It seems like Xiaomi could be working with Google on a new Android One smartphone. This comes according to a leaked picture and report describing the device — named the Xiaomi A1 internally right now and its software designed by Google. It has been noted that the device will sport dual-cameras and practically unlimited storage on Google Photos with a 5.5-inch full HD display. This is a bit of an interesting spec for an Android One smartphone, as these are usually dirt cheap, with full HD unable to fit that spec yet.
This is not the first time that Xiaomi has worked along with Google. One of the most notable projects was the Mi Box Android TV set-top box which was sold in the US. The Android One smartphone could make its way into emerging markets like India — a place where Xiaomi has already got a fairly large foothold. The smartphone likely won’t be launched in China. The reason being Google services are blocked in China so it is unfruitful to sell an Android One device there.
According to the report, this Android One smartphone is touted to be based on the Mi 5X from Xiaomi, which was announced last month. The Mi 5X has a 5.5-inch full HD display, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, with 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and a 3080mAh battery unit.
The Mi 5X has dual 12MP cameras on the back of the device, with the rear panel made out of metal and front made out of glass. Compared to the specs in the leaked photo, it is very close to the Mi 5X. It could be possible that Xiaomi could take the Mi 5X and just put stock Android on it to make it into an Android One device. There is no word yet on when Xiaomi/Google are planning to sell this device or where it will be sold.
