Google introduced its Android Go initiative last year. It’s a lightweight version of the Android operating system that’s designed to work on devices with entry-level specifications. Google has even released lightweight versions of its popular apps like YouTube and Google Maps to go with this iteration of Android. Many OEMs are now making Android Go smartphones and Alcatel is going to bring its first Android Go smartphone to the United States for less than $100.
Alcatel announced five new smartphones at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona last month. Two of those devices will be making their way to the United States. Of those two, the Alcatel 1X is the one that’s running Android Go.
Alcatel hasn’t fully detailed the specifications of this device but the 1X does feature a 5.3 inch 960×480 pixel resolution 18:9 aspect ratio display with a fingerprint sensor at the back. It even has a fingerprint sensor and runs Android 8.0 Oreo.
The company says that this will actually be the first smartphone with a price tag of under $100 in the United States to tout an 18:9 aspect ratio display, even if the resolution isn’t that great.
Unlocked for GSM models, meaning that only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, the Alcatel 1X is going to be released for under $100 in the “coming months.” The company is yet to provide a concrete release date for this handset.
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