According to SamMobile, Samsung is testing what appears to be an Android Go phone in markets all across the globe. Why does this matter, you ask? Well, for one, Android Go devices run a special version of the Android OS, made to operate on devices with not-so-premium specifications. Because of this, Android Go is ideal for OEMs looking to build a device accessible to billions around the world, but without the means to spend a small fortune to acquire it.
As reported, Samsung is testing this Android Go phone, model SM-J260F, in markets across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. At this time, it is unknown if Samsung intends to launch the device in the US.
This is interesting because Samsung does make low-end and mid-range devices, but all of them have some form of Samsung’s custom skin on top of Android. With Android Go, that shouldn’t be the case. This phone should feature what’s essentially a barebones Android experience that runs apps catered to low amounts of RAM and less powerful processors. Android Go is also built to allow for very timely updates, another thing Samsung isn’t really known for.
All we can hope for is that Samsung releases this phone, sells one billion of them, then the company realizes how great having stock Android is.
// SamMobile