Display and Processor
The Android One reference model boasts of a 4.5 inch IPS display with a screen resolution of 480×854 pixels that translates to an average pixel density of 217 pixels per inch. In comparison, the Xiaomi Redmi 1S houses a larger 4.7 inch Sharp IPS LCD display that has a HD screen resolution 1280×720 pixels and this results in an increased pixel density of 312 pixels per inch. With such a sharp display, the Xiaomi offering will definitely render crisp and vibrant content on screen. Also, it features the Dragon Trail Glass protection that will make it stronger. Quick Buy Now Android One Phones Micromax Canvas A1 – http://goo.gl/0pqAqh Karbonn Sparkle V – http://goo.gl/7tpPn3 Spice Dream Uno – http://goo.gl/R58DUP In terms of raw hardware, the Android One lineup is stuffed with a MediaTek MT6582 quad-core processor clocked at 1.3 GHz and this is aided by Mali 400 graphics unit and 1 GB of RAM for notable graphic handling and multi-tasking. The Xiaomi phone on the other hand, incorporates a 1.6 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 chipset based on Cortex A7 processor and is backed by Adreno 305 graphics engine and 1 GB of RAM respectively.
Camera and Internal Storage
Talking of imaging capabilities, it appears like the Xiaomi Redmi 1S is well equipped than the Android One offerings. The latter has a 5 MP rear camera that is supplemented with LED flash and a 2 MP front-facing selfie camera. On the flip side, the Xiaomi phone flaunts an 8 MP Sony Exmor RS primary camera with a large 1.4 micrometer sensor for better low light performance. This sensor has auto focus, LED flash, HDR shooting mode and FHD 1080p video recording capabilities as well to enhance the user experience. At the front, this handset uses a 1.6 MP selfie camera that can make HD 720p video calls. Again, the Redmi 1S features 8 GB of internal storage space of which 5 GB is available for storing the applicatons, whereas the Android One devices bundle only 4 GB of storage that offers only 2 GB of room for the applications. Redmi 1S come with expandable storage support up to 64 GB and Android One phones support only up to 32 GB. Moreover, there is not much difference between them as both the handsets do not support transfer of applications to the micro SD card.
Battery and Features
The major letdown of the Android One smartphones is its battery that is a 1,700 mAh unit. In our hands-on with the Spice Android One offering the handset did not impress us in terms of battery as it could not last for a day. However, the 2,000 mAh battery in the Xiaomi Redmi 1S is good with the ability to pump enough juice for the handset to last for a day on moderate usage. While the Android One smartphones are fueled by Android 4.4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box, Google guarantees to roll out the Android L update to them in future. However, the Xiaomi handset is still stuck on to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean that is topped with MIUI that is responsive. Furthermore, Google Drive is providing 35 GB of cloud storage space for the Android One smartphones and Airtel is giving free OTA updates and 200 MB of data for app downloads per month for six months for its subscribers using these smartphones.
Key Specs
Conclusion
In terms of pricing, the Android One smartphones and Xiaomi Redmi 1S are priced pretty reasonable for the specifications they pack. They also come with more or less same aspects in every department with the only downside of the Android One being its weak battery. However, these smartphones are pretty good as they are slated to receive the Android L update soon after its commercial release. Moreover, it is getting tough to acquire the Xiaomi Redmi 1S with the handset going out of stock within seconds of its sale and this could become a success factor for the Android One devices.
