When Android One was first announced, the initiative was hailed as a way to bring affordable yet functional smartphones to emerging markets that would carry a stock Android build, making it possible for Google to keep these devices up to date with the latest software similar to the way they do with the Nexus lineup. The Android One program has had its fair share of hurdles and has not had much talk surrounding it as of late, but Google assured the public that Android One was alive and well, and that it would be introducing new devices in the future. In addition, it was reported that Android One was to be placed under the leadership of Rick Osterloh who now heads up Google’s new hardware division.
With a promise of new phones on the way, one such device has surfaced with Google Japan announcing that their first Android One device will be coming to the region as the SHARP 507SH. Although Android One devices are typically aimed at the lower end of the market, coming with lower specs, the SHARP 507SH will come with a sizable battery, decent cameras, and a 5-inch display, all with stock Android 6.0 Marshmallow on board. To start, the device comes equipped with a 5-inch IGZO LCD HD display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 with protection from Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor which is paired with an Adreno 405 GPU for the graphics, along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage that is expandable up to 200GB via microSD card. The SHARP 507SH runs on a 3,010 mAh battery which SHARP touts as having a 3-day lifespan before needing a recharge, and it carries a 13MP camera on the back with LED flash and a 5MP camera on the front with a wide-angle lens for better selfie images. It supports VoLTE in the country and will launch on the region’s local Y!mobile network, coming with Bluetooth 4.2 support as well as support for WiFi 802.11b/g/n, and it’s both water resistant and dustproof thanks to the IPX5/IPX8 and IP5X ratings. The phone is to launch on Y!mobile later this month in July and will be available in Black, White, and Blue, although a price was not yet listed. When the phone does release, customers will also have the option to buy from SHARP in addition to Y!mobile themselves.
