Xiaomi Mi A1 Android One smartphone with dual-cameras launched in India at Rs. 14,999

Google's Android One Program is getting a big boost, as Xiaomi has set foot into the club. The Chinese device maker at an event in New Delhi, unveiled its first Android One device called Mi A1, which is global variant of Mi 5X. 

Since, Mi A1 is a Android One device it will boot stock version of Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box, instead of MIUI for a pure Android experience, which means it is free from bloatware, but Xiaomi will retain apps like Mi Camera, Mi Remote and Mi Stores. Xiaomi also promised to release timely security update and major software upgrade from the next two years, starting with Android Oreo later this year, and Android P next year. The phone also comes pre-loaded with Google Assistant and unlimited full resolution storage on Google Photos.

For the uninitiated, Google's Android One Program was introduced in 2014, and was designed to bring low-cost Android devices to developing countries to provide high-quality Android experience. Unfortunate for Google it failed to take off, but with the addition of Xiaomi, the program will get a much needed boost, and set the market on fire.

In terms of specifications, the Xiaomi MI 5X features 5.5-inch Full HD 2.5D curved glass LTPS display with Gorilla Glass protection, and is powered by octa-core Snapdragon 625 processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, that's expandable via microSD card.

The camera department includes two 12MP shooters at the back: one wide-angle lens and the other telephoto lens. The dual-rear cameras are accompanied by dual-LED flash, and features portrait mode, background blur mode, optical zoom and more. On the front sits a 5MP shooter for snapping selfies and video calling. 

It is fueled by 3080mAh battery, and supports dual-SIM, 4G LTE, VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C and GPS for connectivity. It sports a premium metal unibody design, and has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is priced at Rs. 14,999 and will be available from Flipkart, Mi.com, Mi Home Stores and other offline retailers starting September 12 in Black, Gold and Rose Gold hues. The launch offers include up to 200GB additional 4G data for Airtel users.

The Mi A1 will be competing with Moto G5S Plus, which offers similar features, and priced at Rs. 15,999.

Xiaomi also said that the Mi A1 will be released in other markets which it has a presence like Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia and Indonesia.