If an entry on benchmarking website Geekbench is to be believed, Samsung could be gearing up to release its first ever entry-level Android Go handset.
The currently unannounced device goes by the model number SM-J260G, and comes with a quad-core Exynos 7570 processor and 1GB of RAM. These meager specs put the device well within the usual range for an Android Go-equipped smartphone. The motherboard number is also mentioned as being “universal7570_go” — further adding to the speculation.
The operating system is listed as the latest version of Android Oreo — Android 8.1 Oreo. Since we have yet to even get a hint of Android 8.1 Oreo on Samsung’s top-end flagships, it seems a safe bet that this phone will be equipped with the stock, low-demand version of Android.
The bets are out on the name of this device, and judging by the model number and Samsung’s past behavior, our money is definitely on this device being some sort of variant of the Galaxy J-range. The Galaxy J2 Core seems likely, since the Galaxy J-range has been Samsung’s go-to budget model range, and it’s a range that the South Korean tech giant hasn’t been afraid to experiment with in the past. Recently, Samsung released a version of the Galaxy J2 Pro with no internet access, specifically intended for students studying for the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test.
Android Go is Google’s attempt to break into rapidly developing markets dominated by low-spec budget devices. As such, Android Go is a bare-bones version of stock Android that makes much lower demands on system resources — to fit lower-end hardware — and special versions of Google’s G Suite apps, specially optimized for entry-level devices and made to fit on smaller hard drives.
Since it’s a product directly from Google, phones with Android Go tend to benefit from security patches and updates straight from the tech giant — which cuts down heavily on the delays often seen in other, higher-end smartphones that come with manufacturer-altered versions of Android. Thanks to the low demand on system resources and timely updates, Android Go is Google’s best shot at dominating emerging markets in Brazil, India, and other high growth areas.
Editors’ Recommendations
- What is Android? All your questions about the operating system answered
- When is your phone getting Android 8.0 Oreo? We asked every major manufacturer
- Leak reveals list of upcoming Samsung Galaxy devices in 2018
- Check out the best affordable Samsung phones for March 2018
- Sony Xperia XZ2 vs. Google Pixel 2 XL: Newest Sony flagship tackles Android king