Google announced a new Android One smartphone for customers of its US mobile service Project Fi. The Moto X4 phone responds to customer demand for "high quality, affordable devices that work with Project Fi", the company said.
Google said this is part of the expansion of Android One to devices at more price points. The software, which runs a 'pure' version of Android with little modification or extra apps, was first introduced for emerging markets like India, in order to offer affordable devices for first-time smartphone users with limited data network capacity. The launch of the Android One Moto X4 on Project Fi is "the next step in our commitment to work with more partners and expand Android One to new places", Google said.
This is reflected in the price of the Moto X4, which at USD 399 is well above previous devices in the range. Available in blue or black, the new phone features dual 8- and 12-megapixel back cameras and a 16-megapixel front camera as well as quick charging. It launches with Android 7 and will update to Android 8 before year-end, and Google said it will also be one of the first to get Android 9 next year.
The Moto X4 is available for pre-order on the Project Fi website, and customers can get up to USD 165 credit towards the new device with the trade-in of an old Google Nexus phone. Those starting a trade-in by 05 October will also get USD 50 Fi credit. Since its start, Project Fi has been limited to users of Google's Nexus or Pixel phones.
