For me this looks like a really good option
Specification:
Anyone else liking this?
Will try if they make 6.5" model
only problem is the LTE/4g bands.
Yes, that looks a let down.
No 700MHz Band 28…. :'(
People might be better served with a $200-$300 Nexus 5X/6P instead
and no NFC.
Heads up, this isn't actually an AndroidOne phone.
The updates come from Xiaomi, not Google.
The reasoning is that the Mi 5X Mi A1 has Dual-Camera's on the back.
And that Google currently does not officially support it.
So the stock Camera App is switched with a Xiaomi Camera App, and for that, the updates must come from Xiaomi.
There's also an Infrared emitter, and that's handled by Xiaomi's Mi Remote App.
This is to ensure updates don't create bugs and interfere with these uses… although its rare, its necessary.
So does that mean the A1 will get poor updates (i.e. no Monthly Security, late/non-exsistent OS upgrades, etc etc) …??
…well not particularly.
Xiaomi has usually given frequent updates on its phones, but digging deeper, these were small changes, bug fixes, workings within MIUI etc etc
They actually don't support their devices for major upgrades any better than other OEMs. Quite deceptive really.
However, I do believe the A1 will get most of the monthly security upgrades and get them in a timely manner.
And I do believe the A1 will get Android Oreo fairly quickly, and Android P(ancake) somewhat quickly after release, but after that (13 months) its anyone's guess.
Do you think that fares bad for AndroidOne?
No not really. AndroidOne is practically a dead platform, since I've seen many devices actually NOT get updates as one would expect.
Google really cares about Search, Ads, Gmail, Chrome, YouTube, and Base Android… but cares not so much about Nexus, ProjectSilver, AndroidOne, AndroidTV, AndroidWear. ChromeOS and ChromeCast get some love, but they're more like side-projects that became a hit, exception rather than the rule.
…So don't be surprised if the A1 isn't something like the Nexus 4, there's bound to be a nice third-party community support
I get all of this. Good write up. The Mi A1 product page does say guaranteed 2 years updates minimum. Its better than you will get with a lot of phones in the same market.
Stay fresh over time
Mi A1 ships with Android Nougat, and will receive 2 years minimum of OS upgrades. And since Android One users are among the first to get new OS upgrades when they’re released, you’ll have access to the latest features and innovations even sooner.
Is 64GB enough for a long term? I know expandable memory is an option but some of the apps don't run on SD card and need to be stored in internal memory itself.
I think so. I keep everything in cloud services. If not then when you lose your phone your data is gone.
Yes, but it means you have to keep deleting all the videos, photos and so on.
Android One is a major plus actually, as I'm not a real big fan of their MIUI skin. This might be the first Xiaomi android phone to not come with MIUI.
Also this is called the Xiaomi Mi 5x (alternate name). The A1 refers to "Android One" version while the Mi 5x is Chinese MIUI version.
No doubt the A1 version might be more popular (and sellers will see an opportunity to charge more for it)