

• Fresh Design
• Clean Android 12 Go OS

Cons

• Slower Chip

Realme C30

Pros 

• Unique Design
• Lighter Profile
• Faster Chip

Cons

• Older Android Go Edition

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Pragati OS is a new operating system developed by Reliance Jio and Google. The Android-based operating system has made its debut on the JioPhone Next, an entry-level smartphone from Jio. If you are wondering what’s new about this operating system that brings to mind Android Go, then this post should answer the questions you may have.

A short history of Android Go

In December 2017, Google announced Android Oreo Go Edition as a lighter version of Android Oreo built specifically for entry-level smartphones. Since then, the launch of a new Android operating system has brought along a “Go Edition” for entry-level phones. Though we are still waiting for the launch of Android 12 Go Edition.

Following the unveiling of Android Oreo Go Edition, several manufacturers including Nokia, Alcatel, Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi (Redmi), announced phones and even tablets that are powered by this lightweight version of Android. While most of these devices do not have any form of software customization that distinguishes them from one another, a few manufacturers have launched their own Android Go phones with customizations. The Samsung J2 Core and Huawei Y5 Lite (2018) are examples as both phones run Android Go but with a layer of Experience UX and EMUI on top respectively.

This customization brings us to Pragati OS, the operating system that powers the JioPhone Next, an entry-level smartphone made by India’s Reliance Jio in collaboration with Google.

Pragati OS – Android Go(ing) forward

Pragati OS is making its debut on the JioPhone Next, the new entry-level smartphone from India’s telecommunications giant, Reliance Jio. According to a blog post by Google, Pragati OS is an “optimized version of Android” “ customized to deliver a great smartphone experience to users in India.”

While Google and Reliance Jio are touting Pragati OS as a new operating system, the features it brings are directly carried over from Android Go or “optimized” versions of these features. Thus, it won’t be far-fetched to say that Pragati OS is the future of Android Go, going forward, at least for India.

Features of Pragati OS

While Google and Reliance Jio are being careful not to call Pragati OS a customized version of Android (11) Go (Edition), unboxing and early impressions video of the JioPhone Next show that Android Go is pretty much under the hood and even visible on the surface.

Not only does the phone ship with Android Go apps such as Google Go, Assistant Go, Gallery Go, and Camera Go, all of which are apps specially launched for Android Go, its key software features have also been borrowed from Android Go but alongside the apps, they have been fine-tuned for the Indian market.

For example, Google Assistant Go now has support for multiple Indian languages on the JioPhone Next. Users will be able to interact with the phone in multiple supported Indian languages and get a response in the same language.

The Google Go app will also translate supported pages to a supported Indian language and also read them aloud while the Camera Go app has a Snapchat integration with India-centric filters and Google Lens integration for translation. There is also HDR, Night Mode, and Portrait Mode. Since this is a Jio smartphone, there are pre-installed Jio apps too.

Will Pragati OS power non-Jio phones?

Pragati OS is jointly developed by Google and Jio, so it is expected that it will only be found on Jio smartphones.

Conclusion

It is clear that Pragati OS is practically Android Go with extra features for the Indian market even if the manufacturer doesn’t say so. That’s not a bad thing but there are not a lot of features that make this stand out from a regular Android Go phone. So those who opt for an Android Go phone from another manufacturer won’t be missing out on much.

There is the promise of frequent updates for the JioPhone Next, so maybe there is a chance these updates may bring more customizations and exclusive features that will help it further differ from Android Go.

RELATED:

• Google announces Android 12L for tablets, foldables, and Chrome OS devices
• ASUS announces Android 12 stable update plan for its smartphones
• Google starts rolling out Android 12 stable version to Pixel smartphones

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Back in 2017, Google released an app called Google Search Lite. This application was later renamed  Google Go along with other lite apps by Google. Now, almost four years later, this app has crossed 500 million downloads on the Play Store.

Google Go app comes pre-installed on smartphones running Android Go Edition. Additionally, the application can be also installed on regular Android phones from the Google Play Store.

However, not all Android users could be aware of the Google Go app. Because Android smartphones with GMS (Google Mobile Services) already ship with the regular Google app.

Hence, most of the downloads could have come from the Android Go devices. That means Android Go smartphones are quite popular across the world, given the installation figure.

Since now Google mandates OEMs to release 2GB RAM smartphones with Android Go Edition, we can expect the downloads of Google Go to reach even higher in the coming quarters.

That said, if you live in a region with a slower internet connection, the Google Go app is highly recommended for you. It offers almost all the features of the regular Google app but weighs about only 8MB in size.

The app is even faster in loading results and above all, it consumes fewer data. Hence, you don’t need to worry about your data plan and internet speed while using Google Go or any other Go app for that matter.

RELATED:

• Google Photos hits 5 billion downloads on the Play Store; Google Keep reaches 1 billion
• Google Lens reaches over 500 million downloads on the Play Store
• Google Docs hits 1 billion downloads on the Play Store
• Google Phone reaches over 500 million installs on the Play Store

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When the Nokia 1.3 launched in March, it came with a new camera app called Camera Go that is specially designed for Android Go devices. Today, the app is getting a Night Mode feature that allows supported Android Go devices to take better images in low-light without flash.

A minute and a half video released by Google via the official Android Twitter account today reveals that the Night Mode feature for the Camera Go combines several photos (burst photography) “to produce a bright, sharp photo”.

Low light, camera, action ! With Night Mode on Camera Go, take high-quality photos on your Android phone, no matter what time of day it is. pic.twitter.com/UooQhAm9tF

— Android (@Android) October 5, 2020

The video also reveals that the camera app has been built for specific camera modules on affordable phones. So it is not just software but a combination of software and hardware. This also explains why it is not available for all existing Android Go phones.

It was also revealed that Camera Go will get an HDR mode later this year that will increase the quality of photos taken on these budget devices at any time of the day. Evidence of an HDR Mode was found in the Camera Go app as far back as April. We believe the pandemic is responsible for the delay in rolling out the feature.

Night Mode on Camera Go has begun rolling out to the Nokia 1.3, Wiko Y61, and Wiko Y81 smartphones.

UP NEXT: Google will disable default selfie retouching with new Pixel phones

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Alcatel is a brand licensed by Alcatel-Lucent (now owned by Nokia) to TCL. The Chinese electronics company has been launching handsets, tablets, and other related products under this brand for years. However, lately, new launches under the Alcatel brand has decreased since TCL has now begun to launch self-branded phones. Anyway, even if they do, they are mostly exclusive to a particular carrier like the newly launched APPRISE budget smartphone.

The Alcatel APPRISE is a $69.99 Android Go smartphone for Cricket Wireless in the US. In a nutshell, it is an entry-level smartphone for basic stuff and well-suitable for seniors.

The device sports a 5.5-inch 18:9 LCD panel with qHD resolution and a 5MP selfie camera above it protected by Asahi Dragontail Glass. Since there’s no notch or punch-hole, the phone has noticeable bezels but that’s fine for its asking price.

Further, the handset is powered by MediaTek MT6739WW SoC paired with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. It also has support for microSD card up to 128GB. The smartphone is even compatible with hearing aids M3 and T3.

The entire external body of the device in Suede Gray color is plastic hosting volume rockers + power key on the right side and a dedicated Google Assistant key on the left side. Whereas, the back of the phone includes a 5MP primary camera accompanied by an LED flash and Alcatel as well as Cricket branding.

The handset’s top also features a 3.5mm headphone jack while a MicroUSB port sits at the bottom to charge the phone’s 3,000mAh battery, On the connectivity front, the device comes with support for 4G LTE, single-band (2.4GHz) WiFi, and Bluetooth 4.2.

As for software, the Alcatel APPRISE runs Android 10 Go Edition and last but not least, it measures 5.76″ x 2.82″ x 0.39mm in dimensions.

