When Google first announced Android Oreo (Go edition), many believed these devices would be focused more on developing countries. However, thanks to ZTE, we'll be getting Android Go stateside, so US customers on even the tightest of budgets can still enjoy the convenience of a smartphone.
The ZTE Tempo Go is a part of the wave of Android Go devices announced at Mobile World Congress 2018. These devices have low-end specs, but they compensate by running a slimmed down version of Android Oreo. By combining inexpensive parts with a lighter version of Android, customers can enjoy a phone with relatively smooth performance at prices that previously seemed unobtainable for smartphones.
ZTE Tempo Go Specs
- OS: Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition)
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 210
- GPU: Adreno 304
- RAM: 1 GB RAM
- Storage: 8 GB with microSD support (up to 32 GB)
- Display: 5.0" TFT 854 x 480
- Rear Camera: 5 MP
- Front Camera: 2 MP
- Battery Capacity: 2,200 mAh
- Ports: 3.5 mm headphone jack, micro USB 2.0
Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition)
At first glance, the ZTE Tempo Go's specs are scary bad. I don't remember the last time I saw a phone with only 1 GB of RAM. However, this is where the beauty of Android Go comes in. Unlike a phone trying to run regular Android, these phones will run smoothly despite these ridiculously low specifications.
With Android Go, customers get a stock Android experience designed from the ground up to use fewer resources. This includes a custom suite of Google apps that can handle running on a Snapdragon 210 and 1 GB RAM. Android Go includes a Go edition of YouTube, Gmail, Assistant, Maps, Messaging, Dialer, Camera, and Gboard.
Furthermore, the Play Store has been tweaked to heavily recommend Go edition apps. There is even a File cleaner/manager app which includes a nifty feature that enables wireless file sharing among friends. We were so impressed with this file manager that we highlighted it in our best file cleaner roundup, which you can check out at the link below.
In addition, Google opened up its reworked OS to app developers so you can enjoy more than just Google-made apps. Apps such as Skype and Instagram have already created Go editions of their popular offerings.
Pricing & Availability
Android Go really shines when it comes to pricing. The ZTE Tempo Go will retail for a mere $80 in the US, which is unheard of among phones that run the latest version of Android. The ZTE Tempo Go is available today. Use the link below to try your luck at getting this device — but as a heads up, this variant will only work with AT&T and T-Mobile.
However, according to ZTE's official technical specs, the Tempo Go works on the CDMA and LTE bands that Verizon Wireless uses, so expect a carrier deal soon with the top US wireless carrier.
With the ZTE Tempo Go, smartphones become much more accessible to millions of Americans. No longer does a sub-$100 smartphone equal a horribly lagging experience that's not worth owning. With Android Go and the ZTE Tempo Go, you can enjoy a lite version of Android that runs as well as phones that retail at two times its price.
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