Android Go is transforming mobile accessibility by delivering smooth performance on low-end smartphones with limited RAM and storage.
Brands and OEMs like Samsung, Nokia, and Xiaomi use Android Go to reach emerging markets where affordability and connectivity are key.
Android Go apps like Gmail Go, YouTube Go, and Maps Go consume less data and storage, making them ideal for budget devices.
Regular Android supports advanced features, multitasking, and heavy apps—perfect for high-end smartphones and global audiences.
BigOhTech helps businesses build both Android Go and regular Android apps to maximize reach, performance, and user experience across all device segments.
As there are 3.9 billion Android users, what if most of them still rely on low-spec devices that don't support regular Android apps?
This provides more opportunities for mobile app development companies where smartphone adoption is growing but people don't have the budget to buy expensive smartphones.
But what if your competitors are capturing those users and you're not tapping into this market potential? In that case, Android Go edition can be a game-changer for businesses as it's specifically designed for low-end smartphones.
Best part? It still provides a better experience to users, lighter apps, uses less memory, and consumes less mobile data.
Let's discuss what Android Go is and how it's different from regular Android.
What is Android Go?
Android Go is the lite version of Android Oreo OS launched in 2017, with limited features and functionalities. Users can run the OS on low-budget smartphones and get the same level of UX that regular Android provides.
This OS is designed to run compressed apps such as Google Go, YouTube Go, Gmail Go, and Google Maps Go. Though these apps come preinstalled on Android Go edition, the downside is that they have limited features.
Google's mission is to increase Android Go's reach in emerging economies such as India, Brazil, and Nigeria (especially in developing countries) where the demand for smartphones is rising, and affordability is a major problem.
While people think that Android Go OS is a different version altogether, it’s basically a regular Android OS with lower RAM and memory requirements, designed for low-cost devices.
This creates an opportunity for OEMs to launch affordable technology for people who can't afford to invest in devices with higher-end specs.
What are the Key Features of Android Go?
Google introduced several changes in Android Go to make it available to a wider number of users and increase market potential -
1. Light OS
Google launched the Android Go Play Store to lessen the weight of applications and make Android lightweight.
Besides that, the new Play Store has fewer apps than the traditional one.
Unlike Google Play Store, Android Go Play store offers customers facing façade, meaning it provides suggestions of top applications that run flawlessly on phones and helps users find the best ones for their devices.
2. Operating System Compatibility
The operating system of Android Go supports devices with RAM ranging between 512 MB -1GB. Android Oreo is the operating system that Android Go uses.
With the advent of digitalization, businesses are looking for ways to upgrade their applications.
Such apps take up more space than Android Nougat, leading Android to develop Android Go apps.
Moreover, Android Go has a data saver feature that accounts for consuming fewer mobile data.
3. Lite Apps (Android Go Apps)
Google came up with launching apps that are of lite version than usual apps. Such apps are responsible for consuming 50% less space and provide the same level of experience as usual apps.
In the case of Android Go, users can find plenty of preinstalled apps, including Gmail Go, YouTube Go, Google Maps Go, Google Go, etc.
A specialty of these apps is that they offer fast speed and performance by 15%. However, users will have access to limited features and functionalities.
What is Regular Android?
Regular Android refers to the standard operating system version used on various operating systems, including smartphones, wearables, and tablets.
Google developed and maintained it.
It covers core features and functionalities that users expect, such as making and receiving calls, web browsing, sending text messages, downloading, and using apps.
A few examples of regular Android devices include-
Google Pixel smartphones and tablets
Samsung Galaxy smartphone tablets
Motorola smartphones
Nokia smartphones
Vivo smartphones
Need help in developing Android apps?
How is Android Go Different From Regular Android?
Basis Of Comparison
Android Go
Regular Android
Meaning
Android Go is the lighter version of Android designed specifically for cheaper smartphones that have little memory and storage. This ensures that low-cost phones can run smoothly while still providing a better experience when running on lesser hardware.
It's the full version of Android that most smartphones have today. This type of operating system is suitable for smartphones ranging from budget-friendly to flagship devices that have a lot of storage (RAM) and memory. These are better for multitasking, games, and heavy apps.
Speed and Performance
Android Go edition runs on devices with as little RAM as 1 GB. The apps on basic phones such as Gmail Go and Google Maps Go can run more smoothly. Though these are stripped-down versions of Android apps, they are slower than regular Android.
Regular Android is compatible with phones that have 2GB RAM or more. These are suitable for multitasking, gaming, video editing, and other heavy activities.
Storage Space
In terms of storage space, the system itself takes half the storage space that regular Android takes. If you're using a phone with 8GB or 16GB storage, then you would have enough space left for music, photos, and downloading other apps.
The standard Android system takes more storage space (6-12 GB). Even if you have phones with 32 GB or more, that's not a concern.
Apps it supports
Android Go supports Go version apps such as Gmail Go, YouTube Go, Maps Go, and Files Go. These apps are lighter, suitable for low-cost phones, and can save mobile data.
