Xiaomi Mi A1 is a Google Android One phone: everything with unboxing and overview

Xiaomi Mi A1 is the new Google Android One smartphone from the company, but what does it really offer? Is this a new rebooted version of Android One? Here's a look at the top featuresGoogle’s AndroidOne is back with the Xiaomi Mi A1, just in case any one was missing it. The last time India got Android One phones with the promise of pure Android and regular updates was in 2014. Google had then partnered with Micromax, Karbonn and Spic88e Mobiles and set out the basic hardware specifications coupled with the software for those phones. Priced under Rs 7,000, the phones were supposed to offer a clean, stock Android for budget phones users in times when choices were limited.However, Xiaomi Mi A1 is not just an India affair, though this is one of the most important markets for both the Chinese player and Google. The Mi A1 launch is a global one and the phone will be available a707cross markets, including South East Asia, Middle East, even in North (Mexico) and South America. But looking specifically at India, the comparisons with the original Android One phones are bound to take place. After all, the project was first introduced in this very market.

To be fair though, 2017 is not the same as 2014 for the Indian smartphone market. Users are now shifting to a higher price point of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 and phones like Redmi Note 4, etc have done exceptionally well. Then there’s 4G spurt thanks to Reliance Jio’s data wars. Plus specifications on budget phones and the overall experience has also improved for customers.Interestingly Google’s Director for Android Program Jon Gold doesn’t think the new Android One is a reboot, but stresses the company has been going in this direction for a couple of years, just more quietly. “We are looking at Android One more from an experience perspective. Where the device gets regular security updates, OS upgrades, and the experience is close to stock Android,” he explained in an interaction with members of the media. But the Mi A1 has the Xiaomi camera app, not the standard Google camera app, so it is not pure stock Android