Google has expanded the Android Enterprise Recommended program to 39 devices, adding new devices from Sony, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia and BlackBerry. Google announced the Android Enterprise Recommended program back in February, designed to help enterprises find the best enterprise devices and services Android has to offer.
As the name implies, it’s designed to point enterprise IT departments at devices that Google has deemed to be enterprise-ready. This involves a number of criteria, including minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0 + devices, support for bulk deployment and managed profiles and devices for a consistent application experience across deployed devices.
The Huawei M5 8.4 and 10.8 are the first tablets validated as Android Enterprise Recommended and two new OEMs have joined the program: Sharp, with the AQUOS SH 10-K, and Sonim with the XP8.
From existing partners, newly certified devices include flagships that just launched this month:
- Huawei MediaPad M5 8.4 and 10.8 (the first tablets)
- Sharp AQUOS SH 10-K
- Sonim XP8
- Sony Xperia XZ2 / XZ2 Compact
- Motorola Moto G6 / G6 Plus
- Moto Z3 Play
- Huawei P20Â / P20 Pro
- BlackBerry Key2
- Nokia 3.1
- Nokia 5.1
- Nokia 6
- Nokia 7 Plus
- Nokia 8 Sirocco
To be Android Enterprise Recommended, a handset has to adhere to a strict set of rules.
It must run Android 7.0 Nougat or later, offer zero-touch enrollment with bulk deployment to employees, get the latest security patches within 90 days of their release for a minimum of three years, be available unlocked, and offer a consistent app experience in managed profiles and on managed devices.
Furthermore, it must come with a minimum of 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, a 1.4 GHz processor, 8+ hours of active battery life, a 10 MP main camera and 2 MP selfie shooter, and be updated to at least one major new Android version.
Still conspicuously missing from the cetified devices is anything by Samsung, a company that has programs in place like Knox specifically designed for the enterprise.
