With the appearance of Google Pixel smartphones equipped with Google Tensor processors and android one, it is evident that the leader of search engines is trying to invest in the mobile device market. But the first Google phones are familiar; some will remember the Nexus One or the T-Mobile G1 released in 2008. Although Google has yet to prove itself on the hardware side, it is already a significant player on the software level.
Remember that the firm is behind the creation of the Android operating system and its variants, such as Android Go and Android One. Lighter and more refined than the “classic” version of Android, the Android One version now equips many smartphones offered by recognized manufacturers such as Nokia, Xiaomi, or Motorola. Here is a selection of the best Android One models for this year, 2023.
What Are The Benefits Of Android One?
Released in 2014 and developed by Google, Android One is a stripped-down version of the Android operating system. It contains neither manufacturer overlay nor preinstalled applications by default (excluding essential applications). Initially designed to equip low-cost smartphones, Android One is now found on high-end smartphones, especially at Nokia.
The advantages of this version of Android are numerous. First, since the manufacturer makes no modifications to the operating system, the latter benefits from faster updates; this applies to both security and software updates. Note that Google Play Protect is also in charge of protecting Android One devices. This quick access to new updates also allows you to test most beta programs.
In addition, you are sure to have a durable phone by choosing a smartphone without an overlay (Android One), especially from Nokia. Indeed, the manufacturer offers smartphones with three years of warranty, three operating system upgrades, and 3 years of monthly security updates.
Finally, note that Android One smartphones are also more generous in terms of storage space. Indeed, no applications are installed by the manufacturer, which leaves users free to download only the applications they use daily.
The Best Android One Phones In 2023
As you will have understood, if you are looking for affordable, durable, and easy-to-use smartphones, Android One devices are made for you. To help you search, we have selected the four best models equipped with this operating system for 2023.
Pixel 7
You should not miss the Google Pixel 7 smartphone! This little newcomer from Google was presented to us last October and is already making many people happy. Compared to its predecessors, it has an equally recognizable design but a little more work, with a slight loss of thickness and weight compared to the Pixel 6.
Evolution is also to be noted at the level of the processor, which passes from Google Tensor to Google Tensor G2. A chip with a high-performance 8-core configuration on the AI part. This Soc is accompanied by 8 GB of RAM, which is more than adequate.
At the screen level, Google offers us a size of 6.3 inches: dimensions considered ideal by most users because they are large enough for visual comfort without interfering with the grip. An OLED panel provides the display with a definition of 1800 x 2400 pixels. The 90Hz refresh rate is good enough, but it could be better. As for the brightness, it beats all records and exceeds the 1000 cd/cm 2 mark.
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Just like the iPhone 14 Pro. Simply put, Google has yet to skim on reading comfort and visibility. For more solidity, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus: a reinforced glass, resistant to scratches and falls up to 2 meters in height (according to the manufacturer). Google’s Pixel 7 comes with a 4355 mAh battery, providing around 15 hours of battery life.
Although this is better than the measured performance of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 Pro, the battery life of the Pixel 7 remains in the low range of the market. If this smartphone does not shine with its autonomy, its photo performance makes everyone agree. Equipped with a primary sensor of 50 Mpx and a second wide-angle sensor of 12 Mpx, no smartphone of the same price takes such beautiful shots.
Boosted with artificial intelligence, photos are sharper, more realistic, and can easily be retouched. For a price between 600 and 650 €, the Google Pixel 7 is undoubtedly the best Android One smartphone of 2022. A real success!
Nokia X30 5G
A pioneer in mobile telephony, Nokia has been able to cross the ages, even if the transition to the “smartphone” era was only possible thanks to Microsoft’s takeover of the firm. Today, the Nokia brand is owned by the Finnish company HMD Global, which bought the rights in 2016 from Microsoft.
Since then, the brand has gradually returned to the front of the stage, mainly offering fairly competitive entry-level smartphones. De facto, many of these devices feature Android One to improve performance and usability. This is the case with the Nokia X30 5G, a mid-range phone around 450 €.
With this model, Nokia pays particular attention to eco-design since the phone shell is made of 65% recycled plastic. The aluminum frame that surrounds the screen is also made of recycled metal. The smartphone has a 6.43-inch screen with an AMOLED panel displaying a Full HD + definition (1080 x 2400 pixels), with a maximum refresh rate of 90 Hz.
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So far, no complaints; the characteristics of the device are outstanding. On the other hand, its full brightness of 700 cd/cm 2 will only prove sufficient if the screen is exposed to direct sunlight. The Nokia X30 G can have 128 or 256 GB of storage in two versions. Either way, its capabilities will primarily meet the needs of the majority of users.
Added 6 or 8 GB of RAM (always depending on the version) are all managed by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor. An 8-core Soc, fast and efficient, can run many applications. So much for performance and the screen, but what about autonomy? For many users, having a long battery life is a sine qua non when buying a phone.
If this is your case, rest assured: the 4200 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging that equips the X30 G offers enough autonomy to support a day of use. The most economical can even use it two days a row without recharging it. Now let’s see what the photo section of this Nokia has in store for us. For many mid-range devices, the difference is played on this point. Unfortunately, the Nokia X30 G struggles to stand out here.
