Android One

For more than a decade now, much is made about the various iterations of Android. Not so much the specific release number or name, but the general approach to Android. That is to say, a fair amount of people care whether it’s the standard, or “stock”, version that Google releases or if it’s skinned, or otherwise modified.As a platform, Android has gone through numerous changes over the years with some of them being more obvious than others. Further, device makers have done quite a bit with their respective approach to Android, too. Let’s take a look at the different builds of Android. From the vanilla, “Android as Google intended” stuff to the skinned and customized approach that phone makers employ.What is Android?This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s well worth explaining for the purposes of the article. Android is a mobile operating system (like iOS) that is produced by Google and runs on most mobile devices in the world. In fact, Android has the biggest market share, even beating Microsoft’s Windows. What is Stock Android?AOSP vs Consumer AndroidAndroid in itself is an open-source operating system that runs on a modified version of the Linux kernel. Open source means, of course, that anyone can view and modify its source code. This makes Android a collaborative platform that everyone can have a say in. The Android stackThis official collaboration is called the Android Open Source Project, or AOSP. However, AOSP and the consumer version of Android that ultimately ends up on your phone are not the same. The consumer version of Android comes with proprietary or non-free components including device firmware (the stuff that makes it so the operating system can actually play nice with your device hardware) and the Google Mobile Services (GMS). This includes Google Play Services, the Google Play Store, and Google apps such as Chrome and YouTube.Stock AndroidThis basic version with only the firmware and Google Apps constitutes what is commonly referred to as “Stock Android”. In essence it gives you only the basic functionality needed for your device to work within the Google ecosystem. The main benefits of stock Android include a clean UI, with no extra apps. Perhaps more importantly, devices with stock Android receive quicker software updates. Largely, they can get updates pretty much as soon as a new Android version is releasedManufacturer SkinsMany manufacturers make their own customizations on top of Android, producing so-called “skins.” Examples include OnePlus’s OxygenOS, Samsung’s One UI, and Xiaomi’s MIUI. In the past we also had HTC Sense UI and Motorola’s Motoblur.These experiences include a different user interface (UI), bundled apps such as browsers or messaging apps, and some features that you wouldn’t see in stock Android. Depending on your perspective these customizations can sometimes be viewed as bloatware or bloat. All of these extras take up more memory and storage than a stock version of Android would. In the earlier days of Android this would be more of an issue as it taxed the hardware more than the bare bones approach.On top of the OEM touches your wireless carrier might include more apps, services, and customization on the phone. This is about as far as it gets from the stock Android look. Some people may prefer these customizations because they implement far more features. Done right, these are truly valuable touches and tweaks. Stock Android of the PastBeyond the very first generations of Android phones, there have been various iterations of stock Android phones. Notably, there were two defunct versions known as “Google Play Edition phones” and the “Nexus” devices. Here’s a quick breakdown of the two.Google Play Edition (GPE)Google offered Google Play Edition versions of select handsets.Google Play Edition phones were a program that ran for about two years, between 2013 and 2015. These were versions of popular consumer phones that, instead of running the manufacturer’s skin, ran a stock version of Android. Furthermore they were sold by Google through the Google Play Store and received software updates rather quickly.Nexus SeriesGoogle’s Nexus phones were similar to Google Play Edition phones; however, the Nexus phones weren’t simply rebranded versions of existing smartphones. Instead, Nexus phones were developed through a collaboration between Google and mobile manufacturers. These devices were marketed as developer-centric devices as they were unlocked and came with an unlockable bootloader by default. In short, one didn’t have to deal with carrier software or extra OEM apps. Nexus phones also received updates directly from Google and were often first in line to pick up Android beta releases and developer previews.The end of the Nexus line came with the Nexus 5X and 6P, both released in 2015. The Pixel line would pick up the mantle and see a nearly identical approach to software.Motorola and EssentialGoogle announced its intention to purchase Motorola Mobility in 2011 and then sold it to Lenovo a couple of years later. In the interim Google revamped Moto phones and the devices in that era featured an essentially stock version of Android. This software experience continued once ownership moved to Lenovo.Android founder Andy Rubin, who had left the Google team and started his own Essential brand would also lean on stock Android for its PH-1 handset. As he envisioned it, this would be the perfect Android phone.Stock Android of TodayWhere do you find stock Android in 2021? Surprisingly enough, it’s in quite a few places. Considering how the early years of Android saw device makers adding many customizations and enhancements, things have tightened up as of late.Google PixelThe Google Pixel line is the successor of the Nexus phones and represents the ideal hardware experience to run its software. Pixel devices are designed and manufactured by Google, but may their genesis had help from the last remnants of HTC. It’s worth making the distinction that Pixel phones don’t run an explicitly stock Android, but more of an enhanced approach. The UI is essentially untouched, but Pixel phones enjoy features no other Android offer. Consider it more of an early look at things that could come to the general Android experience at a later date.Android OneAndroid One is a spiritual successor to the Google Play Edition phones. Devices under this branding are vetted by Google and run a stock version of Android. The Android One program got started in 2014, and was initially designed as being a reference platform for low-end devices and emerging markets. Think dirt cheap smartphones with lesser-known device makers in countries with very little data infrastructure. Android One has since expanded to target more territories and include mid-range and high-end devices. Android One handsets see software updates fairly soon after a new version is released. More importantly, they also pick up two years of Android updates and up to three years of security updates. Nokia phones, manufactured by HMD Global, are pretty much the face of this program, but it’s not without the occasional hiccup. Motorola is also a fairly big participant in the Android One program as is the increasingly popular Xiaomi brand.Android GoAndroid Go, or as it’s more officially recognized, “Android (Go Edition)”, is a stripped-down version of Android for low-end and budget handsets. Intended for smartphones with 2GB of RAM or less, it was first made available in 2017 with the Oreo release. Android Go platform has optimizations designed to reduce mobile data usage, and includes a suite of Google Mobile Services and apps that require fewer resources and less bandwidth. The interface is largely the same as the standard version of Android, but it does have easier access to quick-settings for features such as battery, mobile-data limit, and storage. More importantly, there are a few modifications such as limiting to four apps in recent applications and disabling access to other settings. This is all in service of squeezing more performance out of the low-end hardware. Most devices running Android Go have the stock Android user interface but it’s not a full requirement. Several manufacturers still employ customizations.‘Almost’ Stock AndroidAs the unlocked phone market continues to evolve and brands emerge in new territories, we’re seeing more device makers taking a relaxed approach to Android. Some phone makers, like Blu, have long designed handsets with a stock-like approach. That is to say things look generally untouched and free of overt customization. Save for the occasional extra settings, these look like Android as Google intends. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean the phones are free of bloatware or pre-installed apps.Other companies who employ a stripped-down Android to various degrees include OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi, Poco, TCL, Alcatel, NUU Mobile, and assorted international brands.

