Google releases list of devices recommended for enterprise

With so many manufacturers creating devices that run Android, wise consumers may do a bit of research to find a device that fits their lifestyle. Enterprise looks for a secure device that has productivity at the main focus. I did not find an actual statistic on this, but from my current and previous jobs plus researching mobility job postings, it seems Samsung (who is missing from the list below), would be number one for enterprise. Thanks to Samsung for Enterprise's Knox... more on that below.

What is Android Enterprise Recommended?

Android Enterprise Recommended gives you confidence you're making the right choices toward building a successful mobility program.

What are Android Enterprise Recommended devices?

Android Enterprise Recommended devices meet minimum specifications for hardware, bulk enrollment, security updates and user experience.

Which devices are Android Enterprise Recommended?

As highlighted on Google's blog post:

• BlackBerry KEYone and Motion

• Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL

• Huawei Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, P10 Lite, and P smart

• LG V30 and G6

• Motorola X4 and Z2

• Nokia 8

• Sony Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, XA2, and XA2 Ultra

The Android Enterprise Partners pages has a full visual list here.

Samsung Snub?

I am shocked to see Samsung missing from the Android Enterprise Recommendations. Samsung's Knox platform has been built into the most recent Samsung devices. Notice I didn't Samsung smartphones, Knox is baked into tablets and wearables as well! In a nutshell, it has features for Enrollment, Management, separate workspaces / sandboxing, and secure folders - Especially useful for companies with BYOD. Many of these features work in connection with your MDM / EMM like Airwatch.

With Knox's Root prevention, Rollback prevention, Secure boot (FROM THE HARDWARE LEVEL) along with it's co-sign from the U.S. Department of Defense. I would think it would be a recommended vendor.

A manufacturer I am surprised to see here is, Huawei. The CIA, NSA, FBI, and Defense Intelligence Agency recently testified that the Chinese smartphone maker, along with ZTE, are not recommended devices for citizens. I would think that would definitely translate to the enterprise.

Source: https://www.blog.google/products/android-enterprise/android-enterprise-recommended-raising-the-bar-of-excellence-for-enterprise-mobility/ , https://www.android.com/enterprise/recommended/ , http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/14/technology/huawei-intelligence-chiefs/index.html