UP NEXT: TCL launches new affordable Tablets, Earbuds, & Watch for Seniors at IFA 2020

(Source / Via)

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Google’s Android Go operating system is designed for phones with 1GB of RAM or less. However, there are a few phones with 2GB of RAM that also run Android Go such as the Wiko Y80. Beginning next quarter, Google says all phones with 2GB RAM or less must launch as Android Go devices.

The info comes from a leaked copy of Google’s Android 11 Go Edition Device Configuration Guide that has an April 24, 2020 date according to XDA Developers. The memo reveals that Google is making Android Go a requirement for new devices with 2GB RAM or less launching as from next quarter. Below are the requirements as stated by the memo:

• Beginning with Android 11, devices with 512MB RAM (including upgrades) are not qualified for preloading GMS.
• All new PRODUCTS launching with Android 11, if they have 2GB RAM or less, MUST return true for ActivityManager.isLowRamDevice() API, and launch as an Android Go device.
• Starting in Q4 2020, all new PRODUCTS launching with Android 10, if they have 2GB RAM or less, MUST return true for ActivityManager.isLowRamDevice() API, and launch as an Android Go device.
• Previously launched 2GB RAM devices in standard GMS configuration SHOULD NOT convert to Android Go configuration via MRs or letter upgrades. They will remain standard Android.

As stated above, Google is saying that it will now be a requirement for devices that will launch with Android 10 or Android 11 with 2GB RAM or less to launch as Android Go.

EDITOR’S PICK: Redmi’s product director hints the company is considering small-screen phones

Based on this new development, we should see Android Go phones with better performance since the limit has now been raised to 2GB RAM. However, manufacturers may decide not to launch phones with RAM lower than 3GB rather than adopt Android Go so that they can keep their custom UI.

Take for example Xiaomi whose only Android Go phone is the Redmi Go. If it were to adhere to this requirement, it will mean the successors to its entry-level devices such as Redmi 9A and the Redmi 9C will have to run Android Go and not standard Android with MIUI on top. That seems unlikely seeing as the Redmi Go didn’t get a successor and Xiaomi won’t ship one of its best selling series without MIUI.

Another question that this new requirement brings up is “What happens in cases where a phone has other RAM variants?”. Manufacturers will surely not announce a 2GB RAM version of the phone running Android Go while the 3GB RAM version runs standard Android. Time will surely tell if manufacturers adhere to these new rules or find a way to circumvent them.

UP NEXT: Tecno Pouvoir 4 emerges as the first MediaTek-powered phone to get Android 11 beta

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Not many days have passed since the launch of OUKITEL WP5 Pro rugged smartphone. In case if you didn’t expect a new device from the company anytime soon, then you’re wrong as a new OUKITEL device has been launched today powered by Android GO with aggressive pricing. The brand new OUKITEL C19 is priced at just $59.99 and the global sale will begin on 13th July.

See More: Oukitel WP5 Pro rugged smartphone launched with an 8000mAh battery, Helio A25 SoC for $129.99

OUKITEL C19 may not have all the bells and whistles that you’d see on the modern devices. The device is all about value for money as it is powered by the Android 10 GO platform. For the asking price, it packs all the necessities that would make it a great daily driver.

OukiteL C19 Features

Coming to the specs, the C19 boasts a 13MP Sony IMX214 rear camera bolstered by AI Scene Recognition which would render clear and natural-looking photos. Not only that, but the 13MP sensor is also accompanied by three other sensors of varying capabilities giving rise to an aesthetically appealing rear quad camera setup.

As they say, “Display is the face of a smartphone”, the C19 features a brilliant 6.49 inch IPS screen with an HD+ display resolution (1560×720 pixels). A 4000mAh battery powers the device. So, the device is a good package for content consumers with its big display and decent battery capacity. Don’t forget the price, it’s just around $60!

As of the processor, the C19 packs MediaTek MT6737 and pairs a 2GB of RAM with the light-weight Android 10 GO. The C19 offers dual-SIM connectivity and comes with 16GB of internal storage capable of expanding up to 256GB. OUKITEL has made available the device in four different colours – Black, Green, Purple and Blue Gradient.

Like mentioned earlier, the OUKITEL C19 is set to go on sale starting from July 13 as per the company. Given its affordable price tag, the device ought to have a lot of potential buyers worldwide. You can head over to the official website for more details about the Oukitel C19. The company is also hosting a free giveaway for 5 Oukitel C19 units. You can add the device to cart to grab the device when it goes live for open sale.

Related: Grab Oukitel WP7 rugged smartphone from Banggood at special price of $299.99

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A couple of months ago, Nokia 1.3 smartphone was announced, making it the first Android Go device to come with Camera Go app. Today, HMD Global has launched the Nokia 1.3 in the United States.

The smartphone is now available for pre-order through Amazon and B&H and is priced at $99. It comes in two colors — Cyan and Charcoal and the company says that it start shipping the device from next week.

The Nokia 1.3 comes with a 3D nano-textured polycarbonate back while the front is covered in glass. The phone has a waterdrop notch in the display with pretty thick bezels which we can’t complaint about this price point.

Coming to the specifications, the smartphone features a 5.71-inch HD+ display offering 400 nits brightness. Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 quad-core chipset, coupled with 1GB of RAM.

EDITOR’S PICK: Nokia 9.3 PureView to feature 8K video recording, improved Pro and Night Modes: Report

It comes packed with 16GB of internal storage and there’s also microSD card slot for expanding the storage capacity up to 400GB. In the camera department, there’s an 8-megapixel sensor on the back.

On the front side, the device has a 5-megapixel snapper for taking selfies. The smartphone comes with a new camera app called Camera Go which Google says is built to be fast, take beautiful photos and brings features like Portrait Mode to entry-level smartphones.

The device also comes with a dedicated Google Assistant button, a 3.5mm audio jack, FM radio, Bluetooth 4.2, LTE, and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. It runs Android 10 (Go Edition) and will be updated to Android 11 (Go Edition). The phone is powered by a 3,000mAh battery which is claimed to offer more than a day of usage on a single charge.

UP NEXT: Xiaomi’s Lu Weibing teases a new Redmi “super performance” smartphone; could be recently leaked M2004J7AC

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If you’re into a simple, compact, and affordable smartphone, the IMO Q2 Plus might just be the one for you. The true Blue version of the smartphone costs just £30 (roughly 37 US Dollars), features a 4 inch display, and also supports 4G LTE.

The IMO Q2 Plus is undoubtedly an extreme budget device, which becomes more apparent with its Android 9 Go operating system. For those unaware, the Go variant of the Android OS is like a Lite or cutdown version of the regular version. Thus, it is still fairly impressive that such an affordable device manages to have both 4G networking and Android Go over the popular KaiOS, which is found in many feature phones.

Editor’s Pick: Huawei partners with STMicroelectronics to develop Chips for Smart Automotive Solutions and Smartphones

The IMO is arriving on the British carrier EE and will be available for purchase later this week. Being a 4G enabled device, users can expect decent wireless speeds, but tethering you can also consider tethering. The display is a 4 inch 480 x 854px screen with a quad core CPU and just one gigabyte of RAM. The device is powered by a 1,500mAh battery pack, which may last you a day on moderate use, but it isn’t exactly built for hardcore multitasking.

For storage, you get 8GB of storage, although this is expandable up to 32GB via a microSD card slot. In terms of optics, the primary sensor is a 2 megapixel shooter while the front features a 0.3 megapixel camera. Interestingly, the front is somehow capable of face unlock.

UP NEXT: Huawei and InterDigital settles lawsuits and enters into a new patent licensing agreement

(Via)

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Google Camera Go debuted on Nokia 1.3 Android Go smartphone announced in March 2020. As of now, it is the only phone to come with this app and above all, the device is yet to go on sale. Despite this, GCam modders have managed to find out that the internet search giant is testing HDR feature for this toned-downed Google camera app for entry-level smartphones.

