Android One launched in India in September with smartphones offered by three manufacturers. Google announced at the time that it would expand the reach of the program to Indonesia, the Philippines and South Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) by the end of the year. While Android One has yet to reach those countries, it has now landed in the UK where Karbonn has launched the Sparkle V, its first Android One smartphone.
The move seems to go against comments made by Google’s own Sundar Pichai when he unveiled Android One in September. He told the audience that Google had no plans to bring Android One devices to Western markets. It’s not clear if Google has had a change of mind, especially if reports that the initial response to its latest initiative has not lived up to expectations.
Karbonn Sparkle V specifications:
- Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek
- Operating system: Google Android 4.4 Kitkat
- Cellular connectivity: HSPA/GRPS/EDGE
- Other connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth
- Display: 4.5-inch FWVGA (864×480)
- RAM: 1GB
- Internal storage: 4GB
- External storage: MicroSD cards up to 32GB
- Rear-facing camera: 5MP AF
- Front-facing camera: 2MP
- Sensors: Proximity, light , eCompass, UV, gyroscope, accelerometer
- Battery: 1,700mAh
- Dimensions: 113 × 66 × 10.4 millimeters
- Colours: Grey, Red, Pearl White, Magnum Blue
With Android One, users know that they will be upgraded to future versions of Android for at least two years. This includes the upcoming Android 5.0 Lollipop update which could begin as early as next month.
The Karbonn Sparkle V is currently available in the UK through Amazon for £129.99 (£99.99 during Black Friday).