Android One moniker brings the stock OS experience, which was first introduced in Google’s Nexus line of smartphones, to devices from other brands such as Nokia, Motorola, Xiaomi and Infinix. Stock Android experience is minimalistic, bloatware-free and comes with the promise of OS updates for at least two years after the release of a device — giving you a seamless experience with the most useful Google apps.
Alongwith the promised two years of OS updates, Android One devices also get monthly security updates much before their non-Android One counterparts. The OS feels and works better than running a skin over Android and has several useful customisation options.
The most important thing about Android One is that it optimises Google apps so that they work in sync with the device. Apps like Assistant, Photos and Google Lens, among others, work even better on Android One devices. Users also get free high-quality cloud storage on Google Photos.
Google Play Protect is also well-integrated into the OS, which plays an important role in protecting the device from malicious apps as well as houses features such as Find My Device, which is a useful tool to find a lost Android smartphone. Though, it’s recommended to download a premium anti-virus software that can protect your device in real-time since Play Protect doesn’t seem all that foolproof.
Also read: Should you buy an old flagship or a budget Android?
Why should you buy an Android One smartphone?
Android One-powered smartphones offer a simplified and lightweight OS to work around, which works relatively smoother since it’s designed by Google. Apart from a few Google apps that you might not use (and have the option to avoid installing), there is no bloatware on the phone, which really helps in enhancing the overall user experience.
In addition to that, you get monthly security updates — an important factor considering the multitudes of exploits found for Android — and a promise of having the latest OS with two more upgrades over the next two years. New OS might help you stick to the same device for longer as new features will make their way to your hands and you’ll have something new to play with every year. Your device stays fresh for longer, which might curb your desire for a new purchase.
You won’t even have to deal with a buggy skin on top of Android OS from different manufacturers, but a seamless interface designed to make things easier for the user. In simpler terms, Android One-powered smartphones offer a better UI and arguably a better UX too — weeding out any unnecessary quirks found on proprietary skins running on top of the stock Android.
Also read: What to do if you drop your phone in the water? Here are 4 ways to dry it
List of Android One smartphones
Currently, a total of 15 smartphones carry the Android One moniker and are listed brand-wise as follows.
Motorola
- Motorola One Power
- Motorola One Vision
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi Mi A1
- Xiaomi Mi A2
Infinix
- Infinix Note 5
Nokia
- Nokia 3.1
- Nokia 3.2
- Nokia 4.2
- Nokia 5.1
- Nokia 6
- Nokia 7.1
- Nokia 7 Plus
- Nokia 8 Sirocco
- Nokia 8.1
- Nokia 9 PureView
Also read: What is Adware? 5 ways it harms your device and 8 ways to tackle it