The folks at XDA retrieved the Google Camera Go APK from the firmware of Nokia 1.3. Unfortunately, they are yet to share the APK to the public, however, Google Camera (GCam) modders have got their hands on it to dig deeper for (maybe) possible ports.

While doing so, they discovered Google to be working on HDR mode, which is currently missing on the app. As of now, it is not working even after turning on the toggle. Maybe, it will debut as a first major update for the app.

HDR photography on Android Go phones, usually priced around $100 can improve the overall quality of the pictures shot on them. This is a dream come true for people buying phones at budget prices as these handsets don’t support regular GCam mods yet.

Hopefully, modders port the Google Camera Go app for other devices just like they do with regular Google Camera app from Pixels. If that happens, people buying low-priced phones will not have to worry about potato quality pictures anymore.

Anyway, Google Camera Go mods are only applicable for enthusiasts, who mostly don’t come under the category of buying low-priced entry-level smartphones. Nevertheless, the regular app on the Android Go device with HDR capability can still make a difference.

UP NEXT: Nokia 9.3 and Nokia 7.3 may launch in Q3 2020

(Source)

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The Nokia C series was pretty popular back in the days when Nokia was still the smartphone king. The series had both smartphones and feature phones, thus making it available for different pockets. Now HMD Global is bringing the series back with the new Nokia C1. The new phone was announced in Kenya today.

The Nokia C1 is an entry-level smartphone targeted at Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. With respect to its design, it looks like the Nokia 1 Plus which is also an Android Go entry-level phone. However, there are some design differences.

The Nokia C1 has a hole for the speaker on the back just like the Nokia 1 Plus but the hole is on the left side rather than on the right. The Nokia C1 also has an LED in front alongside the selfie camera. Other than these two differences and of course the slightly different shade of red, you will not be wrong to call this a rebranded Nokia 1 Plus.

With respect to specs, the Nokia C1 has a 5.45-inch FWVGA+ IPS display just like the Nokia 1 Plus. The spec sheet says it is a “toughened glass display”. It has a 5MP f/2.4 rear camera with an LED flash and another 5MP camera with LED too up in front. There is 1GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage along with an unnamed 1.3GHz quad-core processor.

Millions of consumers across markets in Africa, Middle East and APAC will upgrade from a feature phone to their first smartphone. Nokia C1 is a smartphone they can trust – bringing quality experiences at an affordable price with 3G connectivity #nokiamobile pic.twitter.com/QibUYWxRTn

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) December 11, 2019

There is a dedicated Google Assistant button on the left side of the phone, a MicroUSB port, Dual SIM support (nano only), an audio jack, FM radio, Bluetooth 4.2, and a MicroSD card slot (64GB max). It also has GPS and 2.4GHz WiFi.

HMD Global has cut corners with connectivity by not including support for 4G, so you are limited to just 3G. That is not an issue as the phone is targeted at those who are switching from a feature phone to their very first smartphone.

HMD Global ships the Nokia C1 with Android 9 Pie Go Edition and includes apps such as YouTube Go and Gallery Go. The phone is priced at KES 5,999 (~$60) in Kenya but there is no info on the price and availability in other markets.

UP NEXT: HMD Global’s Nokia 2.3 arrives with a trendy design for €109

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In 2017, Google announced Android Go, a lightweight version of Android for devices with 1GB RAM or less. While Android Go is still a lite version of Android, there is now an Android Go device with 2GB of RAM. Today, Google has announced Android 10 (Go Edition) and it brings Android 10‘s exciting features and more.

Android Go phones will get Dark Mode, new gestures, and some other features of the full version. Google also says app load times are now 10% faster compared to Android Pie (Go Edition).

One major new feature is support for Adiantum Encryption. This is specially made for phones with low resources. It doesn’t require special hardware but keeps Android Go devices secure just like other more powerful Android phones. The encryption process is said to not negatively affect system performance.

Android Go is also smaller than previous versions. Its  Go apps (Google Go, Gallery Go, Files Go) are said to also be smaller in size now, allowing for more space to be available to the user.

We do not know when current devices running Android Pie (Go Edition) or older will get the update as that wasn’t mentioned. However, we will ask you not to raise your hopes. The Redmi Go, which is one of the more popular Android Go smartphones is still running Android Oreo (Go Edition) even though it launched after Android Pie (Go Edition) was released.

At the moment, HMD Global seems like the only manufacturer that will update its existing Android Go phone such as the Nokia 1 Plus to Android 10 (Go Edition). Other manufacturers will probably release new models running it out of the box.

Android Go is available in over 180 countries and on more than 1600+ models with different prices. More devices running the latest version are expected to be announced next year.

UP NEXT: Realme releases their Android 10 update roadmap, with notable exceptions

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Google has expanded its slate of Android Go apps with a new addition called Gallery Go. The app is technically a lighter version of Google Photos. It was announced in Nigeria alongside a new Android Go phone, the itel S15.

Gallery Go is less than 10MB in size but its small size doesn’t mean that is the only thing it has going for it. First, it works offline and uses less data too. While it isn’t as feature-rich as Google Photos it can sort your photos automatically. Google says every night, Gallery Go will automatically organize your photos into People, Selfies, Nature, Animals, Documents, Videos, and Movies.

The app also has an auto-enhance feature for your photos and if that doesn’t satisfy you, you can choose from the multiple photo editing tools available. But note that the editing tools are not as advanced as those available on Google Photos but are pretty easy to use.

Gallery Go also has folders and SD card support. So you can decide to arrange your photos in folders and also move photos between your phone’s storage and the MicroSD card.

Google Photos is available to download on Google Play for both Android Go and regular Android devices.

UP NEXT: Google introduced Shoelace – a new social network to ‘tie people together’

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Vivo had launched the Vivo U1 as its first U-series phone in China in February. According to 91mobiles, an anonymous executive has revealed that Vivo will be soon bringing new U-series of smartphone in India. It states that India may receive the Vivo U1 with an enticing starting price of Rs. 6,490 (~$92) only.

The report suggests that Vivo will be releasing at least two U-series phones in India. The first one could be the Vivo U1 handset while the other one could be an Android Go phone. By releasing these phones, the company will be rivaling other smartphones in the sub-Rs. 10,000 category. The publication has further stated that the Vivo U1 will be arriving in two variants and they will be respectively priced at Rs. 6,490 (~$92) and Rs. 8,490 (~$122). There is no information on the specifications of the Vivo Android Go smartphone.

Vivo U1 Specifications

The Vivo U1 features a 6.2-inch HaloView IPS LCD display that offers HD+ resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels. It offers a tall aspect ratio of 19:9. The Snapdragon 439 SoC powers the smartphone with up to 3 GB of RAM. It comes in 32 GB and 64 GB native storage choices. A microSD card slot is available on the device for more storage.

The Vivo U1 has a vertical dual camera positioned at the top-left corner of its polycarbonate back panel. It features an f/2.0 aperture primary sensor of 13-megapixel that is assisted an f/2.4 aperture 2-megapixel depth sensor. For capturing selfie shots, the smartphone possesses an f/2.0 aperture 8-megapixel front-facing camera. The smartphone comes with a 4,030mAh battery. The FunTouch OS 9 UI based Android 9 Pie OS comes preloaded on the device.

Vivo U1 Price

The Vivo U1 is available in China in two models such as 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage, 3 GB RAM + 64 GB storage and 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage. They are respectively priced at 799 Yuan (~Rs. 8,326; ~$118), 999 Yuan (~Rs. 10,411; ~$148) and 1,199 Yuan (~Rs. 12,479; ~$176). Its available in colors like Starry Night Black, Aurora Red and Aurora Blue.

(source)

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After launching almost two months ago, the Redmi Go is now available in India. This is the first Android Go smartphone from Xiaomi/Redmi and just like other Android Go phones, its specs are entry-level.

The Redmi Go has a 5-inch 720p display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It is powered by the Snapdragon 425 quad-core processor and is paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. With a dedicated MicroSD card slot that allows you add up to 128GB of storage, you shouldn’t have to worry about running out of space.

