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Samsung gets the Galaxy S21 AER certified. Xiaomi’s Mi 10T Lite is also now AER certified. Both new devices have joined Google’s Android Enterprise Recommended program for business use according to XDA-Developers. Google’s Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) program certifies that certain Android devices are ready for enterprise use.
The program launched back in 2018 and since then over 150 devices have been certified by Google. Devices from manufacturers like Motorola, LG, OnePlus, OPPO, and more have been certified for enterprise use. Devices that have been certified have fulfilled criteria that allow them to be certified. For example, these devices have met or exceeded minimum hardware specs or support for bulk deployment with zero-touch enrollment. A big requirement is a need for regular Android security updates within 90 days from when Google releases the patch.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20 series obtained the AER certification after their Android 11 updates rolled out. So it isn’t too surprising to see the Galaxy S21 AER certified. This will make things easier for executives or any worker looking to add the Galaxy S21 to their life.
Samsung Galaxy S21 AER certified along with the Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite
According to Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP of Platforms & Ecosystems at Google the confirmation of the Galaxy S21 being certified will those interested in the device to take them to work. He says “For those of you interested in using the S21 for work, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s an Android Enterprise Recommended device. The S21 exceeds the program’s elevated hardware and software requirements for business use.”
Oddly, there isn’t any listing of the three S21 variants in the Google Enterprise Solutions Directory. Neither are the flagships from last year. The Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite is AER certified and in the directory. It is also listed on Xiaomi’s dedicated AER website. Their website keeps a list of all their AER devices certified by Google.
Getting AER certified has always been a big deal. In recent years a lot of companies have begun instituting a BYOD approach to mobile devices. Of course, these devices have to meet certain requirements, and the AER ensures devices meet said requirements.
Manufacturers can keep their customers with AER certification. For example, a company may only offer Apple devices to their employees, or the option to bring their own device. For those who are loyal to a manufacturer who is AER certified, they can keep their device without having to jump to Apple. Doing so could make the employee grow comfortable in the new ecosystem causing the original manufacturer (Samsung for example) to lose customers.