India is the first country that is getting Android One smartphones. Android One is a reference design for low-cost Android phones. Android One is a program announced by Google’s head of Android, Chrome web browser and apps Sundar Pichai back in June which promised rich smartphone experience on low-cost devices as Google will set minimum standards on hardware and software to be used by handset makers.
So far the 3 confirmed launch partners (Karbonn, Micromax, and Spice) have teased their first Android One smartphones in various ways, with the products in all 3 cases expected to be made available on Monday itself.
Android One smartphones with their affordable price tag and near-stock Android software are Google’s attempts to regain control of the customer experience in the entry-level segment. The goal of the programme is to save upcoming brands time and money spent in designing a low-cost phone. Google does this by giving them a reference design, which the manufacturers can use to make smartphones.Samsung is the leader with 29% market share, while Micromax holds 18% and Karbonn holds 8% shares. The Android One devices could propel the Indian brands further up in the market.