Android One is coming to the PH!

Google has confirmed that the first batch of Android devices under its Android One initiative will cost only 6,399 rupees, or around $105 (Php 4628) when they are officially launched. Google’s Android One initiative is their attempt to try and reduce the cost of low-cost, entry level Android smartphones by streamlining specs and software, with the search giant promising to release timely updates themselves much like how they push preferential updates to their Nexus line of devices.

According to a report in Reuters, the Philippines is on track to receive the smartphones later this year, along with other SEA countries like Indonesia, and expanding into other markets next year.

While Google partnered with Micromaxx, Karbonn and Spice Mobiles to launch Android One in India, the search giant is likely to partner up with big local brands like Cherry Mobile, MyPhone and Starmobile to offer the low-cost smartphones here in the PH.

Because of the target market, consumers can expect specs of the Android one devices (like the one pictured above from Karbonn, dubbed the Sparkle V Red) to have 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 4.5-inch displays with 480 x 854 resolution, 5-megapixel camera, 1GB of RAM and Android KitKat on board. While the specs are comparable to current devices in the market (that cost even less) the big appeal here is that Google is guaranteeing timely software updates, and a stock Android experience (say goodbye to bloatware).Google has also announced that it will be partnering with other hardware manufacturers to offer the Android One experience to everyone, including Acer, Alcatel, ASUS, HTC, Intex, Lava, Lenovo, Panasonic and Xolo.