Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has unveiled a new flagship device for the Indian market, its first running the 'Android One' OS developed by Google for emerging markets. The new Mi A1 phone will be offered with 200 GB free data from Airtel, in the latest stunt to offer ever bigger and cheaper data bundles in the Indian mobile market.
The phone will sell for INR 14,999, or just under EUR 200, from 12 September on Xiaomi's website and the local e-commerce site Flipkart. Available in a choice of pink, gold or black, the MiA1 runs 'pure' Android, similar to Google's own devices and without many pre-loaded apps, and will get an update to the new Android 8.0 Oreo by year-end. Xiaomi said it will also be among the first phones to get Android P next year.
With dual 12-megapixel back cameras, the MiA1 comes both with Xiaomi's camera app and Google Photos with unlimited storage. Other features include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. In addition, the phone will get the latest Google software, such as Google Assistant.
Google said the Mi A1 will be available later in "dozens of markets", including also Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam and Taiwan. The company first launched Android One in India in 2014 to bring affordable smartphones to new market. Phones running the software are also available in markets ranging from Japan to Turkey.
