Xiaomi Mi A1 (Android One) Smartphone in Malaysia

Mi A1, the Xiaomi’s first Android One smartphone to be available in Malaysia for RM1,099. Two colours are available: Black and Gold.
Table of Contents
What is Android One?
Android One is a hardware and software standard created by Google for Android devices. Android One smartphone runs Pure Android with no bloatware.
The security and system updates are handled by Google, ensuring your phone receives the latest security updates.
Mi A1 comes with Android 7.1.2 Nougat and upgradeable to Android 8.0 Oreo by the end of 2017. It will receive a minimum of two years of OS upgrades.
Xiaomi Mi A1 specs
Mi A1 has the same hardware as Xiaomi Mi 5X.
The rear dual camera are 2x 12MP sensors with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. It has 5.5-inch FullHD display and a full-metal body. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 625, octa-core processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, supports up to 128GB microSD memory card. Built-in non-removable 3080mAh battery.
Where to buy Mi A1?
Online pre-orders for Mi A1 has started at Xiaomi official store @ Lazada. The first sale date is 21st September 2017. You can also buy Mi A1 offline from Mi Premium Reseller (Queensbay Mall), Mobile To Go (SS2 PJ) and Direct D outlets on the same day.
Thought
The first thing I like about Mi A1 is that it runs pure Android. Most (if not all) pre-installed apps by phone manufacturers are useless and waste of storage space. I also like its full-metal body. Glass back phone not only a smudge magnet but also slippery, higher chance to break.
Currently, I am using Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, which recently upgraded to Android 7 Nougat. For me, Mi A1 (5X) and Redmi Note 4 have similar hardware specs.
They are both powered by same processor, RAM, storage space and screen size. The main difference is one (Mi A1) with dual camera, and the other (Redmi Note 4) has larger battery.
Mi A1 is only RM150 more than Redmi Note 4 (RM949). If I would buy a new phone now, it will be the Mi A1.
(I simply could not afford a laptop-price phone)