List of Google Play edition devices

The Google Play edition devices (GPE) was a series of consumer mobile devices sanctioned by Google that run the Android operating system. Unlike the standard versions of Android on these devices, which have received "skins" from the original equipment manufacturer, such as Samsung One UI or HTC Sense, they ran a "stock" version of Android,[1] without any manufacturer or wireless carrier modifications, making them essentially like Google Nexus and Google Pixel devices in terms of software but they did not carry the Google Nexus branding, nor did their hardware differ from that of the original devices upon which the Play editions are based. Because of this, the software included slight, under-the-hood changes to function on the original manufacturer's hardware.

These devices are carrier unlocked and GSM-based, and have been offered exclusively through Google's Play Store.[2] Updates for these devices were delivered by Google (bypassing carriers), but were supplied by the original device manufacturer.[3] Although the updates were not supplied directly by Google, as is the case with the products from the Nexus line, these devices receive Android updates at nearly the same time as Nexus products.[4]

In January 2015, Google stopped selling their final Google Play edition phone. While Google never officially announced the end of the program, it has been superseded by the similar Android One program. As of 2019, manufacturers of Android One devices include Xiaomi, HMD Global (Nokia) and Lenovo (Motorola).[5]

Phones

• Samsung Galaxy S4 – At the Google I/O 2013 keynote, it was announced that a special edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4 would be released in the United States through Google Play on June 26, 2013. Unlike normal versions of the S4 (which ship with Samsung's TouchWiz interface and software), the phone will ship with a stock build of Android 4.2.2 with Google-supplied updates, similarly to Nexus devices.[6] The price of the Google Edition is $649, and sold exclusively through the Google Play Store.[7] On August 5, 2014 the device was retired.[8]
• HTC One – On May 30, 2013, HTC announced that a similar version of the HTC One with stock Android in place of HTC Sense would be released on the same day.[9]

Tablet

• LG G Pad 8.3 – On December 10, 2013 a Google Play edition of this tablet was announced,[13] priced at $350, and sold exclusively through the Google Play Store.[23]