Thanks to a plethora of leaks (both physical and online), the internet effectively ruined Google’s big Pixel 3 reveal. The Pixel 3 wouldn’t stop leaking, until the very end and we knew pretty much everything there was to know about it, barring a few features here and there. At this point, it is clear that Google products get ‘leaked’ more often than others and that isn’t changing anytime soon.
The rumour mill has been abuzz with talks of a ‘Lite’ version of the Google Pixel 3 for quite some time. The Pixel 3 Lite is supposed to be a low-cost alternative for a Pixel 3 that sits in the ~$500 price range. Earlier this month, alleged renders of the upcoming mid-ranger showed up online, giving us our first look at what could be Google’s first non-flagship device in a long time. Google is yet to officially announced the Pixel 3 Lite, and it may unveil the device sometime next year, according to a source familiar with Google’s plans.
Related Google Pixel 3 Lite Camera Samples Allegedly Leaked – Reveal Clean, Detailed Images Thanks to the Advanced 12MP Sensor
The Pixel 3 Lite may be released as a Verizon exclusive next year
The source in question spoke to Android Police, stating that there will be two variants of the device. A small Pixel 3 Lite and a larger Pixel 3 XL Lite. As the name suggests, both devices will very likely be scaled down versions of their non-Lite counterparts. So, a Snapdragon 8xx SoC is out of the question, which leaves us the Snapdragon 670 or 710. Both chips are formidable mid-range chips that have found their way even in some ‘flagship’ devices such as the Nokia 8.1. Storage options may start at a 3/32GB RAM/Memory configuration as the base variant.
The Pixel 3 and 3 XL Lite, like its elder brothers, will come only one primary camera. We’ve seen the Pixels’ camera tear the place down with its performance time and again, so it is reasonable to assume that the Lite versions will achieve results that are close to it, if not identical. Hopefully, we get an OLED panel along with the standard upper mid-range feature set that includes a fingerprint scanner, support for fast charging, NFC etc.
Prima facie, a mid-range Pixel might seem a tad redundant to most, considering that you can pick up a much better specced OnePlus equivalent for more or less the same price. So, why would anyone choose a Pixel 3 Lite over a similarly priced OnePlus device? The answer is relatively simple. For almost half the price, you get a complete Pixel experience with minimal compromises. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL is beyond the reach of many prospective customers thanks to its high price, and a lot of hardcore Pixel/Stock Android aficionados will welcome a Lite version with open arms.
