Android Go: a system for wimps
As you know, the usual Android OS was conceived as the main system for mobile devices, which means that it did not have powerful hardware and equipment for mobile tasks. But today we see that 2 GB is already required for its smooth operation. RAM and more than 4 cores in the processor. All this translates into a decent amount of about 8,000 rubles for a budget smartphone model.
Not every family can afford such costs, which means a compromise is needed. And Google found it, announcing in May last year a new OS, which should be pulled by budget devices, including those from well-known brands.
However, the emphasis is not only on the OS itself, but also on a set of applications that will be preinstalled on a smartphone with Android Go. So, for example, instead of standard manufacturers will install lightweight applications like YouTube Go, Chrome, Google Assistant Go, as well as Mail Go, Files Go, Maps Go.
In addition, a special section has been added to Google Play, which will host applications optimized for such devices.
It is worth noting that regular applications can also be installed on Android Go, but no one guarantees their normal operation.
The presentation of the Android Go operating system took place in December 2017, and already in February 2018, smartphones based on it appeared.
The first Android Go smartphones
Alcatel 1
One of the first models on which Android Go will be installed will be Alcatel 1. This model, by definition, belongs to the budget segment, but it was it that was announced at MWC 2018 in February this year.
As the manufacturer notes, Android 8.0 Oreo Go installed on Alcatel 1 is optimized to work with a small amount of RAM (up to 1 GB) and a built-in flash drive, taking up much less space on it.
As we mentioned above, in this smartphone the user will be offered to work with simplified versions of YouTube Go, Gmail Go or Google Assistant Go, Mail Go, Files Go, Maps Go applications.
Nokia 1
Among the applications for the release of Android Go devices, the Nokia brand was among the first to announce a special smartphone model under the uncomplicated name Nokia 1.
This device has a small 4.5-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 854 × 480 pixels, a weak 4-core MediaTek 6737M processor, 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of permanent flash memory. The device is equipped with 5 and 2 MP cameras without autofocus. Its cost in the Russian market is about 1200 rubles. From communications here Wi-Fi b / g / n, support for LTE Cat. 4, Bluetooth 4.2, FM radio and A-GPS.
Micromax Bharat Go
This device from the Indian manufacturer is also planned to be delivered to the Russian market with Android 8.0 Oreo Go pre-installed. According to preliminary data, its filling will be similar to Nokia 1, and the cost will be about 1,700 rubles.
This is far from a complete set of devices on lightweight Android, and the number of budget models on this OS will certainly grow. However, the buyer will always have a choice, to buy a full-fledged middling the year before last, or a fresh ultra-budget for the same price.
Read also:
Practical test of the HTC U11 Life smartphone with Android One OS on board
A photo: manufacturing companies, digit.in
