A Xiaomi without MIUI is the dream of the purest software lovers. Xiaomi’s customization layer is rich in features and proprietary apps, but the sheer simplicity of Google’s OS remains one of our favourites.

Although the Xiaomi Redmi A1 is an entry range, An essential mobile phone for Xiaomi. Proof that a Xiaomi with cleaner Android is possible, but in this case the terminal is far from what was seen in previous models of the A family. An inexpensive mobile phone with Android GO.

Technical page of Xiaomi Redmi A1

The return of the A-series to Xiaomi, although not accompanied by hardware

The Xiaomi Mi A1, Mi A2 and Mi A3 launched a few years ago with competitive features and a great addition: the nearly extinct Android One. This was an Android version with deep cooperation with Google, close to what we found on a Pixelwith very little customization by the manufacturer.

This essence was saved by the Xiaomi Redmi A1, a terminal that went on sale today in Spain. It’s a Xiaomi, it has cheap and clean software (in fact, there is not even a reference to MIUI on the web). But not everything is as beautiful as it seems.

We are facing a mobile phone with Android GO, a reduced version of Android for input terminals. this version Comes with fully stock launcher, interface and system settings. Xiaomi has integrated some of its own apps like camera or dialer (call app) in addition to startup animations and others. Otherwise, it’s a phone with a pretty clean system.

The specs are pretty simple: MediaTek entry-level processor, base version with 2GB RAM, eMMC memories, HD+ resolution display and single camera. Technically there is a “second QVGA backup camera”, but its weight It drops to the tiny 8-megapixel main sensor.

As a good Xiaomi, it comes with 5,000mAh although its charging speed is 10W. For 99 euros, in the current context, it is still an entry range with a reasonable price. It’s leaving us, yeah looking forward to another Xiaomi with clean software and more ambitious hardware.