Sensors
At the rear are two sensors (one primary and one wide angle) of 50 and 13 Mpx, respectively. Unfortunately, the latter’s performance leaves something to be desired when the brightness drops. Otherwise, the photos are sharp, and the colors are faithfully transcribed. As for the front sensor, its performance is decent, but nothing more.
If you plan to use this smartphone to take beautiful pictures to share on the networks, the Google Pixel 7 will probably be preferable, but it will take around 200 € more to buy. On the other hand, the X30 G from Nokia is quite comparable to its competitor with four colors. The particular attention paid to its eco-responsible design can also work in its favor with users most sensitive to ecology.
Nokia G60 5G
Another Android One smartphone and another Nokia device here is the G60 5G. Unlike its big brother, this phone enriches Nokia’s already well-stocked entry-level offer. Again, eco-design is part of it since it is made of 60% and 100% recycled plastic for the back shell and frame.
Although we didn’t mention it above, the X30 G had an IP67 protection rating, implying dust and immersion sealing (less than one meter for a maximum of 30 minutes). Entry-level requirements for this sealing are less with the G60 5G, which displays an IP52 protection index (resistance to dust and drops of water). This is the minimum required for today’s mobile devices, but it makes sense given its price; this smartphone is available for around 320 €.
Protected by Corning Gorilla 5 glass, the Nokia G60 5G has a 6.58-inch screen mounted on an IPS LCD panel. The latter supports a Full HD+ definition of 2400 by 1080 pixels. Note also an excellent refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. If the display frequency is perfect, the brightness does not exceed 450 cd/cm 2; the opposite would have been preferable… The display does not allow the colors to be more or less warm either. To put it another way, the show is good but does not reserve any pleasant surprises apart from the display frequency.
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The phone’s performance is also in line with the latter’s price. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chip, it promises 4 GB of RAM for 128 GB of storage space. If the RAM and the device’s internal memory are good, note that the processor will have trouble managing many tasks simultaneously or even running 3D games. Otherwise, its performance will be more than satisfactory 95% of the time.
The autonomy of the smartphone is undoubtedly one of its strong points. Its 4500 mAh battery easily supports a full day of “normal” use and an extra day if you are economical. Adapted to the power delivery standard, the Nokia G60 5G supports fast charging up to 20W. Unfortunately, no charger is included with the device upon purchase, which is disappointing. But it would be surprising if you didn’t have a USB-C-type charger in one of your drawers!
Despite its attractive price, the G60 5G has not overlooked the optimization of these photo sensors, which is appreciable. The device has three sensors: a primary 50 MP, a wide angle of 5 MP, and a depth sensor of 2 MP. If the wide-angle sensor and especially the depth sensor are more valuable as selling points than for taking beautiful photos, this is different for the primary lens.
AI
Enhanced with artificial intelligence, the images are optimized by an algorithm developed by Google. They thus appear sharper, with better color reproduction. The smartphone also offers a night mode that is useful when the light drops, and above all, an “IA Portraits” mode to improve the quality of your selfies.
The Nokia G60 5G has something to seduce for an entry-level phone! If it does not shine on all points, its Android One experience, AI-enhanced photos, autonomy, and ample storage space are all qualities it can boast. A great success that marks the strong comeback of Nokia.
Nokia G21
As they say: “never two without three”! Thus, the latest Android One smartphone in our selection also belongs to the Finnish firm. The Nokia G21 is also the cheapest phone in this selection; in France, it is sold for around €169. We are, therefore, really on the entry level, but the device is no less attractive.
It will be perfect as a first smartphone or for occasional users. The first positive point we can highlight is its refresh rate of 90 Hz, which equals mid-range or high-end smartphones. On the other hand, it will be necessary to be satisfied with a 6.5-inch LCD panel with HD + definition for the display: no OLED technology here.
As for the chip, the G21 is equipped with a Unisoc T606 processor coupled with 4 GB of RAM for 64 GB of storage space. This Soc also prepares other smartphones of the brand, such as the Nokia 11 Plus, or devices from competing brands (Samsung Galaxy A03, Blackview A85, Motorola Moto E32, etc.). A lambda processor with limited performance but more than enough for this device.
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On the official Nokia website, the manufacturer promises us three days of autonomy, but in fact, it will be necessary to be very economical to reach this figure. The 5050 mAh battery that equips this phone allows long-term use; its fast charging is provided by an 18 W USB PD 3.0 input. Note, however, that the charger supplied with the purchase only offers 10 W of power.
Now let’s see what we have in store for the photo sensors of this phone. There is no ultra-wide-angle sensor here, just a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. Although the last two have questionable utility, the first sensor does the job perfectly. At the front, we find an introductory 8 Mpx front sensor.
In short, Nokia offers us a more than correct Android One smartphone, given its price promising a user-friendly experience accompanied by three years of updates and security, guaranteed by HDM Global.
Conclusion: Android One
Ready to enjoy the pure, no-frills experience of Android One? You may have noticed that phones with this preliminary version of Android are mostly entry-level or mid-range devices. Premium devices are generally more provided with applications pre installed by the manufacturer.
However, for many consumers, these applications remain “bonuses” but are not used daily. If you think that brands like Nokia can’t match the performance of Samsung or Huawei, we invite you to test this new generation of affordable smartphones: you may change your mind. The same goes for you, die-hard Apple friends!
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