Redmi Go is raring to go with Snapdragon 425 for $63 (Update: Now in 16GB model)

Update, May 27, 2019 (8:00AM ET): Xiaomi now has a variant with 16-gigabytes of storage available. Our biggest gripe with the regular eight-gigabyte model was the limited amount of storage and this update solves that issue. You’ll be paying 4,799 rupees (~$70) for the higher capacity version of the phone.

Xiaomi’s latest takes a radically different approach compared to the power-packed Redmi Note 7 Pro. The Redmi Go is the company’s first Android Go powered device and competes in the absolute entry-level segment of phones.

The Redmi Go is designed as an ultra-budget device that brings a clean, stock Android like experience to an entry-level price point. The phone runs Android Go which is a lighter version of the operating system designed to run on very entry level hardware.

As such, the Redmi Go ships with 1GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 425 chipset. The phone has eight gigabytes of storage clubbed with a dedicated microSD card slot. Of course, there is support for dual SIM cards as well. Other specs include a 5-inch HD display.

The phone has an 8MP camera at the rear and a 5MP shooter at the front. The rear camera is capable of shooting Full HD video which is, honestly, quite remarkable for the price point. The 3,000 mAh battery too should also handily last a full day of use.

The biggest takeaway from Android Go over here is that you get a substantially lighter operating system with a ‘lite’ suite of apps that have much lower storage requirements. The company also highlighted third-party apps like TicToc and Mint Browser that have created optimized apps for the platform.

The Redmi Go is priced at 4,499 rupees (~$63) and goes on sale starting March 22 in India across Mi Homes, Mi.com as well as Flipkart. A second variant with 16-gigabytes of storage has now been announced. That variant will be priced at 4,799 rupees (~$70).

The phone clocks in at almost 1500 rupees (~$20) lower than the Redmi 6A which is the next device in the company’s line up. Hitting the sub 5,000 rupees category is definitely going to make a difference in a market where a substantial feature phone audience exists. We’ll have more on the Redmi Go soon.