Xiaomi launches its first Android One smartphone, the Mi A1

In a global launch event in New Delhi, Xiaomi announced the launch of the company’s first Android One smartphone, the Mi A1.

Unlike other Xiaomi smartphones that run on its proprietary software layer – MIUI – the Mi A1 runs a software experience designed by Google. The device offers pure Android experience that stays fresh over time with OS upgrades and comes with Google services built in.

The highlight of the Mi A1 is its dual camera setup at the back with a 12 MP wide-angle and a 12 MP telephoto lens. The 50 mm telephoto lens captures the main image and the wide-angle lens assists with the depth of field measurement, and the two lenses work together to create a bokeh. The telephoto lens enables up to 2x optical zoom and for even further shots, Mi A1 offers up to 10x digital zoom.

Also, like the Pixel and Pixel XL by Google in the past, the Mi A1 offers unlimited high-quality photo storage on Google Photos.

Xiaomi Mi A1 Specifications

• Display: 5.5-inch (13.9 cms) Full HD | 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass
• Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 625 up to 2.0 GHz | 14nm FinFET technology | Adreno 506 GPU
• RAM: 4 GB
• Internal Storage: 64 GB; expandable with microSD card
• Rear Camera: 12 MP wide-angle + 12 MP telephoto | 2x optical zoom | 1.25μm pixel size
• Front Camera: 5 MP
• Battery: 3,080 mAh
• Dimensions: 155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
• Weight: 165g

Priced at ₹14,999 ($234), the Mi A1 is available in three color variants – Black, Gold, and Rose Gold – and will be available on Flipkart and Mi.com from September 12 at 12 noon, as well as at Mi Home stores and offline retailers. Airtel customers who buy the Mi A1 will get up to 200 GB additional 4G data.

After India, Mi A1 would be available in more than 40 markets around the world including Indonesia, Vietnam, Russia, Poland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Mexico soon.

At the launch, it was also announced that Mi A1 would get Android O within this year, and will be one of the first devices to get Android P.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 packs in a punch in a full metal unibody chassis. What do you think of the new device and would you like to pick one up? Tell us in the comments!