There is a 5MP camera for selfies with AI Beautify and an 8MP camera with LED flash on the back. The camera app is said to have 13 different filters, 11 different scenes, and an HDR mode. The phone can also record videos in 1080p.

The Redmi Go runs Android Oreo (Go Edition) out of the box even though Android Pie (Go Edition) is already available. The phone comes with apps like Mail Go, YouTube Go, and Maps Go. There is also Google Assistant (Go Edition) with support for over 5 languages including Hindi.  There is a 3,000mAh battery under the hood that charges via a MicroUSB port. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom but no IR sensor. The Redmi Go has dual SIM support but doesn’t support dual 4G. There is Bluetooth 4.2 and  2.4GHz Wi-Fi for connectivity.

READ MORE: Redmi 1A Washing Machine with 8kg capacity announced for ¥799 (~$119)

The phone comes in blue and black and will sell for INR 4,499 (~$65). It will be available for purchase by 12 PM on March 22.

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Samsung may never release an Android One phone but it seems to like the Android Go platform. The manufacturer already has two Android Go phones – the Galaxy J2 Core and the Galaxy J4 Core. They may soon be joined by a third member called the Galaxy A2 Core.

Yesterday, an official render of the upcoming phone was shared on the web yesterday. Unfortunately, there are no accompanying specs but we get to see what the phone looks like ahead of its release.

The Galaxy A2 Core has huge bezels surrounding its display just like the Galaxy J2 Core. Save for the position of the sensors and front-facing camera, they could pass for the same phone. However, things are different on the back.

Samsung has put just a single camera on the rear of the Galaxy A2 Core which isn’t a surprise. It is positioned in the top left corner and it shares the same housing with the LED flash. A few millimeters below the camera setup are two slits for the speaker. This design will mean sounds will be muffled when the phone is placed with the screen facing up.

The render shows the Galaxy A2 Core has an audio jack at the bottom to the right of the charging port. The phone will come in blue and black.

READ MORE: Samsung Galaxy M20 vs Galaxy A30 vs Galaxy A7: Specs Comparison

The Galaxy A2 Core was spotted on Geekbench last month as the Samsung SM-A260F. The benchmark result revealed it has 1GB of RAM and is powered by an Exynos 7870 processor. Sadly, it will run Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition) out of the box and not the newer Android Pie (Go Edition).

(Source)

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To target first-time smartphone buyers, Lava has launched the Lava Z40 Android Go phone. The entry-level smartphone comes with modest specs and it carries an attractive price tag of Rs. 3,499. Here is all the information on its specifications and features.

Lava Z40 Specifications and Features

The Lava Z40 that runs on Android Go version of Android 8.1 Oreo OS is fitted with a 4-inch display. The smartphone delivers a resolution of 400 x 800 pixels along with a conventional aspect ratio of 16:9. The display of the phone is shielded by a Gorilla Glass layer.

The Z40 is driven by an octa-core processor that works at 1.4 GHz. The SoC is supported by 1 GB of RAM. The native storage available on the device is 8 GB of RAM. The smartphone supports up to 64 GB of microSD card. The device comes with support for 10 Indian languages. The Go edition of different apps consume less space on the device. Moreover, there is a Data Saver feature for cutting down the mobile data consumption.

The Lava Z40 features a single camera of 2-megapixel on its rear which is assisted by an LED flash. Placed on the front is an LED enabled 2-megapixel selfie shooter. The modest phone carries support for bokeh mode for capturing photos with blurred effect. It is packed with a 2,250mAhbattery. The other features of the Lava Z40 include dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, microUSB, 3.5mm audio jack and theatre-like sound output. The handset measures 125.5 x 63.9 x 11.65mm and weighs 120 grams.

• Read More: Lava Z81 with 5.7-inch HD+ display and Helio A22 SoC launched in India

Lava Z40 Price

The Lava Z40 that carries a price tag of Rs. 3,499 comes with 1-year warranty. The handset can be purchased in two colors such as Black and Gold.

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Nokia 1 Plus entry-level smartphone and Nokia 210 feature phone are the other devices that were announced alongside the Nokia 3.2, Nokia 4.2 and Nokia 9 PureView smartphones. Here are the specifications, features and prices of the Nokia 1 Plus and Nokia 210 phones.

Nokia 1 Plus Specifications and Price

The Nokia 1 Plus is an Android Go phone running on Go edition of Android 9 Pie OS. It is a larger-sized version of the Nokia 1 Android Go phone that was announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) tech expo in February last year. The handset is equipped with a 5.45-inch IPS LCD screen with 18:9 aspect ratio and support for a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels.

The MediaTek MT6739 chipset with 1 GB of RAM powers the Nokia 1 Plus. It has an internal storage of 8 GB. For more storage, there is a microSD card slot. It has an autofocus and LED flash enabled 8-megapixel rear camera. It is fitted with a selfie shooter of 5-megapixel. The handset has a bigger battery of 2,500mAh capacity.

The Nokia 1 Plus is priced at $89. In Latin America, there will be a limited-edition 16 GB model that will carry a price tag of $99. The handset can be availed in colors like Black, Red and Blue. The availability of the phone is yet to be confirmed.

Nokia 210 Specifications and Price

The Nokia 210 is a feature phone with candy bar design. It comes with a 2.4-inch QVGA display and below it is a numpad. A VGA camera with LED flash resides on the backside of the phone.

• Read More: Nokia 9 PureView with penta-lens setup launched: Specifications, features and price

The handset is loaded with S30 software that comes with support for Mobile Store for downloading apps. It is loaded with apps such as Opera Mini Browser, Facebook and Classic Snake game. It carries a price tag of $35 and its sales is expected to begin next month.

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Qualcomm, a major chipset maker for smartphones, has designed a new SoC for entry-level devices. According to reports from a famous tipster, Qualcomm is currently working on a new chipset which could make its way to new Android Go devices. The new chip is set to part ways from its Snapdragon lineup and will be marketed as the Qualcomm Mobile 215 Platform.

It seems to host the same base as like of the low-end Snapdragon chipsets attached with Quad core CPU arrangement. Internally, it will carry quad-core CPU clocked at 1.3 gigahertz and a GPU at 650 megahertz. It matches the architecture of the already present Snapdragon 410 and 425 chipsets. Moreover, it’s not clear whether the Qualcomm will build it using the 28 nm process or something else. Further, the source has not revealed any more details about the upcoming low-level QM215 chipset.

Qualcomm is testing some reference designs coupled with 1GB or 2GB LPDDR3 RAM and 8/16 GB storage. Huawei is testing the new chipset with a 720P+ display and fingerprint reader for its new device.

In detail, it seems that the new chipset is mainly designed for Android Go devices. These energy efficient chipsets can be a perfect match for the low-end devices. It will allow Android Go devices to be more energy efficient and more affordable. If things are right, the QM215 will feature in ultra-low-cost smartphones. These kinds of chipsets can better compete in the developing markets like India, South America, and a few other nations.

• Read More: TSMC to commence mass production of Qualcomm’s 7nm Snapdragon 855 chipset soon

Although Qualcomm has not confirmed the existence of QM215. We expect to hear something from the company about it in the upcoming few weeks.

(Source)

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Xiaomi took the wraps off its first Android Go smartphone today which it named Redmi Go. The phone is expected to be available in Europe and also launch in other markets.

The Redmi Go has a 5-inch 1280 x 720 display and is powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor said to be the Snapdragon 425. Like other Android Go phones, it has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. There are reports of a version with 16GB of storage but we haven’t seen evidence of that yet. Nevertheless, a MicroSD card slot will let you add extra storage.

The phone has an 8MP rear camera with an LED flash and a 5MP front-facing camera. It runs Android Oreo (Go Edition) and packs a 3,000mAh battery. Other specs not mentioned in the official announcement include dual SIM support, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a MicroUSB port for charging and data transfer.

