Lots of people love Android phones. Regular updates make them even better, but how can you be sure the phone you buy will actually get them?
The Xiaomi Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite solve this problem. They are Android One phones, meaning they use Google’s latest software built-in rather than Xiaomi’s own MIUI, and include two years of software updates.
At first it may just seem like these phones have a lovely clean look to their software. However, there’s much, much more to the platform, as an Android One phone is a great choice all-round.
Meet the Xiaomis
But first: the phones. Should you buy a Xiaomi Mi A2 or a Mi A2 Lite? Both are drenched in impressive tech and value-packed, and each has its own style.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite enhances the easy-going style of Android One with a huge 4000mAh battery. Getting this phone to last a full two days between charges is easy.
It is also a very easy-to-handle mobile, thanks to a highly pocketable 71.7mm-wide frame.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite has enough power to play high-end games, can take great photos and has an extremely sharp 5.84-inch screen too.
Enthusiast’s choice
However, spec hounds should also consider the upgrade to a Xiaomi Mi A2. Firstly, it has a larger 5.99-inch screen. And as it doesn't have a notch, videos and games can comfortably fill the whole area.
A great processor, the Snapdragon 660, helps the Mi A2 run Android’s most challenging games with ease.
And if you care more about your phone’s camera than mobile games, there’s good news. The Xiaomi Mi A2 has a versatile dual rear camera with a 12+20MP array, for ultra-detailed, clear images in all lighting conditions.
Advanced AI recognises what you’re taking a photo of, and optimises the look to make your images even punchier.
For just a little more money than the A2 Lite, this phone makes a lot of sense for enthusiasts out there who want a taste of hard-revving high-end power.
Android One benefits
So, what’s so special about Android One?
First, you’re guaranteed great security. Android One phones like the Xiaomi Mi A2 and A2 Lite will get two years of major software updates and three years of security updates from launch, keeping your phone safe and among the most secure.
Android One also keeps your battery going, optimised to make your phone last longer. Just about every part of this software seems built to make your life easier.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite is a cinch to use, won’t clock off before bed time and feels safe day-to-day thanks to its enhanced security.
Unlimited free storage for all your memories through the Google Photos app means you can take as many photos as you like without having to worry about running out of space again.
Both Xiaomi models have enough storage for as many apps and games as most people can handle, particularly if you store your snaps in the cloud rather than on your phone’s databanks.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 siblings also run the latest Android 9 software, packed with innovative features like app timers. These let you keep an eye on how much you use apps such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or any app you want to avoid using an unhealthy amount.
However, you can’t go wrong with either phone. Their combination of reliable, sleek Android One software and high-value, feature-packed hardware is hard to beat.
