Making sense of Android devices classification
When a company decides to go for Android, the procurement process is a key factor to a successful enterprise mobility fleet management.
Some would think that any Android phone does the job. But when it comes to registering a device with an EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management), there are a few things to consider.
GMS vs AOSP
Android Enterprise has gone GMS and all EMMs have gone GMS also.
Android Open Source Project (AOSP) hand over the source code necessary to build an Android compatible operating system. Any manufacturer can use it. It can be freely used and edited by anyone. On devices running AOSP, Google Play Store is not available.
Google Mobile Services (GMS) is a set of services that run on top of AOSP to bring a full Android experience. It comes with a lot of requirements. It allows access to a large quantity of applications through the Google Play Store. It also provides several other applications including Gmail, Chrome browser, Google Maps, etc. In order to be GMS compatible, the device must meet a list of very strict criteria, defined by the Android Compatibility Definition Document.
If you live outside of China and most of Africa, chances are that you are using a GMS phone in the consumer market. As the Google Play store is blocked in China, Chinese manufacturers address the Chinese market with AOSP solutions. They also export low cost devices with AOSP to some countries in Africa.
The Rugged device market is not yet 100% GMS. All leading US manufacturers, like Zebra and Honeywell, have gone 100% Android GMS, but many Asian and Chinese manufacturers are not there yet.
GMS is the only viable solution when managing an enterprise fleet with an EMM
Android, Android One, Android Go?
In the jungle of Android, you can sometimes feel a little bit lost. Let’s clear the undergrowth.
Android
(regular) Android is open source. OEMs and manufacturers can make as many changes as they want to the operating system. Android OS can be tweaked, adding more features and a customised look (skin) to distinguish them each other. The software and security updates are also ruled by OEMs.
Android One
Android One is a Google program for smartphone manufacturers. Being part of Android One brings a guarantee that it’s a solid and stable version, with a stock Android experience.
Android One comes without the things that manufacturers like to add: no skins, no bloatware…
- GMS by definition
- Originally conceived for entry-level devices in emerging markets, but not any more as Android Go takes up that role now
- At least two years of Android OS upgrades
- Three years of security updates
- Google Play Protect security software
- The full Google Apps suite
Android One is (the same version as the Android on Google Pixel phones. Many large devices manufacturers have gone Android One: Motorola, Nokia, LG
Android Go
Android Go Edition is for entry-level phones, with less hardware capabilities. The program pursues Android One’s original goal by enabling access to low cost, reliable Android smartphones to customers. It’s a lightweight version of the OS, with apps that take up less memory. Due to its limited resources, some features (such as Work Profile) might not be possible.
Android Enterprise Recommended
To have a successful mobility deployment in enterprise, it’s important to choose a device from an approved list. This is where Android Enterprise Recommended program comes in.
Android Enterprise Recommended defines requirements for devices, carrier services and enterprise mobility management services. It simplifies the selection process so you can start your search with a shortlist of approved devices.
From this list, you can filter between Recommended or not, Rugged devices or not, NFC or Zero Touch enabled.
If the phone does not have the recommended logo, you know that this phone might not do the job in the context of an EMM deployment
Here is a quick summary of minimum devices specifications:
| Rugged Devices | Knowledge Worker Devices 8.0 | Knowledge Worker Devices 9.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Android 7.0+ GMS | Android 8.0+ GMS | Android 9.0 GMS |
Enrollment methods
| Enrollment methods
| Enrollment methods
|
Default Systems Apps – managed devices
| ||
| Not work profile approved (might or might not work) | Default Systems Apps – work profile
| |
| Security update support 90-day security updates, available for five years from the launch date of the device | Security update support 90-day security updates, | |
| Major update release support Support current shipping release + one letter upgrade Future dessert upgrades, including carrier certification, must be available to all Enterprise Recommended devices within 18 months of the board support package (BSP) drop | Major update release support Support current shipping release + one letter upgrade | |
| RAM 2 GB | ||
| Storage 16 GB | Storage 32 GB | |
| Speed 1.1 GHz | Speed 1.4 GHz | |
What’s your use case scenario?
- You need to choose a device for Work Profile? The best recommendation would be to choose an Enterprise Recommended device non rugged. The Work Profile might not work on rugged devices.
- You need to deploy a large fleet as seamlessly as possible? It’s the perfect scenario for a device that is Zero Touch enabled. You need an Android 8.1+ version.
- You prefer an entry-level smartphone and don’t need a Work Profile? You could go for an Android Go device (like Nokia 1), that might be a good affordable solution for device owned even if it’s not Enterprise Recommended.
- You are in a rugged environment? Check if GMS before pricing. Usually, the cheapest rugged devices on the market are chinese made and AOSP.
How can I be sure that my device will be compatible?
So here are the “official” inputs that will help you choose your mobile devices. The best way is to follow Android rules.
But in reality, it’s not always “black and white”.
At WizyEMM, we encountered the case of an Android 8 GMS smartphone that did not support QR code enrollment or NFC, which could considerably complicate the enrollment strategy.
Our advice: test devices before making your decision. And contact us if you have any question
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