READ MORE: Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 7 protective case now on sale for 29 Yuan ($4)

The Redmi Go is said to be priced at €80 and will go on sale in February though there is no specific date yet. It is also expected to launch in The Philippines and some other countries.

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The Redmi Go is Xiaomi‘s first Android Go smartphone which is expected to launch very soon. Last week, specs and an official render surfaced online. Xiaomi Philippines also teased the device’s arrival. More details have surfaced about the phone and its availability outside Asia.

A post from Winfuture.de has revealed that the Redmi Go will be available “right from the very beginning” in Europe which is around February. This means there wouldn’t be a gap between its launch in Asia and in Europe.

The post also says the Redmi Go sold in Europe will have support for LTE band 20. This isn’t new info as the official spec sheet already revealed the supported LTE bands and the above band was listed among.

With respect to price, the Redmi Go will have its price tag under €80 (~$90/¥616). That is significantly lesser than the Nokia 2.1 which is currently priced between €110 and €120. However, the Nokia 2.1 packs a larger screen, bigger battery capacity, and stereo front-facing speakers.

The Redmi Go will pack a 5-inch HD display, Qualcomm’s 28nm Snapdragon 425 processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage. It will have an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front-facing camera, and a 3,000mAh battery. Pre-installed on the phone is Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition).

READ MORE: Xiaomi’s latest stunt sees the Redmi Note 7 being used as a chopping board

Winfuture have also provided more renders of the phone (above) which will come in Black and Blue. It will have an audio jack at the top while a MicroUSB port and speaker grille are at the bottom. The Redmi Go will have two slots on the left – one for the dual SIMs and another for the MicroSD card. The images also show the phone will come with Xiaomi’s lightweight browser, Mint Browser, along with Google Chrome.

(Source)

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The Nokia 2 should be an Android Go phone based on its specs. It has 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and a Snapdragon 212 processor. However, the phone launched with Android Nougat and isn’t even on the list of devices that will get the Android Pie update. That shouldn’t be surprising since it has not even been updated to Android Oreo. HMD Global has confirmed it will update it to Oreo but it will come at a cost.

Like we said above, the Nokia 2’s entry-level specs is better suited for Android Go but it already launched with regular Android and it isn’t possible to “downgrade it” according to Nokia’s chief product officer, Juho Sarvikas. Those specs will run regular Android Oreo but not well enough as the requirements are more than Nougat.

…we’ve done extensive work together with Google & Qualcomm to enable Android Oreo for Nokia 2. Given that Oreo requires more from the system than Nougat, there is a trade off on snappiness of the experience. …

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) January 25, 2019

… This is why we give consumers 2 options: 1) Stay on Nougat with slightly better UI performance or then 2) upgrade to Oreo with latest features. We will enable option 2 shortly via a web page.

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) January 25, 2019

Mr. Sarvikas says nevertheless, they have worked with Google and Qualcomm on making Android Oreo available for the phone. However, the extra system power required by Oreo will affect the phone’s performance since its specs are entry-level.

So users will have to choose between remaining on Nougat where performance is great or updating to Oreo when it is available which will bring new features but be less snappy. The Oreo update will be available shortly according to Mr. Sarvikas.

READ MORE: Nokia 3.1 Plus running Android Pie appears on Geekbench, update may arrive soon

This new development comes more than a year since HMD Global promised it would release Android 8.1 Oreo with Android Go memory management features for the Nokia 2. There is also no clarification if the update is Android 8.0 Oreo or 8.1 Oreo.

(Source, Via)

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HMD Global has two Android Go phones at the moment. The first is the Nokia 1 which was released in February last year and then there is the Nokia 2.1. A new leak has revealed the Nokia 1 will be getting a successor which will launch as the Nokia 1 Plus and there is a chance it may be announced at MWC 2019.

The Nokia 1 Plus leak includes its specs and a render showing the front of the device. The source of the leak is TigerMobiles and they claim it is from a reliable insider.

The Nokia 1 Plus will have 1GB of RAM. The storage capacity isn’t stated but we don’t expect anything other than 8GB with a MicroSD card slot for expansion. The processor is still from MediaTek but it’s now an MT6739WW – a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU with a PowerVR GE8100 GPU.

The display size is also not stated but the resolution is given as 480 x 960 which translates into an 18:9 aspect ratio. Its predecessor, the Nokia 1 has a 4.5-inch 480 x 854 16:9 display. There is also no info of the phone’s cameras and battery specs.

The Nokia 1 Plus will run Android Pie out of the box. HMD Global already revealed the Nokia 1 will get updated to Android Pie too but that is until early Q2 2019.

TigerMobiles say the Nokia 1 Plus will retain the connectivity features of the Nokia 1 including Dual-Sim support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a MicroUSB port.

With respect to design, the render shows the Nokia 1 Plus still has pretty thick bezels even though its display has an 18:9 aspect ratio. The top bezel is home to the front camera and earpiece and there is a Nokia logo on the right corner. The chin is bare.

Unfortunately, there is no photo of the rear. The Nokia 1 launched with a removable battery and Xpress-On covers. The latter lets you change the phone’s rear cover to a different one to give the device a new look. We don’t know if HMD Global will keep that design or ditch it for a non-removable back.

READ MORE: Nokia 5 (2017) gets Android Pie update

HMD Global has already confirmed it will attend MWC 2019 and will announce a bunch of new phones. The Nokia 1 Plus is likely to be among the phones to be unveiled.

(Source, Via)

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If you have been waiting for Xiaomi’s own Android Go phone, then you are in luck as it seems a launch is happening very soon. The phone already got certified in a number of markets and now it appears it is ready to launch with The Philippines being the first market to get it.

The official Facebook account for Xiaomi Philippines shared a post a few hours ago teasing the launch of a new phone. The post also has the hashtag #GoSmartDoMore.

Philippino blog Revu.com.ph got a tip that the phone is already listed on online store Lazada and the listing includes a poster with the full specs of the Redmi Go. The poster also has the tag line Go Smart, Do More which means it is the same device teased by Xiaomi on Facebook.

The Redmi Go can be said to be a redesigned Redmi 4A/Redmi 5A with a few changes and of course less RAM and storage. We are glad it doesn’t have the rear-facing speaker of both phones.

It has a 5.0-inch 1280 x 720 display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 380 nits of brightness. There is a Snapdragon 425 processor under the hood and it is paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. A dedicated MicroSD card slot will allow you to add up to 128GB of extra storage.

The Redmi Go has an 8MP f/2.0 camera with HDR and an LED flash on its back. The camera is positioned at the top left corner of the phone. It also has a 5MP f/2.2 front-facing camera.

There is Bluetooth 4.1, single band Wi-Fi, a MicroUSB port, and dual-SIM support. It also has support for 4G LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, and 28. Availability of these bands including dual VoLTE and dual 4G will vary between markets.

READ MORE: Redmi Note 7 sold out in 2 minutes and 50 seconds in its third flash sale in China

The Redmi Go packs a 3,000mAh battery and will come with a 5V/1A charger in the box. Unfortunately, it runs Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition) and not the latest Android 9 Pie (Go Edition). It will be available in black and blue when it launches.

There is no info on price yet. The one on Lazada is just a placeholder until the phone launches.

(Source, Via)

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Redmi recently launched the Redmi Note 7 budget smartphone — the company’s first device after it split from its parent company Xiaomi to work independently. The company is reportedly planning to launch two other smartphones — Redmi Note 7 Pro and Redmi Go.

The Redmi Go is expected to be the company’s first Android Go-powered smartphone. A Redmi smartphone with mode number M1903C3GG has received NBTC certification in Thailand, which confirms that the smartphone will indeed carry the Redmi Go moniker. This also indicates that the phone’s launch is not far away.

However, apart from the smartphone’s marketing name, the NBTC certification does not reveal anything related to the upcoming smartphone. The Android Go Edition smartphone had previously been certified by the EEC, IMDA, SIRIM certification agencies in Malaysia, and was also spotted on the FCC website last month.

