Android One on Xiaomi smartphones: pure Android instead MIUI — What it is and who will do it.

If you’ve ever searched for a Xiaomi smartphone and stumbled across the mark “Android One” in the specs, then you probably wondered what it means and how such devices differ from conventional models with a proprietary shell. MIUI? In this article, we will analyze in detail the software platform Android One, its role in the Xiaomi line, and also help to determine whether to choose such a smartphone in 2026.

The Android One concept was launched by Google in 2014 as a response to the fragmentation of the operating system and the desire to offer users a “clean” Android without unnecessary bells and whistles from manufacturers. Xiaomi joined this initiative in 2017, releasing the first model – Mi. A1. Since then, the company has released several devices on this platform, but their number has remained limited. Why this happened and what advantages (or disadvantages) Android One brings to owners of Xiaomi smartphones – more about this.

It is important to understand that Android One is not just a “lightweight version of Android”, but a full-fledged program of Google with strict requirements for manufacturers. It involves not only the lack of a branded shell, but also guaranteed security updates, optimization for weak devices, and integration of Google services out of the box. MIUI, The transition to Android One was an experiment that never went mainstream, but for some users, these smartphones remain the perfect choice.

What is Android One and how did it come about in Xiaomi?

Android One is Google’s program to create affordable smartphones with a clean (or close) Android interface, originally aimed at emerging markets, where users often encountered cheap devices on older versions of Android that were overloaded with unnecessary software.

• 📱 Minimal customization of the interface (without heavy shells, such as: MIUI one UI)
• 🔄 Guaranteed security updates for 2-3 years
• 📥 Pre-installed Google services (without duplicate applications from the manufacturer)
• 💡 Optimization for weak hardware (so that even budget smartphones work smoothly)

Xiaomi became one of the first major brands to join Android One, releasing Mi in 2017. A1 — reworked version of the Mi 5X with a pure Android instead MIUI. Later, Mi appeared. A2, Mi A2 Lite and Mi A3. However, after 2019, the company actually curtailed support for this lineup, focusing on developing its own shell?

There are several reasons:

• 📉 Low demand: most of Xiaomi’s customers valued it MIUI for its functionality and customization.
• 🔧 Google restrictions: Manufacturers couldn’t modify the system much, which prevented Xiaomi from implementing its chips (for example, the “Second Space” mode or advanced camera settings).
• 📈 Competition with Google Pixel: Xiaomi’s Android One smartphones have ceased to compare favorably with the budget Pixel, which offered the same pure Android, but with a better camera and support.

The difference between Android One and MIUI on Xiaomi smartphones

The main difference between Android One and MIUI — It's not a branded shell, but in practice, the difference is in many aspects, from interface design to speed:

Important nuance: Xiaomi smartphones on Android One are deprived of key features MIUI, Second Space (a dual work/life system), advanced camera settings (like manual focus in Pro mode) and branded services like Mi Cloud or Mi Share. If you’re used to these features, switching to Android One can feel like a step backwards.

On the other hand, pure Android has its advantages:

• ⚡ Fast work even on weak processors (for example, Mi). A2 Lite with Snapdragon 625 feels faster than its counterparts MIUI).
• 🔒 Less “junk”: no pre-installed games, unnecessary utilities and advertising in system applications.
• 📲 A more predictable interface for those who have previously used smartphones from other brands (for example, Samsung or Google Pixel).
• 🔄 Quick security updates (although new Android versions are coming no more than on the Internet) MIUI).

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Android One is suitable for those who appreciate stability and minimalism. MIUI — Those who like customization and extra features.

List of Xiaomi smartphones on Android One: what models came out

Xiaomi released just four Android One models before it pulled out, all of them budget and mid-range. Here's the full list:

1. Xiaomi Mi A1 (2017 – the company’s first Android One smartphone, a redesigned version of the Mi 5X Dual camera and Snapdragon 625 processor.
2. Xiaomi Mi A2 (2018 – An improved version with Snapdragon 660, 20 MP camera and 5.99 display".
3. Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite (2018) - budget modification of the Mi A2 with a Snapdragon 625 processor and a 4000 mAh battery.
4. Xiaomi Mi A3 (2019 – the latest smartphone in the series with Snapdragon 665, AMOLED-display and triple camera.

All of these models had common features:

• 📦 Box with the Android One logo (unlike the standard packages Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Security updates for 2-3 years (e.g. Mi) A3 Android 11 is available, but not Android 12).
• 📵 Lack of Xiaomi branded services (e.g. Mi Cloud or Mi Remote).
• 💰 The price is 10-15% higher than that of analogues on MIUI (Due to Google’s licensing fees).

After Mi A3 Xiaomi has not officially announced new devices on Android One. in 2020-2026, the company has made a bet on improvement MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 with optimizations for weak devices) and the development of its own ecosystem.However, rumors about a possible return to Android One appear regularly - especially in the context of entering the European market, where users prefer "clean" Android.

Pros and cons of Xiaomi smartphones on Android One

Like any platform, Android One on Xiaomi smartphones has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at them in detail to make it easier for you to make a purchase decision.