HMD Global has just unveiled their Nokia 5.4 phone coming to Europe. Here is what the phone has to offerInternalsThe Nokia 5.4 packs a Snapdragon 662 backed by either 4 or 6 gigabytes of RAM and 64 or 128 gigabytes of expandable storage.BatteryThe phone has a 4,000mAh battery with Type-C charging, though it’s only 10W. HMD Global claims this device has 2-day battery lifeCameraThe Nokia 5.4 has a total of four cameras with a 48 megapixel main sensor, a 5 megapixel ultra-wide sensor and two 2 megapixel sensors, one being a depth sensor and the other being a macro camera. The front camera is 16 megapixels.FeaturesThe device features a Google Assistant button, a rear fingerprint scanner, and a headphone jack.DesignThe phone looks like a Nokia device, with a nice chin at the bottom for the logo, the fingerprint sensor on the back, and a circular camera module with the flash set to the right of the phone. It sports a 6.39″ HD+ display, and the front camera is set in a punch-hole on the left top side of the screen.The Nokia 5.4 will launch in a Polar Night (blue) color and a purple Dusk color on its polycarbonate body, though Dusk will release later.SoftwareThe Nokia 5.4 launches with Android 10, though it is an Android One device with two years of guaranteed software updates. In addition, HMD Global is guaranteeing three years of security updates.Release and PricingThe Nokia 5.4 in its blue color is launching tomorrow, December 18th in the UK, with the purple color coming in January. It will be priced at €189 for the base model. There is no information about a release in other regions yet.

