Xiaomi Mi A1 gets fast charging support with Android Oreo beta update

Just a few weeks ago Xiaomi rolled out the beta version of Android Oreo to select Mi A1 devices. The update contained all the usual features expected from the latest version of Google’s OS including picture-in-picture mode, smart text selection, and so forth. However, it also had an unexpected feature on board — fast charging.

This was recently discovered by the guys over at TelecomTalk, who tested the update on Xiaomi’s first Android One smartphone. They were able to get the Mi A1’s battery up to 100 percent in 92 minutes, reducing the current charging time by around 30 minutes. That said, the test was performed using OnePlus’ Dash Charger instead of the one the handset comes with.

A lot of Xiaomi’s smartphones don’t support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, even though they have the necessary hardware. The reason might be that the manufacturer doesn’t usually pay the license fee required to use the technology, which has now apparently changed with the Mi A1.

Enabling fast charging is great news for current owners of the smartphone, which will get access to it once the stable version of the Oreo update is released. The feature might also increase sales, as it makes the already affordable handset an even better deal.

As a refresher, the Mi A1 comes with a 5.5-inch Full HD display, the Snapdragon 625 chipset, and 4 GB of RAM. It’s also equipped with two 12 MP sensors on the back, sports a metal body, and carries a price tag of Rs. 15,000 in India, which is around $235.

Want to learn more about the device? Check out our review of the Xiaomi Mi A1.