Advantages

• ✅ Stable operation: the absence of a heavy shell reduces the workload on the processor and RAM. A2 Lite with 3 GB of RAM works smoother than analogues on MIUI.
• ✅ Less Advertising: Android One doesn’t have any pre-installed ad modules (unlike Android One). MIUI, where they occur in system applications).
• ✅ Quick security updates: Google patches arrive almost immediately after release, with no delays in adapting the shell.
• ✅ Convenience for beginners: the interface is as close as possible to the “stack”, so users switching from other brands will not have to relearn.
• ✅ Easy to customize: You can install launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) without conflicts with the system.

Deficiencies

• ❌ No branded features: no Second Space, advanced camera settings, Game Turbo mode and other exclusives MIUI.
• ❌ Limited support: Xiaomi has stopped releasing new models on Android One, and the old ones are no longer getting updates.
• ❌ Less optimization for iron: in MIUI There are special profiles for Xiaomi processors, while Android One uses universal settings.
• ❌ No branded services: you will have to look for alternatives to Mi Cloud, Mi Remote and other utilities.
• ❌ The price is higher than the analogues on MIUI: For “clean” Android had to pay a premium.

⚠️ Note: If you buy a used Xiaomi smartphone on Android One, check the status of updates. A3 It was only officially supported until Android 11, and further firmware may be unstable.

View the date of the last security update|Make sure the model officially supports Android One (not custom firmware)|Check compatibility with the right applications (e.g. banking)|Evaluate the state of the battery (in older models it could degrade)-->

How to distinguish the original Android One from a fake or custom firmware

In the secondary market, it is not uncommon for Xiaomi smartphones to have custom firmware with a clean Android (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), which are sold as the original Android One, when in fact they are without warranty support and can work unstable.

Here are the key features of the original Android One:

1. Logo on the box: official devices have the Android One sign on the package and in the settings (in the About Phone section).
2. Absence MIUI: The menu does not have branded applications (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps), and the interface fully corresponds to the “stack».
3. Updates via Google: Security patches come directly from Google, not Xiaomi (checked in Settings) → System system → Updating the system).
4. Google Certification: In Settings → Google → Device certification must indicate that the device is certified.

If at least one of these points fails, you're either a fake or a smartphone with custom firmware. A1/A2, Users have been re-questing due to the end of official support.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware on Android One smartphone deprives it of warranty and can lead to problems with banking applications (due to lack of Google certification).

To verify the authenticity of the firmware, you can use the command in ADB:

adb shell getprop ro.product.name

On the original Android One, the result will contain the code name of the model (e.g., tissot for Mi). A1), not a modified name.

The relevance of Android One in 2026: whether to buy

In 2026, Xiaomi smartphones on Android One are no longer produced, and the latest models (Mi) A3) They're not getting updates from 2021. So should you buy them today? The answer depends on your goals:

When the purchase is justified

• 💰 Budget up to 10,000 ₽: on the secondary market Mi A2 Lite or Mi A3 You can find it for 5-8 thousand rubles – this is a cheap option for calls, instant messengers and easy tasks.
• 🛠️ For experimentation: If you want to try a clean Android or plan to install custom firmware, these models are a good base.
• 👵 For older relatives: a simple interface without unnecessary features can be more convenient than an overloaded one MIUI.

When it's best to refuse

• 📱 Need a modern smartphone: even flagships of 2019 A3) They are outdated on the “iron” and will not pull new games or multitasking.
• 🔒 Security is important: without updates, vulnerabilities do not patch, which is dangerous for banking applications and personal data.
• 🎮 Game features: Android One doesn’t have Game Turbo mode, optimization for games, and other bonuses MIUI.
• 📸 The camera is important: even in its time, the Mi A-series cameras lost to flagships, and now their quality is not competitive at all.

If you need a current Xiaomi smartphone with a minimalist interface, pay attention to the models with a high-quality interface. MIUI Lite (e.g. Redmi) 12C POCO C55). It's a lightweight version of the shell that retains the main features. MIUI, The alternative is Google Pixel or Motorola smartphones, which offer "clean" Android with long-term support.

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Before buying a used Xiaomi on Android One, check the battery status with the AccuBattery app. Older models often have a capacity drop below 70%, resulting in a quick discharge.

Android One Alternatives: What Xiaomi is Offering Today

After the collapse of the project Android One Xiaomi focused on the development MIUI And we're going to release lightweight versions of the shell, and if you're lacking in the purity of the interface, consider these alternatives:

1. MIUI Lite

Lightweight version MIUI for budget smartphones (e.g. Redmi A-series or Poco C-series) MIUI:

• 📉 Simplified design without unnecessary animations.
• 🚀 Less background activity (saves battery power).
• ❌ Some features are missing (e.g., "Second Space»).

2. Poco Launcher

A branded launcher from the Poco sub-brand, which can be installed on any Xiaomi smartphone.

• 🎨 Minimalist design, close to the "stack».
• 🔍 Built-in App Drawer (like on Google Pixel).
• 🔋 Optimizing productivity.

You can install it from Google Play or through Settings. → Topics.

3. Custom firmware

For advanced users, there is an option to install firmware based on Android (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience). However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and deprives of warranties. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

4.Smartphones from other brands

If pure Android is important to you, pay attention to:

• 📱 Google Pixel 6a/7a — Best price/quality option with guaranteed updates.
• 📱 Motorola Moto G-series – budget models with almost “stock” Android.
• 📱 Nokia XR21 Nokia G42 — reliable devices with long-term support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi and Android One