According to the previous leaks, the smartphone could come with a 5.9-inch HD+ display with 18:9 aspect ratio. It could pack just 1GB RAM and 16GB internal storage with microSD card support. In the camera department, it is said to feature a single camera on the back and a 5MP front-facing snapper.

It will be running Android 9 Pie Go Edition out-of-the-box. For the uninitiated, the Android Go Edition is optimized specifically for entry-level smartphones with limited memory and storage space. It aims to offer better performance and the same security features as the standard Android Pie. Google has also created special apps for Go Edition, including Google Go, Google Assistant Go, Gboard, Files Go, and Maps Go.

Read More: Redmi Note 7 again proves its toughness as it survives when kicked down the stairs and used as a skateboard

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Huawei seems to have a new entry-level smartphone on the way. The phone which has the model number MRD-AL00 was spotted on TENAA’s website. However, there are no specs yet.

The Huawei MRD-AL00 is a pretty entry-level device going by its design and if we had to take a guess, we would say this is another Android Go phone. It has an 18:9 display with a single camera positioned in the middle of the top bezel while the chin is home to the manufacturer’s name.

On the back, the Huawei MRD-AL00 also has a single rear camera. The sensor is positioned on the left of the phone and has an LED flash below it. There is also Huawei’s branding at the bottom. The phone has its volume and power buttons on the right and a 3.5mm audio jack at the top.

READ MORE: DxOMark is currently testing the Huawei Mate 20 Pro; expect a crazy score soon!

TENAA should release the full specs soon but as we said, this might be another Android Go phone from Huawei. It already has two – the Huawei Y3 (2018) which was released last May and the Huawei Y5 lite (2018) released in December. However, both run Android Oreo Go Edition. Hopefully, this new one comes with the new Android Pie (Go Edition).

(Source, Via)

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Huawei has introduced the all new Huawei Y5 Lite smartphone. Since it is an Android Go device, the handset is packed with entry-level specifications. The Y5 Lite has gone official in Pakistan. In the near future, the handset is expected to be made available in wider markets.

Huawei Y5 Lite Specifications and Features

The Huawei Y5 Lite measures 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3mm and it weighs 142 grams. It is fitted with a 5.45-inch IPS LCD FullView display. The notch-less screen offers an aspect ratio of 18:9 and HD+ resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.

The MediaTek MT6739 chipset powers the smartphone along with 1 GB of RAM. The native storage of the smartphone is 16 GB. For extra storage, there is a dedicated microSD card slot on the device. The handset draws power from 3,020mAh battery.

The Huawei Y5 Lite runs on Android Go edition of Android 8.1 Oreo OS. The handset can automatically adjust the phone call volume so that users can have clear listening experience even in noisy environments.

The Huawei Y5 Lite has a rear camera of 8-megapixel with f/2.0 aperture. The rear snapper carries support for autofocus and LED flash. Sitting at the front is a 5-megapixel selfie shooter with f/2.2 aperture. There is a single-tone LED flash on the front that assists the front-facing camera to capture brighter shots.

The other features that are available on the Huawei Y5 Lite include dual-SIM support, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, microUSB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio jack. In terms of specs, the handset resembles the Huawei Y5 Prime 2018 that has dual rear cameras and 2 GB of RAM as the only major differing features.

• Read More: Huawei join Samsung, Alphabet in top 5 R&D investors for 2018

Huawei Y5 Lite Price and Availability

The Huawei Y5 Lite has arrived in Pakistan with a price tag of PKR 16,500 (~$117). It can be purchased in Blue or Black colors. There is no confirmation on the other markets that will be receiving the Huawei Y5 Lite.

(via)

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Android Go is a light version of Android that has been designed to work on devices with 1GB or less of RAM. The operating system has specially designed apps that consume less data and resources. A number of manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, ASUS, and Alcatel have all released Android Go phones and a new report may mean Xiaomi is joining the list soon.

A Xiaomi phone with the model number M1903C3GG was seen on Singapore’s Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA). The same device was seen at the FCC and the EEC but it’s Singapore’s agency that reveals the phone’s marketing name is Redmi Go.

The name Redmi Go has led to assumptions that this will be Xiaomi’s first Android Go phone. The dimensions of the device revealed by the FCC hints at the Redmi Go having a 5.9-inch screen. Since it is a budget device, we expect the resolution to be at most 1440 x 720 (HD+). It is also said to have dual-SIM support, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. It is also expected to run Android Pie (Go Edition), have 1GB of RAM and a single camera on each side. With respect to the processor, we may see Xiaomi adopt a MediaTek or Qualcomm entry-level chipset.

The Redmi Go may be an Android Go phone but it may not run stock Android like other Android Go phones. Samsung’s Android Go phone, the Galaxy J4 Core has Samsung’s Experience UI on top, so Xiaomi may also decide to put MIUI on top. This is just speculation but it will be interesting to see if Xiaomi can pull off a low-resource version of MIUI.

READ MORE: Xiaomi’s secret product is the Mi Bluetooth Karaoke Headphones Forbidden City Edition

The Redmi Go is bound to be cheap with a price tag less than $100. Xiaomi already has phones that run regular Android with better specs than those listed above that sell for under $100, so we expect the Redmi Go to even sell for less.

Are you excited about Xiaomi’s Android Go phone? How much do you think it should sell for?

(Source)

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The Galaxy J2 Core is the first Samsung phone on the Android Go platform. Unlike other Android Go phones, the J2 Core runs Samsung’s Experience UI instead of stock Android. A new leak has revealed that Samsung will launch a second Android Go Phone called the Galaxy J4 Core and it has been spotted on a Brazillian online store ahead of its official release.

The Galaxy J4 Core (SM-J410G) has a much bigger screen than the J2 Core, as it adds an extra inch to its size. The 6.0” screen is an infinity display with an unusual 1480 x 720 resolution, it is not HD+ (1520 x 720) but it is higher than HD and better than the J2 Core’s 960 x 54 resolution.

The processor is a 1.4GHz quad-core chipset, so it’s probably the same Exynos 7570 inside the J2 Core. There is 1GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage (256GB max.). An 8MP f/2.2 camera is on the rear and a 5MP camera is in front for selfies. The Galaxy J4 Core has camera modes like panorama, pro mode, timelapse and even AR Emoji according to the online store.

READ MORE: Latest Samsung W2019 poster confirms November 9 launch, reveals color variants

The phone has dual-SIM support, Bluetooth 4.2, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 4G, and an FM radio. It packs a 3,300mAh battery and has a MicroUSB port. Even though Google already announced Android Pie (Go Edition), the Galaxy J4 Core runs Android Oreo (Go Edition).

When it launches, it will be available in blue, copper and black.

(Source, via)

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After launching the Spark Go smartphone last week, Micromax has now launched two new Android Go smartphones in India — Micromax Bharat 4 Diwali Edition and Micromax Bharat 5 Infinity Edition.

The Bharat 5 Infinity Edition is already available for purchase through offline stores, while the Bharat 4 Diwali Edition will be available from November 3rd. The Micromax Bharat 5 Infinity Edition is priced at Rs. 5,899 (~$80) while the Bharat 4 Diwali Edition costs Rs. 4,249 (~$57).

If you are unaware, Android Oreo (Go Edition) is a trimmed down version of Android Oreo which is aimed at low-cost smartphones. It comes with a rebuilt set of Google apps that uses less memory, storage space, and mobile data and features the entire catalogue of Google apps specifically designed for entry-level users.

The Micromax Bharat 5 Infinity Edition features a 5-inch 18:9 display and comes with 1GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The company has not specified which chipset is powering the phone.

It comes with a 5MP camera on the back with an LED flash and a 5MP front-facing camera that too has an LED flash. It supports Face Unlock feature and also comes with a fingerprint sensor. Connectivity options on the device include Dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. It runs on Android 8.1 Oreo Go Edition operating system and is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery.

