The First Android One Smartphone in 2016 is Every Bit Desirable, Packs Real Midrange Specs

On a day when word is trickling out that the upcoming Infinix Hot 2 won’t be an Android One smartphone like its predecessor, the Infinix Hot 2, there’s some good news all the way from Barcelona where the first Android One smartphone this year was unveiled yesterday.

The General Mobile 5 Plus smartphone, referred to as GM 5 Plus, has the honour of starting what will likely be a defining year for Google’s low-cost Android smartphone program. It is strikingly different from past Android One smartphones, though. It is what you will refer to as a proper mid-range smartphone and not just another entry-level device that will, thanks to its feature set, have a compromised Android experience.

On top of running on the latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow as can be expected of any device with Google’s blessings, the GM 5 Plus has the following specifications:

• Display: 5.5-inch full HD (1080p) protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 4
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 617
• Camera: 13-megapixel sensor on the front (with LED flash) and back (with dual LED flash)
• Memory: 32 GB internal storage (expandable up to 128 GB); 3 GB RAM
• Battery: 3,100 mAh
• Network: 3G, LTE
• Others: Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 (charges the device up to 60% in just half an hour); USB Type-C

Snapdragon 617 powering this 5.5-inch device, which will also have a 1080p resolution, 3GB RAM, and a big 3,100mAh battery. The rear and front-facing cameras have the same 13-megapixel camera, and both have flash as well. The GM 5 Plus will have 32GB of internal storage, with a MicroSD slot offering up to 128GB of additional storage capacity. The best part about this device, though, is that it has a USB Type-C port — it’s the only current Android One device with a USB Type-C port that we know of — and supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0, which can allegedly charge the device up to 60 percent in 30 minutes.

Impressive, isn’t it?

Pricing details of the GM 5 Plus smartphone have not yet been released but it is guaranteed to not cost more than $300. This is unlike previous smartphones in the Android One program which have been extremely affordable at prices mostly below $100. Like its predecessor, the GM 4G also from General Mobile, the device will be available in Turkey by the end of March. It will also make its way to at least 15 other countries, mostly in Europe. It will be available in gray, rose gold, gold and silver colours.

This should put to rest those rumours of Android One’s demise to rest. At least for now.