Sharp, yeah that brand, is back with another Android One smartphone, the S7. Set to arrive in Japan later this year, the phone is among the first to run Android 10.The Sharp S7 features a 5.5-inch (2160 x 1080) display, 12-megapixel rear camera, and 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Under the hood is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage.Other specifications worth highlighting include a microSD expansion card slot and 4,000mAh battery. Interestingly enough, Sharp says the S7 will last one week on a full charge.Realistically this is far from accurate as Sharp measures this with just one hour of usage per day and 23 hours on standby. With that said, we’d anticipate somewhere between 1-2 days.Wrapped in metal, the phone is water resistant and rated against dust and shock. In terms of color options, the handset will sell in Silver, Gray, and Peach. Pricing and exact launch timing will be revealed at a later date.As part of the Android One program, the Sharp S7 is expected to receive at least one major software update (two years) and three years of security patches.

Nokia on Wednesday confirmed that its 7.2 smartphone is available for US consumers. Sold unlocked through online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H, the $350 phone boasts a 48-megapixel triple camera with ZEISS Optics.Initially introduced at IFA in earlier September, the Nokia 7.2 runs Android 9 (Pie) and houses a 6.3-inch display at 1080 x 2280 pixel resolution. The PureDisplay tech delivers an incredibly bright image with wide color reproduction. Moreover, the high dynamic color contrast ratio makes for gorgeous, engaging video in HDR quality.Key hardware specifications include a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor with 4GB RAM. Storage capacity is rather generous at 128GB; a microSD expansion card slot allows for up to 512GB of media, apps, and files.The real draw here is the camera experience as it’s the first Nokia phone to combine a triple camera and PureDisplay. Triple-camera configuration is comprised of a 48, 8 and 5 megapixel sensor and ZEISS Optics.The hardware and software tech inside includes effects like Live Bokeh for portrait pictures with background blur and Night Mode for low-light shots. Around front is a 20-megapixel front-facing camera for high-res selfies.Related HeadlinesWhere can I buy an unlocked phone?The best unlocked phones under $150The best unlocked phones priced $150-$250Like other Nokia phones, the Nokia 7.2 has a dedicated Google Assistant button. What’s more, it’s also an Android One device which means two years of Android upgrades and three years of monthly security updates.You can pre-order the Nokia 7.2 at Amazon for $349 in Charcoal or Cyan Green; it gains a wider release on Best Buy and B&H. The unlocked phone is compatible with Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, and their respective prepaid/MVNO brands.

The Motorola One Zoom is the first Motorola One phone that's not in the Android One program. It's a step in the wrong direction for all parties.

HMD's Nokia 7.2 smartphone is gunning to dethrone the Google Pixel 3a as the mid-range smartphone king. It promises fast delivery of Android updates despite its budget price.

Motorola’s latest phone is called the Motorola One Action, and it wants to end vertical videos once and for all. The unique action camera lets you film in portrait orientation, yet still captures landscape footage.

Nokia on Tuesday introduced its Nokia 2.2 smartphone, an entry-level Android affair with a premium outward design. It’s the first of the brand’s first 2 series handset to be included in the Android One program.Powered by Android One 9.0 Pie, the Nokia phone is Android Q ready. And, because it’s included in the Android One initiative, it will see two years of OS upgrades plus three years of monthly security updates.The Nokia 2.2 has a 5.71-inch display with a small cutout notch display and comes in Tungsten Black and Steel color options. The 13-megapixel rear camera has advanced low-light capabilities that stitch multiple pictures together with AI to create great detail and less noise.A quad-core MediaTek A22 processor runs the show and is paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. Rounding things out, the Nokia 2.2 has a dedicated Google Assistant button which can trigger the feature with a quick press. A long-press lets users go deeper with requests or multiple tasks.In an interesting twist, the Nokia 2.2 allows for owners to express themselves with exchangeable Nokia Xpress-on covers. Using the same nano-texture coating technology, these covers can be changed in seconds and come in Pink Sand, Ice Blue and Forest Green.Nokia 2.2 from HMD GlobalAmazon and Best Buy sell the Nokia 2.2 unlocked for $139 on their websites; Best Buy stores will also offer the phone starting in early August.