On the other hand, the Micromax Bharat 4 Diwali Edition features a 5-inch HD display with 2.5D curved glass and 1280 x 720 pixels screen resolution. It packs 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage with support for expandable storage of up to 32GB.

Read More: Nubia Red Magic gaming smartphone to launch in India next month for under Rs. 30,000 (approx. $409)

It comes equipped with a 5MP rear camera with an LED flash and a 2MP front-facing snapper with an LED flash. As for connectivity options, it comes with 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and 3.5mm audio jack. Running on Android Oreo (Go Edition), the phone is powered by a 2,000mAh battery.

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In May, Micromax had launched the Bharat Go Android Go smartphone with a price tag of Rs. 4,399. Today, the Indian smartphone brand has launched another Android Go phone called Spark Go. The 4G VoLTE enabled smartphone has been introduced with an attractive price tag of Rs. 3,999 (~$55).

Micromax Spark Go Specifications and Features

The Spark Go features a polycarbonate body that measures 145 x 72.8 x 9.7mm. It houses a 5-inch screen that supports a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. The modest Spreadtrum SC9832E chipset powers the phone along with 1 GB of RAM. It has an inbuilt storage of 8 GB. The phone also features a microSD card slot.

The Android Oreo (Go edition) OS is available preinstalled on the phone. The rear-mounted 5-megapixel camera is equipped with features like LED flash, 2x digital zoom, full HD video recording at 30 fps. It has a front-facing camera of 2-megapixel. The handset is backed by a 2,000mAh battery and it includes usual connectivity features like 4G VoLTE, dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, v4.0 Bluetooth, GPS, microUSB and 3.5mm audio jack.

• Read More: Xiaomi expected to break 100 million shipments in 2018, two months ahead of schedule

Micromax Spark Go Pricing and Release Date

The Micromax Spark Go smartphone will be exclusively available for purchase from Oct. 26. Even though the company has confirmed Rs. 3,999 (~$55) for Spark Go, the handset is already available on the retailer site with a lower price tag of Rs. 3,499 (~$48). The handset can be bought in color choices like Silver and Rose.

Spark Go buyers can avail 25 GB of extra 4G data. Additional 5G data benefits can be availed by performing five recharges of Rs. 198 or Rs. 299. Flipkart is also providing no cost EMI offer for the buyers of Spark Go.

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iVoomi has today launched its new entry-level smartphone in the Indian market — iVoomi iPro. The phone, which is a part of Android Go program, is claimed to have shatterproof glass protection.

The phone is priced at Rs. 3,999, which roughly converts to $56. It’ll be available for purchase exclusively through Flipkart in three color options — Platinum Gold, Indie Blue, and Matte Red. The company has also partnered with Reliance Jio for the ‘Jio Football Offer’ which provides additional cashback on the prepaid pack.

The phone features a 4.95-inch FWVGA+ FullView display with screen resolution of 960 x 480 pixels and an 18:9 aspect ratio. The display panel is protected by a glass panel that the company claims as shatterproof.

Under the hood, there’s 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737 SoC powering the device, coupled with 1GB of RAM. It packs 8GB of onboard storage that is expandable up to 128GB using a microSD card.

It comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera sensor with an LED flash and a 5-megapixel front-facing snapper for taking selfies. The front camera also supports the Face Unlock feature. The camera comes with the support for various features, such as Time-Lapse and AR Emoji.

Connectivity options on the device include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS/A-GPS, Micro-USB along with USB OTG support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. As said, the iVoomi iPro is a part of Google’s Android Go programme, and thus it runs Android Oreo (Go Edition) operating system out-of-the-box and is powered by a 2,000mAh battery.

Read More: iVoomi FitMe Fitness Band With Pollution Tracking Launched In India For Rs 1,999 (approximately  $30)

iVoomi recently launched the first smartphone under its new Innelo sub-brand, dubbed as Innelo 1, which is exclusively available for purchase in India through Amazon.

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French smartphone manufacturer, Archos, has released a new smartphone. The new phone is the Access 57 and it comes with Android Oreo (Go Edition).

Like other Android Go phones, the Access 57 packs entry-level specs but Archos decided to include an 18:9 display like you will find on other Android phones. The phone’s display is 5.7-inches but the resolution is just 960 x 480.

The Access 57 is powered by a Spreadtrum SC9832E processor clocked at 1.4GHz and paired with 1GB of RAM. There are two variants available – one with 16GB of storage which also supports 4G LTE networks and a 3G-only 8GB version. Both support storage expansion (64GB max.).

There is an 8MP camera on the back of the device and a 2MP front-facing camera for selfies. It lacks a fingerprint scanner which shouldn’t be a surprise. The phone comes pre-loaded with Google’s Android Go apps (YouTube, Maps, Gmail) and also comes with Drive, Play Music, Photos, and Duo. Archos includes its own Archos Videos and Files apps.

READ MORE: Samsung Galaxy J2 Core is the company’s first Android Go smartphone

For connectivity, there is dual SIM support, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, a MicroUSB port and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has an FM radio. Sadly, it doesn’t support USB OTG and lacks a compass and a gyroscope. A 2,400mah battery powers the device. It is small but seeing as the screen has a low resolution, it should suffice for a day.

The Archos Access 57 comes in Blue and is priced at €79.99. It is expected to go on sale in October.

(Via)

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Samsung has announced a new budget smartphone — Samsung Galaxy J2 Core, which is the company’s first device under Google‘s Android Go program. The phone is now available for purchase in India and Malaysia and the company says that it’ll soon be available in other markets.

Being a part of Android Go, the smartphone comes with a stripped-down version of the Android operating system. It runs on Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition) but with the company’s own layer of Samsung UI on top.

At this time, it’s not confirmed what applications come pre-loaded on the phone. To ensure that the performance of its apps is smooth on Android Go devices, Google has developed lightweight versions of its core apps, which includes Google Go, Assistant Go, YouTube Go, Gboard, Chrome, Maps Go, Files Go, Gmail Go, and Google Play.

The phone features a 5-inch qHD LCD display with screen resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. It is powered by the company’s own Exynos 7570 quad-core 14nm processor clocked at 1.4GHz along with Mali-T720 MP1 graphics processor.

It comes with 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage, just like Nokia 1 — another Android Go edition phone. It features an 8-megapixel rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and a 5-megapixel front-facing snapper with f/2.2 aperture. Connectivity options on the phone include Dual SIM cards, 4G VoLTE, GPS, and FM radio. The phone is fuelled by a 2,600mAh battery that is rated to last entire day on a single charge.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 officially launched in India, price starts at Rs. 67,900 ($972)

The Samsung Galaxy J2 Core will be available in only one color option — Golden. While the phone is now available for purchase in India and Malaysia, Samsung has not yet revealed the phone’s pricing.

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Lenovo is one of the top manufacturers still making Android tablets. Today, the Chinese manufacturer announced five new ones with sizes between 7 and 10-inches and pricing starting at $69.99.

Lenovo Tab E7

The Lenovo Tab E7 is the first Android Go tablet in the market, proving that Google’s Android OS for devices with 1GB RAM or less isn’t for phones only. The tablet has a 7-inch display as the name says with a 1200 x 600 resolution. It is powered by a MediaTek MT8167 (4 x Cortex A35 cores) with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage.

Don’t expect anything great with the 2MP rear camera and the VGA front camera. A 2750mAh battery is under the polycarbonate body which Lenovo says should suffice for 5 hours of video playback.

The Lenovo Tab E7 will be exclusive to Walmart and will sell for $69.99 when it goes on sale in October.

Lenovo Tab E8

The Tab E8 is next in terms of pricing. It has an 8-inch 1280 x 800 display, an MT8163B quad-core chipset with an ARM Mali-T720 GPU. It also has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage, expandable via a MicroSD card slot.

It packs a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. Surprisingly, it runs Android Nougat and not Android Oreo. It also has a 4850mAh battery for up to 10 hours of movie watching.