You can access Google apps such as YouTube, Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. These apps use more storage space and mobile data.
How to access these apps?
There is a different version of Play Store and apps that run on smaller phones, such as lite or Go versions of Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram.
The standard Android version has Google Play Store where you can download any app.
Internet and Data usage
Android Go edition saves your mobile data. These apps use less data, so you would never run out of your internet pack.
When accessing videos or playing games online, it consumes more data.
Features you get
For accessing basic features such as calling, messaging, and browsing, Android Go is good to go in that case. It doesn't support advanced features and functionalities so that the phone can run smoothly.
Android supports advanced functionalities such as AR/VR, split-screen multitasking, advanced gestures, and can support high-end games.
Examples of phones that it supports
Android Go is suitable for devices such as Samsung Galaxy J2 Core, Nokia 1, Xiaomi Redmi Go, Lava Z50, and Micromax Bharat Go.
Regular Android supports devices such as Samsung Galaxy S Series, OnePlus, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi Redmi Note Series.
When Would Businesses Choose Android and not Android Go?
Here are a few use cases when businesses would choose Android and not Android Go:
Develop Android apps if you want to add advanced features and functionalities such as payments, maps, or media. For simple apps, Android Go works well.
Most smartphones worldwide support full Android versions, so if your goal is to reach more users, then sticking with Android Go will limit your reach.
Through standard Android, you can create modern apps as it supports advanced features and functionalities such as AR/VR, background services, offline storage, heavy graphics, etc. If developers use Android Go to create mobile apps, then users may struggle with performance, image quality, user experience, etc.
As Android Go is designed for low-cost phones, but as smartphone prices drop, people tend to shift to standard Android devices. Businesses that stick with Android Go may fall behind.
How Apps Differ on Android and Android Go?
Here are a few key differences showing how regular Android is different from Android Go by focusing on key apps which are given below:
1. Google vs. Google Go
Regarding the app size, the Google Go version is lighter than the regular Android app (Google app). The app size of Google Go is 12 MB, which is way less than the regular Google app, which takes a large space of 166 MB.
Thanks to the app’s lean size, you can download Google Go faster. With reduced app size, you will find limited features in the go version.
With the Go version, users can access all features, including image search, Google translate, maps, etc. As it is a liter version, it lacks certain features such as offline downloading.
2. Gmail vs. Gmail Go
Those users with low-budget Android devices can find Gmail Go a lucrative option. With such an app, users can watch their e-mails and reply to the ones they feel are important.
Those users who can’t afford to buy high-end smartphones can play with Gmail Go and access their account with just a tap of a button.
Regarding RAM utilization, Gmail Go takes up around 77MB of memory space. While a regular Gmail app takes up around 260 MB of space. Both apps are almost the same in terms of look and performance.
3. YouTube vs. YouTube Go
As you know, YouTube has become a primary source of entertainment for smartphone users. But Google is not satisfied with that. It wanted to delight users by launching the light version of YouTube, YouTube Go.
An advantage of YouTube Go is that it saves mobile data and user device storage. It enhances the user experience by giving them a choice of whether to download or view the video.
For Instance – YouTube Go does not ask you to play or download videos; it doesn’t give you more options. Furthermore, it only provides a few features, such as you cannot subscribe to different channels.
Besides that, a regular YouTube app takes 122 MB of storage space, while YouTube Go takes less space, around 29 MB.
4. Google Maps Vs. Google Maps Go
When we talk about the visual appearance of both apps, Google Maps and Google Maps Go look the same. But, regarding functionality, “Google Maps Go” has certain limitations.
It lacks various features, including real-time turn-by-turn navigation, missing reviews, etc.
If you want to access Google Maps Go, you need a Chrome browser.
Such an app takes 100 times less space than regular Google Maps applications. However, it provides access to features such as real-time traffic updates, finding the fastest route, information about public transportation, etc.
It lacks certain features when finding places without an internet connection or looking at street views; it isn’t as good as the regular Google Maps app.
5. Flies Go
If you're an Android user, you already know how much pain it causes to users every time they need to visit the download manager to check the internal storage in their Android device. For that, Google released a file management app, "Files Go" for entry-level smartphones.
On average, if you compare the storage space of third-party file explorer's vs Files Go, then it takes less space - around 22 MB. While this isn't just about the file size difference, in terms of features, Files Go outperforms third-party file explorers.
The features that File Go include clearing the cache of all apps, giving you tips like whether there's an unused app or unnecessary files to save more storage space on devices.
Google decided to drop the lighter version of Gmail Go, which covers all the basic features of the Gmail app.
Users can get such an app only on Android Go devices. Gmail Go is the lightest version of the Gmail app and is not available in all countries. The app consumes 13 MB of storage space, while a regular Gmail app takes more than 200 MB.
You can access various features in Gmail Go, such as smart replies, smart e-mail categorization, multiple accounts, etc. In a nutshell, such an app is designed to consume less battery.
