Google is taking its Android One smartphone program to Europe starting with Spain and Portugal.
The Android One device available for the first time in the European market is BQ’s Aquaris A4.5. The Aquaris A4.5 is part of the second generation of Android One devices since Google gave the program a reboot this year in order to make it more appealing and competitive since there are other lowly priced smartphones that also provide value to the budget customer.
Specifications/features of the smartphone are as follows:
- Quantum Color+ 4.5-inch 540 x 960 (245 ppi) display
- Quad-core MediaTek MT6735M processor
- 1 GB RAM, 16 GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
- 8 MP main camera with dual-LED flash; 5 MP front-facing camera
- 2470 mAh battery
- Dual-SIM
- 3 month Google Play Music All Access subscription
- Guaranteed software updates for at least 24 months
- First ever smartphone with a “5-year guarantee”
An Android One device (the Sparkle V from India phone brand Karbonn) has previously been available in the United Kingdom but this is the first time that the program is officially hitting Europe. Nearby Turkey got its first Android One device in May.
Android One has spread from Asia where it launched around the same time last year in India and has since become available in Africa as well where the Infinix Hot 2 is currently on sale in Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Morocco.
Android One is Google’s initiative to provide quality smartphones to budget smartphone buyers while controlling the software and guaranteeing future software updates something that most devices at that price range can’t guarantee.
The Aquaris A4.5 will go for €169.90 in Spain and €179.90 in Portugal according to BQ’s website.
There is no word on whether Android One will be heading to other countries in Europe or even other perceived mature smartphone markets for now.
