Looking to have some fun with Android One? This pure version of Google's operating system is becoming increasingly popular among Android fans. With good reason. A phone with Android One comes with guaranteed security updates for three years, as well as two major operating system updates.
Basically, if you're after an Android phone that will last a long time, you're looking for a phone with Android One. Nokia is currently the only smartphone manufacturer offering Android One phones in Australia. Here's a look at our favourites from the range.
What is Android One?
While all Android phones ship with the Android operating system, not all Android phones run Android One.
Most smartphone manufacturers like to put their own unique spin on the Android software. But this means that when Google releases a new software or security update, it's up to your device's manufacturer to pass it on to you. This can take many months - and that's the best case scenario. Plenty of Android phones, especially more affordable devices, don't get any updates at all.
Enter Android One. It's an unmodified version of Google's operating system and, importantly, is predominantly supported by Google, not your smartphone manufacturer (although the manufacturer is still involved). That means timely updates, and lots of them. Google has promised that all Android One smartphones will get security updates every month for a minimum of three years, and two major operating system updates.
Android One also comes without bloatware, preloaded apps and other customisations. It's Android as Google intended.
Nokia 8.1
A good value handset that won't break the bank.
- Good value
- Slick design and solid build
- Great performance
- Camera can be slow to shoot
- Larger than average notch
The Nokia 8.1 is a great value device, pairing a slick design with a solid build and day-to-day performance that's almost flagship fast. While gaming and 3D prowess isn't quite up there with top-end devices, in many cases, you might not even be able to tell the difference between the Nokia 8.1 and a phone that costs twice as much. On top of this the phone comes with a decent camera and a good day-and-a-half of battery life. You can pick from blue with silver or accents, or silver with copper accents.
The Nokia 8.1 is available through major retailers at $699 outright. To learn more about the phone, read our review. Or to find a SIM-only plan to pair with it, start your search below.
|
#1
|
Lyca Mobile
Unlimited Plan M
$20.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Swoop
120GB SIM Only 5G
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
|
|
#3
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 40 SIM Only
$22.00/mth
Min. cost $22
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Pivotel
80GB Mobile Swift Plan
$22.50/mth
Min. cost $22.50
|
|
#5
|
Lebara Mobile
$30 SIM Plan
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
OnePass mobile
28 Day Plan - 65GB
$20.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium Monthly Plan
$29.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#8
|
SpinTel
$29 Mobile Plan
$29.00/mth
Min. cost $29
|
|
#9
|
Yomojo
Essential 42GB Plan
$29.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
Medium Mobile Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
What about Google Pixel?
If you're looking for an Android phone that comes with even faster updates and flagship features, you might want to take a look at the Google Pixel.
The Pixel gets all Android updates first, even ahead of Android One devices, and has exclusive features like Night Sight photography. On top of that, the Google Pixel 3 still boast one of the best smartphone cameras you can buy today, and starting at $1,199 for the 64GB model, it's cheaper than most other flagship devices.
Nokia 6.1
A good value handset that won't break the bank.
- Great value
- Excellent build quality
- Good performance
- Camera is hit and miss
- Bulky design
Do you want a phone that punches above its price in terms of performance? Well you should definitely consider the Nokia 6.1. While the phone costs $399, the core hardware is almost identical to devices that cost at least $150 more. And it's not just the hardware that impresses. The Nokia 6.1 feels like a phone that is worthy of the brand - it feels built to last and delivers on all the fundamentals: performance, screen quality, software, and battery life. It's a worthy contender for the "best affordable smartphone" crown.
The Nokia 6.1 is available through major retailers at $399 outright. To learn more about the phone, read our review. Or to find a SIM-only plan to pair with it, start your search below.
|
#1
|
Lyca Mobile
Unlimited Plan M
$20.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Swoop
120GB SIM Only 5G
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
|
|
#3
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 40 SIM Only
$22.00/mth
Min. cost $22
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Pivotel
80GB Mobile Swift Plan
$22.50/mth
Min. cost $22.50
|
|
#5
|
Lebara Mobile
$30 SIM Plan
$30.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
OnePass mobile
28 Day Plan - 65GB
$20.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
Kogan Mobile
Medium Monthly Plan
$29.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#8
|
SpinTel
$29 Mobile Plan
$29.00/mth
Min. cost $29
|
|
#9
|
Yomojo
Essential 42GB Plan
$29.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Dodo
Editor's Pick
Medium Mobile Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
Nokia 5.1
A no-nonsense phone with a no-nonsense price-tag.
- Solid build
- Reliable performance
- Very affordable
- Camera can be hit and miss
- Only 16GB of storage
The Nokia 5.1 is a no-nonsense phone with a no-nonsense price-tag. It's solid, reliable and at $329 outright, it's very affordable.
Considering that, the rear-camera is pretty awesome for the price. The selfie camera is a bit disappointing, but the rear-camera takes great shots of still objects and can even manage some impressively decent photos at night.
The Nokia 5.1 is a great "good enough" buy that'll satisfy anyone who just wants a device that'll do the job and probably do it for a long time, or anyone who cares more about savings than selfies.
The Nokia 5.1 is available through major retailers at $329 outright. To learn more about the phone, read our review. Or to find a SIM-only plan to pair with it, start your search below.
Jacqui Dent
Editorial Strategist
Related Articles
