Now, according to a report from ET Tech, Google will be releasing a new Android One smartphone in India on July 14. The handset will be reportedly manufactured by Lava and feature a chipset from MediaTek.
For the first generation Android One smartphones, Indian OEMs could not play a part in designing the handset. Ultimately, their poor build quality and design was among the major reasons for their failure among consumers. This time around though, Lava is having a say in the handset’s design and features along with MediaTek and Google.
“The first-phase partners took devices from original device makers (ODMs) in China and had no say over hardware and software. The latest device is controlled by Lava, which would be in a position to provide an enhanced experience,” the person said.
The second generation Android one smartphone from Lava will feature a 5-inch 720p display and 2GB RAM, which will be a huge step up in terms of specifications from the first generation Android One devices. However, it will also come with a hefty price tag of Rs. 12,000 — making it twice as costly as its predecessors.
Being an Android One branded smartphone, the handset will receive direct OS updates from Google.
“Google has made some significant changes to the operating system and has deeply collaborated with Lava to modify the platform as per the product specifications for latter’s smartphones,” the person said, adding that the product will have enough capacity to stay relevant for a longer period of time in the market.
Another reason for the failure of first generation Android One smartphones was their limited availability. This time around, Google will be making the handset available through offline and online channels so that interested consumers can buy it easily.
Google will be releasing the new smartphone on July 12 and the launch event is expected to be attended by many high profile Google executives.
