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I'm using a Xiaomi A2 Lite. The cheapest one I think (160€) and so far I am ok with it. To my eyes, this is like the only phone I see it has Android One OEM ins

I'm using a Xiaomi A2 Lite. The cheapest one I think (160€) and so far I am ok with it. To my eyes, this is like the only phone I see it has Android One OEM installed, and nothing on top of it. I am no expert, but this is how I've chose when buying a phone. Should I be concerned? Privacy became important to me (I've quit all social media) and I am setting up every single privacy feature I can. I'm also considering moving to Apple since they offer more layers of privacy than Android One.

milankragujevic 7y ago
Generally speaking, Android One devices cannot ship with malware, even invisible, because Google has to inspect the software. In any case, a manufacturer COULD put malware after Google approves the software, but they would certainly lose Android One license, and possibly the ability to get ANY phone certified as Google Play compatible, EVER. So, they won't do it, no matter the incentives and possible revenue in stealing user data.
- snagglegaggle 7y ago
  >and possibly the ability to get ANY phone certified as Google Play compatible, EVER. Not so sure about this. The Chinese money is too great.
  - milankragujevic 7y ago
    I mean, you don't need Google Play in China, given that it's blocked. You DO need China-specific services, that consumers in China will not buy your phone without. i.e. all Tencent things...
mariushn 7y ago
+1 for Xiaomi A2 as well. I would never buy a non-Android One device again, after seeing the experience on this one. My only complaints is lack of NFC on this device, and that A3 is worse performance/weight wise.
- meerita 7y ago
  The camera is so crappy as well on the A2 lite. But the batery lasts 48hs.
- Tepix 7y ago
  The A3 has a lower screen resolution (which should improve performance) but better blacks/colors because it's an OLED screen. The CPU of the A3 should be roughly equivalent to the A2 CPU. The camera is probably a lot better. The lack of NFC is unfortunate.
Tepix 7y ago
I got the Xiaomi A2 64GB/4GB(non-lite) for 130€ when it was on sale, which is also part of the Android One program. It's not a $17 smartphone as mentioned in the article, but I consider it a "cheap Android smartphone" (and an amazing value). I think it will get Android 10 later this year.

milankragujevic 7y ago

Generally speaking, Android One devices cannot ship with malware, even invisible, because Google has to inspect the software. In any case, a manufacturer COULD put malware after Google approves the software, but they would certainly lose Android One license, and possibly the ability to get ANY phone certified as Google Play compatible, EVER. So, they won't do it, no matter the incentives and possible revenue in stealing user data.

snagglegaggle 7y ago
>and possibly the ability to get ANY phone certified as Google Play compatible, EVER. Not so sure about this. The Chinese money is too great.
- milankragujevic 7y ago
  I mean, you don't need Google Play in China, given that it's blocked. You DO need China-specific services, that consumers in China will not buy your phone without. i.e. all Tencent things...

mariushn 7y ago

+1 for Xiaomi A2 as well. I would never buy a non-Android One device again, after seeing the experience on this one. My only complaints is lack of NFC on this device, and that A3 is worse performance/weight wise.

meerita 7y ago
The camera is so crappy as well on the A2 lite. But the batery lasts 48hs.
Tepix 7y ago
The A3 has a lower screen resolution (which should improve performance) but better blacks/colors because it's an OLED screen. The CPU of the A3 should be roughly equivalent to the A2 CPU. The camera is probably a lot better. The lack of NFC is unfortunate.

Tepix 7y ago

I got the Xiaomi A2 64GB/4GB(non-lite) for 130€ when it was on sale, which is also part of the Android One program. It's not a $17 smartphone as mentioned in the article, but I consider it a "cheap Android smartphone" (and an amazing value). I think it will get Android 10 later this year.