In August last year Google’s Android 8.0 Oreo was officially rolled out and it brings a slew of features such as picture-in-picture mode, notification dots and more. The Android version has seen some growth since launch. In February, it crossed the one percent mark with Android 8.0 Oreo reported running on 0.8 percent devices and Android Oreo 8.1 version on 0.3 percent devices.
Though smartphone makers like Honor, Motorola, Samsung etc have rolled out the latest Android version for its newer devices of 2018, most companies are still testing Oreo for many of their phones. Meanwhile, OnePlus 5, OnePlus 5T along with the older OnePlus 3, 3T smartphones have already received Android Oreo.
If we look at budget devices (below Rs 15,000) that run Android Oreo, the list includes Xiaomi Mi A1, Honor 9 Lite, Nokia 6, Honor 7X and Nokia 5. Let us take a look in detail five smartphones below Rs 15,000 that run Android Oreo:
Xiaomi Mi A1 smartphone was launched under Google’s Android One programme. Mi A1 is the first smartphone by the Chines player that does not run its native MIUI OS. Instead, it comes with a stock version of Android and includes Xiaomi’s own Mi Feedback app. Though Mi A1 was announced with Android 7.1.2 Nougat, it started receiving Android Oreo update earlier this year. For those interested, Google has promised Android P update for Mi A1 as well, along with regular security patches.
Honor 9 Lite was launched with Android 8.0 Oreo out-of-the-box, along with the company’s latest EMUI 8.0 skin. The EMUI 8.0 OS gives users access to features like AI-powered features like a real-time scene and object recognition, smart tips, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accelerated Translator, and more. The smartphone is priced at Rs 10,999 for the base model with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. Users can buy the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage option for Rs 14,999.
Nokia 6, which is priced starting at Rs 14,999 (3GB RAM+32GB storage), was announced with Android Nougat in August last year. The phone has already started receiving Android 8.1 Oreo update in India. It runs almost stock version of Android with very little tweaks. Nokia 6 with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage costs Rs 16,999. Android 8.1 Oreo brings with it battery saving navigation buttons, revamped power menu, the new Setting menu as well as Bluetooth battery percentage.
Honor 7X started receiving Android Oreo-based EMUI 8.0 Beta update earlier this month. The phone will get the same features as the Honor 9 Lite. Honor 7X stands out for its dual rear cameras and a Full Vision display. The 32GB storage model is priced at Rs 12,999, while the 64GB storage option costs Rs 15,999. The RAM is 4GB on both the models.
HMD Global has started rolling out Android 8.1 Oreo stable update for Nokia 5 as well. Priced at Rs 13,499, it comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB storage onboard in two colour options – Matte Black and Tempered Blue. The mid-range device sports a full metal-unibody design and 5.2-inch HD IPS LCD.
If you’re looking for budget devices below Rs 15,000 they this is the right time to buy a smartphone.
