Android one value proposition

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OldGeek

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#242311 21-Oct-2018 10:57

I am interested in what Geekzoners think of the program. As I understand it, Google support the OS directly, hardware manufacturers dont get involved but do sell the hardware. As an example the Nokia 6.1 is sold under this program, there is no packaging of additional software from Nokia and Google push OS updates through your network operator. OS maintenance is therefore done direct by Google, rather than Nokia.

Is the above correct? Which handset in this program is the cheapest (I am happy with my Samsung J1 but it is a bit short of storage)? Any significant pros and cons with where Android comes from?

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KiwiTim

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#2112577 23-Oct-2018 08:31

I bought an Android One phone from AliExpress. Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite. They start at NZ$223. 8 cores 2.0Ghz, 3 or 4 GB Ram, 32 or 64GB storage. A great deal. I think Xiaomi is ranked as the 4th largest selling brand of smartphone globally, and ranked no. 1 in India. They open a shop in Auckland next month.

Have a look here https://goo.gl/BsDrih

The Xiaomi Mi A2 has a considerably more powerful cpu and bigger screen. Starts at NZ$304. See here: https://goo.gl/DTNevw

Both are very good value for money. Probably best price is from the Xiaomi Store on AliExpress.

Very happy with Android One. Got a recent update and the phone seemed faster. Both the above phones will upgrade to Android 9

gehenna

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#2112578 23-Oct-2018 08:35

Having used Samsung's Android I can tell you all I ever wanted was a clean OS without bulk. My mate had a Nokia with Android One and it was glorious.

KiwiTim

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#2112581 23-Oct-2018 08:49

Here's an article on Android One Phones: https://www.engadget.com/2018/09/03/android-one-faq-2018/

I am very pleased with my Xiaomi Android One phone. Nice not to have bloatware. My budget was limited, so I chose the Mi A2 Lite, which is perfect for me. The Mi A2 is bigger and does not have an SD card slot, but is quite a bit faster. My phone has updated twice in the last month, so updates are quite frequent. Can't comment on other brands of Android One phones, but it seems to work out very well with Xiaomi.

OldGeek

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#2112589 23-Oct-2018 09:09

KiwiTim:

I bought an Android One phone from AliExpress. Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite. They start at NZ$223. 8 cores 2.0Ghz, 3 or 4 GB Ram, 32 or 64GB storage. A great deal. I think Xiaomi is ranked as the 4th largest selling brand of smartphone globally, and ranked no. 1 in India. They open a shop in Auckland next month.

Have a look here https://goo.gl/BsDrih

The Xiaomi Mi A2 has a considerably more powerful cpu and bigger screen. Starts at NZ$304. See here: https://goo.gl/DTNevw

Both are very good value for money. Probably best price is from the Xiaomi Store on AliExpress.

Very happy with Android One. Got a recent update and the phone seemed faster. Both the above phones will upgrade to Android 9

gehenna:

Having used Samsung's Android I can tell you all I ever wanted was a clean OS without bulk. My mate had a Nokia with Android One and it was glorious.

Thanks for the tips folks. Looking at the Xiaomi Mi 2 range, great price but no NFC.

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amiga500

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#2112676 23-Oct-2018 13:08

I have a Nokia 5 & the standard Google apps work well for me. The one I use the most is Google photos and I love it! For simple editing and cropping of photos it is the most intuitive and fabulous piece of software I have ever used.

hio77

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#2112741 23-Oct-2018 14:00

KiwiTim:

I bought an Android One phone from AliExpress. Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite. They start at NZ$223. 8 cores 2.0Ghz, 3 or 4 GB Ram, 32 or 64GB storage. A great deal. I think Xiaomi is ranked as the 4th largest selling brand of smartphone globally, and ranked no. 1 in India. They open a shop in Auckland next month.

Have a look here https://goo.gl/BsDrih

The Xiaomi Mi A2 has a considerably more powerful cpu and bigger screen. Starts at NZ$304. See here: https://goo.gl/DTNevw

Both are very good value for money. Probably best price is from the Xiaomi Store on AliExpress.

Very happy with Android One. Got a recent update and the phone seemed faster. Both the above phones will upgrade to Android 9

What's the bands and modem though?

seems it's clear for the china model but not the global

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stuartmac

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#2112813 23-Oct-2018 15:39

hio77:

KiwiTim:

I bought an Android One phone from AliExpress. Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite. They start at NZ$223. 8 cores 2.0Ghz, 3 or 4 GB Ram, 32 or 64GB storage. A great deal. I think Xiaomi is ranked as the 4th largest selling brand of smartphone globally, and ranked no. 1 in India. They open a shop in Auckland next month.

Have a look here https://goo.gl/BsDrih

The Xiaomi Mi A2 has a considerably more powerful cpu and bigger screen. Starts at NZ$304. See here: https://goo.gl/DTNevw

Both are very good value for money. Probably best price is from the Xiaomi Store on AliExpress.

Very happy with Android One. Got a recent update and the phone seemed faster. Both the above phones will upgrade to Android 9

What's the bands and modem though?

seems it's clear for the china model but not the global

My experience (a year with a Xiaomi A1) which does not have band 28 is that it is a non-issue. The probability of requiring 4G speed (i.e. 3G not sufficing), not being in the CBD, and not being on Wifi means in practise I have not noticed any disadvantage from my prior NZ-specific phone.

It is certainly not a deal breaker for NZ owners.

KiwiTim

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#2112877 23-Oct-2018 19:48

Regarding bands, mine is working fine in NZ. No problems at all. In fact, the 4G is much better than my previous Vodafone Ultra 7. Reception is hugely better. Much less likely to cut out comparde to the Ultra 7.

YvonneW

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#2120534 5-Nov-2018 20:45

Advice please. Do I go for the Nokia 6.1 or the Nokia 6.1 Plus? My reason for these is partly because of Android One. They look very different from each other and I like both. More concerned about speed, memory and rear camera quality.

I can't decide and can't afford more than $400.

Thanks for any help and I did not mean to hijack the thread!

I know nothing :-)

OldGeek

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#2120910 6-Nov-2018 15:36

An update: I bought a Nokia 5.1 from PBtech. Specs listed by PBtech and Nokia NZ did not mention fingerprint sensor or NFC capability. GSMarena.com listed both. Salesperson confirmed both features present. Fingerprint sensor is visible, NFC capability is not. I got home, installed Google Pay, no NFC (and no NFC option in Connected devices). PBtech agreed to a full refund.

Looking at Parallelimported the Nokia 6.1 has both features listed. I have saved the specs for potential future reference. I am aware of then risks of parallel imported products, but this is an NZ-registered company with several retail outlets around Auckland (but none in Welly). Price was way below PBtech and othes. I have ordered it and expect delivery shortly.

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OldGeek.

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