Android Go and Android One are two variants targeting different types of users and phone hardware.
What Is Android Go?
Android Go is a refined and heavily optimized version of Android designed to run on low-cost, low-spec smartphones. It’s targeted at emerging markets and the so-called “next billion” users who are yet to own a smartphone.
The official name of the first version is Android Oreo (Go edition). Although it’s based on Android 8.1 and has a similar look and feature set, Google built it to address three specific conditions that its users face:
Google has also released the Go edition of Android Pie.
Android Go: Low Specs, Low Price
Android Go runs on devices with low-end hardware. This includes between 512MB and 1GB of RAM and as little as 8GB of internal storage. Oreo’s Go Edition takes up half the space of its full-size counterpart.Google has said that it expects most Go phones to cost under $100. Some could even be less than $50.
Smartphones are nothing without apps so Google has produced Go-optimized versions of many of its key apps. Gmail, YouTube, Google Assistant, Maps, and Gboard are among the offerings, and they’re 50% smaller than the originals. There are also a few new apps, including the fast file manager Files Go. Third-party developers are also encouraged to produce Go versions of their apps which can be downloadable through a modified Play Store.
While software optimizations are intended to maximize performance on less capable hardware, other changes will benefit battery and data consumption. Limiting of background processes in apps, and having Android’s data saving features activated by default.
Android Go isn’t the first time Google has targeted emerging markets with its mobile platform. In 2014, it launched a similar product aimed at budget devices, called Android One. That brand has now turned into something else entirely.
What Is Android One?
The program is a partnership between Google and phone makers. Phones that already use stock Android are not automatically Android One phones.
For a manufacturer to join the program, it must agree to some key conditions:
What Is Android Go?
Android Go is a refined and heavily optimized version of Android designed to run on low-cost, low-spec smartphones. It’s targeted at emerging markets and the so-called “next billion” users who are yet to own a smartphone.
The official name of the first version is Android Oreo (Go edition). Although it’s based on Android 8.1 and has a similar look and feature set, Google built it to address three specific conditions that its users face:
- Slow, unreliable, or expensive data connectivity.
- Cheaper, less capable hardware that is common in established markets.
- Limited opportunities to recharge the battery.
Google has also released the Go edition of Android Pie.
Android Go: Low Specs, Low Price
Android Go runs on devices with low-end hardware. This includes between 512MB and 1GB of RAM and as little as 8GB of internal storage. Oreo’s Go Edition takes up half the space of its full-size counterpart.Google has said that it expects most Go phones to cost under $100. Some could even be less than $50.
Smartphones are nothing without apps so Google has produced Go-optimized versions of many of its key apps. Gmail, YouTube, Google Assistant, Maps, and Gboard are among the offerings, and they’re 50% smaller than the originals. There are also a few new apps, including the fast file manager Files Go. Third-party developers are also encouraged to produce Go versions of their apps which can be downloadable through a modified Play Store.
While software optimizations are intended to maximize performance on less capable hardware, other changes will benefit battery and data consumption. Limiting of background processes in apps, and having Android’s data saving features activated by default.
Android Go isn’t the first time Google has targeted emerging markets with its mobile platform. In 2014, it launched a similar product aimed at budget devices, called Android One. That brand has now turned into something else entirely.
What Is Android One?
Android One is a Google-led program that enables manufacturers to release phones running a pure, “stock” version of Android. This includes no interface customizations, few extra pre-installed apps, and guaranteed operating system updates for two years.
The program is a partnership between Google and phone makers. Phones that already use stock Android are not automatically Android One phones.
For a manufacturer to join the program, it must agree to some key conditions:
- All phones must have the Android One logo printed on the rear.
- The manufacturer must agree to supply regular operating system and security updates.
- The number (and type of) apps that can be pre-installed will be tightly controlled.
The Benefits of Android One
The main benefits to Android One are simplicity and support.
Simplicity comes from the fact that it runs stock Android. The uncustomized interface and lack of bloatware should lead to faster, smoother performance. Battery life should be strong, and because the user experience will be the same across all devices, it’s easier to use. The phones come with the full suite of Google apps pre-installed, and any extra apps needed to add value. You might get a quality camera app optimized for the hardware.
As far as support is concerned, you get guaranteed updates that are often rare in the Android world.
Simplicity comes from the fact that it runs stock Android. The uncustomized interface and lack of bloatware should lead to faster, smoother performance. Battery life should be strong, and because the user experience will be the same across all devices, it’s easier to use. The phones come with the full suite of Google apps pre-installed, and any extra apps needed to add value. You might get a quality camera app optimized for the hardware.
As far as support is concerned, you get guaranteed updates that are often rare in the Android world.
All Android One devices will get updates to new versions of Android for two years, provided by Google and rolled out by the manufacturer. They also get monthly security updates for three years, direct from Google. While this may sound like Android One phones will lack uniqueness, they shouldn’t. Manufacturers still control what features they offer. Phones can also hit any price point, from budget to flagship level.
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