Google's Android One project reaches Japan, but it's way overpriced

Sharp X1 is the name of the first Android One smartphone to hit the Japanese market. The X1 will remain a Japanese affair for as long as Sharp plans to produce it, so don't get your hopes too high when it comes to its availability outside this country.

Android One phones are by definition meant to provide consumers with an affordable alternative to the Pixel and Nexus devices. These smartphones are among the first to receive major Android OS updates when Google releases them, but support usually ends after about two years of their market release.

However, it looks like Google has become bolder and allowed Sharp to come up with a design and specs sheet that will remain competitive in Japan, a unique smartphone market.

The X1 looks much better than most other Android One phones, but its specs clearly suggest this should be another affordable smartphone. But it really isn't. Sharp X1 is now exclusively available in Japan via Y! Mobile carrier and costs around $620 outright.

If you think for that amount you'll be getting a flagship killer, then you can't be more wrong. The X1 comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB of expandable storage.

Furthermore, the smartphone sports a 5.3-inch IGZO LCD display with full HD (1080p) resolution. On the back side, there's a 16-megapixel primary camera, while on the front Sharp added an 8-megapixel selfie snapper.

Sharp X1 ships with Android 7.1 Nougat right out of the box, and it's powered by a massive 3,900 mAh battery that's said to last for four days on average use. There's also a front-mounted fingerprint sensor positioned under the Home button, as well as IP68 certification (water and dust resistance).