2. Google Maps Go
A lightweight version of Google Maps is called Google Maps Go. To access “Google Maps Go”, you need access to the Chrome browser. It provides access to most features, such as public transport and real-time information about local businesses.
However, Google Maps Go does not provide offline support, which is necessary in countries with limited data connectivity. Also, it does not allow users to share real-time locations with others.
So, having a Google Maps Go is a lucrative option for older smartphone users.
3. Google Assistant Go
With Google Assistant Go, users can ask questions using their voice, and it’s almost similar to the Google Assistant app. It has limited features.
For Example – It supports only the English language as of now.
Besides that, it won’t allow users to interact with third-party apps. Even Google itself says that this app is lightweight and fast and is made to use less storage and data.
Some features are not available in this app, such as control for smart home devices, reminders, etc.
With the lite version of this app, users can continue to enjoy the virtual assistant capabilities such as making calls, asking for weather updates, playing music, etc.
4. YouTube Go
This app was launched in 2016 and was the first Android Go app. Its video preview feature lets users take a sneak peek of what’s inside the video. With such an app, users can even download content for offline viewing and share it with their friends.
This app is designed to reduce data usage.
It is developed for areas having limited internet connectivity. So, each time the user thinks of downloading the video, this app shows the user the available video quality with the amount of data available.
Thus, a lite version of this app gives you access to all YOUTUBE features by preserving your internet.
How BigOhTech Can Help You With Android App Development?
By reading the above guide, you already know why Google launched Android Go, and if you as a business owner want to cater to price-conscious customers or tap into emerging markets where internet connectivity and affordability are major concerns, then consider launching Android Go.
Bad Part? Android Go is mostly suitable for smartphones that cost under $150. And if you want to develop a light version app with minimal features, go with this OS version.
Result? Fewer features = Less development hours = Lower development cost
As an app development company, we understand your business requirements first and your end goals before developing custom Android applications.
The dedicated development team we've hired at BigOhTech uses the latest technologies such as Android NDK, Java, Kotlin, and Cordova to create customized scalable apps for all devices such as Android wearables, TVs, tablets, and mobile devices.
“
Recently, we helped Square Yards by developing a social feed platform by transforming static property listings into an immersive experience.
Initially, there was no personalized content feature, and users could only see generic listings that were not tailored to their interests.
Then, we designed a personalized recommendation engine to provide tailored recommendations to users based on their behavior, preferences, and past reactions.
Our app developers even added features (likes, comments, and follows) on the platform to turn one-way listings into two-way conversations.
Result? The company saw a huge increase in lead generation by 40-55%, 3x-5x faster property discovery, and users can find relevant listings within just minutes.
”
FAQs
Q1. Is Android Go Edition better than Android?
Android Go Edition is not necessarily “better” than Regular Android in terms of features and functionalities. Instead, it is optimized for lower-end devices with limited resources. Android Go offers a streamlined experience tailored for budget smartphones, focusing on efficient performance and reduced data consumption.
For users with modest hardware specifications or limited access to high-speed internet, Android Go Edition can provide a smoother experience compared to Regular Android.
Q2. What are the limitations of Android Go?
Though it is geared for low-cost handsets, Android Go Edition is not without its limits. It is lightweight. These restrictions mostly concern fewer hardware resources and a feature set that is smaller than that of Regular Android. Reduced RAM capacity, constrained storage, and less potent hardware components are a few typical restrictions.
In order to save resources, apps in the Android Go ecosystem might also have less features than their full-featured equivalents on Regular Android. This could have an impact on the user experience.
Q3. What is Android Go Edition?
An edition of the Android operating system called Android Go Edition is designed especially for entry-level smartphones with constrained hardware. Google’s Android Go Edition was unveiled with the goal of offering a seamless and effective user experience on low-cost smartphones, especially in developing nations where pricing is a major barrier to smartphone adoption. It comprises operating system features and optimized versions of well-known apps that are designed to function well on devices with less RAM and storage.
Q4. What is Android 13 Go Edition?
As of my last update in January 2022, there hasn’t been an official release or announcement regarding Android 13 Go Edition. However, it’s common for Google to release Go Edition versions of their Android updates to cater to users with entry-level devices. If Android 13 Go Edition follows previous patterns, it will likely continue the trend of optimizing the Android experience for budget smartphones, focusing on performance efficiency and resource optimization. Users can expect to see improvements and optimizations tailored to the constraints of lower-end hardware.
Q.5 Should startups build apps for Android Go?
Startups can build mobile apps for Android Go if they're targeting emerging markets or users with lower-end devices.
Q.6 Does Android Go reduce development costs?
Android Go involves building apps with a smaller number of features, which requires fewer development resources and hence lower costs.
Even if you want to create an app for Android Go, you can optimize existing apps to run on low-storage devices. Also, these are apps with basic UI/UX, no heavy graphics or animations, and even testing costs are lower as these apps are tested on budget devices.
