Android Go is an iteration of Google’s mobile operating system that the company announced last year. It’s meant for low-end devices with specs that leave a lot to be desired. However, the OS and accompanying apps are lightweight enough to provide a good user experience on such devices. It was confirmed a couple of months ago that ZTE will be the first to bring an Android Go smartphone to the United States and the company’s Tempo Go handset is now available for purchase in the country.
There’s a Qualcomm MSM8909 processor under the hood of the ZTE Tempo Go coupled with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. It also has a 2 megapixel front and 5 megapixel rear camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microUSB port, and a 2,200mAh battery. Other specs include a 5 inch FWVGA 480×854 pixel resolution display, Bluetooth 4.2, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi.
Alcatel is another budget smartphone maker that has an Android Go smartphone for the United States in the pipeline. The company has confirmed that its device called the 1X is going to be released in the U.S. soon.
Most of the Android Go handsets that have been announced so far are meant for emerging markets where there’s a real demand for affordable smartphones with a lower average selling price. Most of them won’t be released in the United States. However, ZTE’s Tempo Go has now become the first Android Go handset in the country that’s available for purchase right away. It can be purchased online for $79.99.
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