Google aims to reach as many mobile phone users as possible with its Android One program. The program, currently in its second year and just fresh from a reboot, serves to entice people to start using Android devices with the promise of a clean Android experience with a guarantee to always get the latest updates directly from Google all while not breaking the bank. It has not caught on thanks to numerous challenges which are being addressed but Google is keen on expanding it as part of its big plans to tap into the next 1 billion smartphone users, most of whom are to be found in emerging markets.
The goal of Android One is to ensure that more people have high-quality, up-to-date smartphones…
Thailand joins the list of various other markets that have been part of the Android One program and in that country Google is partnering with i-Mobile for the launch of the iQ II. While the iQ II’s mid-range specs mean it will have to struggle to find a footing in a market that is already populated with similarly-priced offerings from chinese device makers like Lenovo, Xiaomi and Vivo among others, it has what every one of those lacks: it is 4G-ready. And of course the promised timely updates from Google that every other device at the iQ II’s price range never ever gets.
Specifications of the device are as follows:
- Display: 5 inch HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
- Camera: 8 MP main camera; 2 MP selfie camera
- Memory: 16 GB internal storage; 2 GB RAM
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
- Operating System: Android 5.1.1
- Battery: 2500 mAh
- Network: 3G, 4G LTE
- Other: Dual-SIM
The iQ II is available on sale in Thailand online at a price of 4,444 Bahts or about $126.