The Lenovo Tab E8 will sell for $99 and can be purchased on Walmart starting today.

Lenovo Tab E10

The Lenovo Tab E10 has a 10-inch 1280 x 800 display. It comes with the four years old Snapdragon 210 processor and it is paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of expandable storage.

It also has a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera like the E8 but adds stereo front-facing speakers with Dolby Atmos. The Lenovo Tab E10 has a 4850mAh battery and also runs Android Oreo (Go Edition). It will sell for about $130 when it goes on sale in October.

Lenovo Tab M10

The Tab M10 has a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1080 screen. It has a Snapdragon 450 processor just like that of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 and has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage.

There are stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and battery is also 4850mAh. Cameras are the same configuration as the E10 (5MP on the rear and 2MP in front). Thankfully, it runs the full version of Android Oreo.

Lenovo Tab P10

Last but not the least is the Lenovo Tab P10 also packs a 10.1-inch screen but with a 1920 x 1200 resolution and slimmer bezels. It is powered by the Snapdragon 450 also but comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

READ MORE: Lenovo is preparing its most powerful Yoga 2-in-1 for IFA 2018

It takes the M10’s dual speakers and doubles it to four (all front-facing) so binging on your favorite series should be fun. Lenovo also throws in a fingerprint scanner and bumps the battery to 7,000mAh. Even with the bigger battery, the P10 weighs less than the M10. The Lenovo P10 has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera and runs Android Oreo.

Lenovo has not announced a price and release date for the M10 and P10 tablets.

(Via)

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Samsung will most likely soon officially announce its first Android Go device, the Galaxy J2 Core. The device has been in the news for a while with live photos appearing online and revealing it will have Samsung’s Experience UI and not stock Android. Its user manual was also seen online last week. Now an official render has surfaced which reveals all the possible color variants the phone will come in.

Based on the image, the Galaxy J2 Core will come in black, gold, pale blue, deep blue, and violet. The phone will have a single rear camera with an LED flash below it. There is also a slit on the side which is probably an outlet for the speaker.

The leaked manual revealed the Galaxy J2 Core will have a removable back cover and a removable battery too. It will also have support for two SIM cards and a MicroSD card. A Geekbench listing from a couple of months ago also revealed the phone will have 1GB of RAM and be powered by the Exynos 7570 processor.

READ MORE: Android 9 Pie (Go Edition) announced, arrives this fall

There are a bunch of Android Go devices already available in the market from big and small name manufacturers but this will be Samsung’s first. We believe it should launch first in markets in Asia and Africa.

(Source, Via)

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Smartphones of 2018 are powerful enough to manage daily tasks without major hiccups, even the ones that are cheap. But with all the bloatware that every manufacturer add to their smartphones, you might miss out on a smoother UI experience especially on phones that are cheaper than $100. This is where Google’s Android GO comes to the rescue of such cheap smartphones. Android Go is built from scratch to ensure that low-end smartphones, even ones with only as much as 512 MB of RAM can run applications without  lag, making for a smooth user experience. This is probably why Ulefone decided to go with the Android Go platform for its latest budget smartphone, the Ulefone S1. Now, the company has shown us a first basic hands on of the S1 model on their youtube channel.

The video shows the Ulefone S1 going through basic tasks like browsing instagram, checking mails or adding events on Google assistant. Note that many of these are special Go editions of the regular apps like Google Go, Assistant Go, and even Gmail Go. These apps are stripped down versions of regular apps that feature only the essential features required for your everyday usage. So some features are missing from these editions. But in return, your Android experience is smooth and lag free, even on a smartphone with just 1GB of RAM on board.

The Ulefone S1 comes with MT6580 inside with 1GB RAM and 8GB of storage. On the camera department, it even hosts a dual camera on the back with 8MP/5MP combo as well as a 5MP selfie shooter. In the terms of battery, the S1 features a 3000mAh capacity battery that should give the device an excellent battery performance.

Note that starting from August 20th till 28th, the Ulefone S1 will be on available for just $9.9 every day at exactly 3:00 PM GMT+8 on Aliexpress. Of course, there are only limited units available at this price, so tune your watches and be quick! If you miss the $9.9 offer, don’t worry because during the same period the price will be just $49.99. Check all the activity details on the company’s official website.

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Samsung has an Android Go phone in development and it is expected to launch as the Galaxy J2 Core. Unlike other Android Oreo (Go Edition) phones that run a clean version of the OS, the Galaxy J2 Core runs Samsung’s Experience UI.

Samsung has not yet announced a date for the release of the phone and we don’t expect it to since this is an entry level. The phone’s user manual has surfaced seen online ahead of whatever time Samsung decides to release it.

The user manual reveals the Galaxy J2 Core will have a removable back plate and a removable battery. It will have support for two SIM cards and also has support for storage expansion. Other features mentioned are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE. There is also a MicroUSB port for charging.

READ MORE: Samsung patents self-repairing oleophobic coating for phones

The Galaxy J2 Core is an entry-level phone so it skips the features and design of Samsung’s more expensive phones. It has huge bezels, is missing a fingerprint scanner and iris scanner, and has a single camera on both sides.

The Galaxy J2 Core should launch soon and will probably be priced under €100 or $100.

(Source, Via)

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Back in May, ASUS launched the Zenfone Live (L1) in Indonesia. The phone comes in two variants – an Android Go edition and a regular Android version. Yesterday, ASUS launched the Android Go edition in the US.

The Zenfone Live (L1) Android Go Edition has a 5.5-inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and a 1440 x 720 resolution. It is powered by a Snapdragon 425 processor paired with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. There is a MicroSD card slot that allows users add up to an extra 2TB of storage.

The phone has an 8MP camera with a 5-element lens and 0.3-second PDAF. The front camera is a 5MP sensor and has support for Face Unlock. That should come in handy since the phone is missing a fingerprint scanner.

The Zenfone Live (L1) Android Go Edition has dual-SIM support and both slots support 4G LTE. However, ASUS says only one slot can connect to 3G WCDMA or 4G LTE at a time. The phone also packs a 3000mAh battery, has a MicroUSB port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has an FM radio.

READ MORE: ASUS Zenfone 5Z update brings tons of camera features including RAW support

The Zenfone Live (L1) Android Go Edition is already available for purchase on Best Buy for $109.99. Available color is Midnight Black.

(Via)

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We are very close to the launch of Samsung’s first smartphone with Android Go installed. After appearing in several leaks and getting some certifications, the handset has just been certified by Bluetooth SIG, a clear sign that its launch is imminent. Unfortunately, the phone is not identified by its real name on Bluetooth SIG’s listing, but we can see its model numbers which are similar to the ones previously leaked for the Android Go device. The model numbers appeared at Bluetooth SIG are SM-J260F, SM-J260M, SM-J260Y, SM-J260F_DS, SM-J260G_DS, SM-J260M_DS, and SM-J260Y_DS.

The model numbers refer to different variants which will be launched in different countries including the ones in South America, Asia, and Europe. The “DS” variant are the ones with a dual SIM slot. According to Bluetooth SIG, Samsung’s Android Go device supports the Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, but unfortunately, no other details have been revealed about its specs sheet. Previous rumors and leaks have revealed that this cheap device will come with a 5-inch display sporting the AMOLED technology and an above-HD resolution, as well as a classic 16:9 aspect ratio. Under the hood, it is expected to have a quad-core Samsung Exynos 7570 chipset with a max frequency of 1.4 GHz.

Android Go will be based on Android 8.1 Oreo and despite being an enlightened version of the operating system it should still include Samsung Experience UI, or at least this is what the latest leaks suggested. It should be launched as the Galaxy J2 Core Android Go Edition, but there is no official confirmation about its name and neither about its official announcement date. According to rumors, it will be announced alongside the Galaxy Note 9 in the first half of August. Given that it will have Android Go on board, expect it to be sold at a very affordable price tag.

(Source)

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