Android One was first launched in 2014 with the idea of bringing affordable smartphones to emerging markets. Google launched the project in India and slowly expanded to other parts of the world like the Philippines, Spain and Portugal. While the program has not met expectations, we reported a couple of months ago that Google has been looking to expand the program that will offer more "One" handsets through newly created partnerships. Today, it looks as though one of those partnerships has come to fruition, as Japan has unveiled its first Android One handset, the Sharp 507SH.
The Sharp 507SH offers a:
- 5-inch 720p IGZO display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor
- 2GB RAM with 16GB storage with expansion via memory card
- 13MP rear and 5MP front-facing camera
- 3010mAh battery
While the specifications aren"t the highest, the device is waterproof and dust proof with a rating of IPX5 and IPX8. The handset will also receive a minimum of 18 months of support for its software, meaning that it will not become obsolete the moment of purchase. Although pricing has not been made available, the 507SH will be offered through Y! Mobile.