The Nokia 4.2 has good battery life, uncluttered Android One software that delivers fast updates, and a design and build that doesn’t match its $189 price tag. But performance throws the phone under the bus.

If Motorola’s mission with the One Vision was to make a dependable, capable smartphone at a price that’s affordable, then it’s definitely mission accomplished. Here’s our full review.

Motorola has a new phone, but unlike its Moto G7 series, the Motorola One Vision comes with a promise of two years of Android version updates, and three years of security updates. That's because it's an Android One phone.The post The Motorola One Vision is a 21:9 Android One phone with a 48-megapixel camera appeared first on Digital Trends.

The Nokia Pureview 9 is a truly unique device from HMD Global with 5 camera sensors to give you some amazing shots. However, with its original price tag of $699, it may have scared a few folks away. Now, the company is giving you a chance to get this great phone from Best Buy at a $100 discount.That puts the Nokia Pureview 9 at a much more palatable $599. So, for those that haven’t heard, what makes the Pureview 9 so unique? It’s the first smartphone with ZEISS five camera array. The camera takes information from all 5 sensors and then presents a 12MP photo with increased depth of field and dynamic range.Oh, and the Pureview 9 is an Android One phone. These certified units are guaranteed to get 3 years of monthly security updates as well as 2 years of full OS versions. Android One also comes with no UI or OS alterations completing a smooth, clean version of Google’s operating system.The remaining specs are pretty competitive for a current Android flagship:Snapdragon 845 processorQi Wireless ChargingGorilla Glass 5Under screen fingerprint scanner128GB of internal storage with microSD expansionUnlocked GSM compatibilityBest Buy currently has the discount with the single color SKU of midnight blue available for the $100 discount. It’s also worth a mention that the discount goes another $50 further if you activate the Pureview during purchase. This brings the take-it-home price down to $549 for a really good phone from Nokia and HMD Global.We’ve not had hands-on time with the Nokia Pureview 9 yet, but reviews have been mostly positive. Either way, the specs alone say this is a deal worth pondering. Pair that with Android One and all it’s a promise you have a very compelling combination. The offer started this Sunday on May 5th and will end on May 11.Let us know if you find any other great deals on the Pureview 9, or if you take Best Buy up on this current offer in the comments.

HMD Global this week announced it has started taking pre-orders for its Nokia 4.2 smartphone. Initially announced at Mobile World Congress back in February, the phone features a 5.71-inch display and dual 13-megapixel cameras on the rear.The Nokia 4.2 is a budget device and carries just a $189 price tag. It features mid-range hardware such as its Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor and 3GB RAM. Internal storage is 32GB and the battery is rated at 3,000mAh.The Nokia 4.2 is an Android One device which means it will have at least two years of software updates and three years of bugs and patches. It also means it runs a clean version of Android that’s void of any extra customization and software.Also worth noting, the phone has a dedicated voice assistant button for Google Assistant. Pressing it once wakes the tool while pressing it twice brings up Google’s visual snapshot. A long press has it listening to your voice commands indefinitely in walkie talkie mode.As far as aesthetics go, the Nokia 4.2 does have a somewhat small cutout display, or notch. And, while it does have a little thicker bezel than today’s flagships, it’s fairly reasonable for a phone in this price range.The Nokia 4.2 is available in black and pink and is expected to start shipping on May 15.

HMD's Nokia 9 PureView smartphone, which has five camera lenses on the back, may have stolen the show at Mobile World Congress 2019, but the company also announced four other phones -- all of which cost under $200.The post Nokia 4.2, Nokia 3.2, Nokia 1 Plus, Nokia 210 hands-on review appeared first on Digital Trends.

The Nokia 3.1 Plus is HMD Global’s first smartphone to be sold by a U.S. carrier in-store. It’s only available on Cricket Wireless right now, which underlines its focus on affordability. But should you buy a phone so cheap?The post Nokia 3.1 Plus hands-on review appeared first on Digital Trends.

Android is a vast and sprawling ecosystem, and no-one would blame you for not having heard of Android One. Here's everything you need to know about Android One, Google's stock Android operating system.The post What is Android One? All your questions answered appeared first on Digital Trends.