Telefónica has been working with Spanish smartphone maker, BQ over the past months to be the first to bring to Europe smartphones that are powered by Cyanogen OS. The Cyanogen OS is an Android-based operating system that is fully compatible with all Google Play applications and offers a more customizable interface. This collaboration makes Telefónica the first operator ever to launch a device with Cyanogen OS in Europe.
The first handsets with Cyanogen OS, Aquaris X5 has been made available in the Movistar commercial network in Spain for 209 euros, said the company in a statement. Movistar customers can also own the device via an interest-free, monthly payment scheme of up to 24 months.
Aquaris X5 is a next-generation five-inch smartphone, featuring 4G connectivity, Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 412 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal memory expandable via SD card. It has a 2.900mAh battery, which, thanks to operating system optimization and low-power components, provides a longer battery life than other smartphones with similar specifications. It also includes 13MP cameras at the rear and 5MP at the front, both with flash.
The operator plans to roll out the device to Germany and the United Kingdom in the coming weeks and throughout next year, Telefónica plans to bring these devices to other countries in which it operates.
According to Telefonica, the Cyanogen OS provides various extra features, not only in terms of privacy and security but also related to the handling of the smartphone. The phone also comes with integrated Truecaller and features caller ID, detection and blocking of spam calls, as well as the AudioFX which offers high resolution sound quality with 24-bit uncut audio; and the new Boxer email which offers a range of premium productivity features, including calendar management.
