According to a source that spoke with Android Police, we made be seeing Lite versions of Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. These cheaper models are starting to take shape, and it’s speculated that they are expected to arrive at Verizon sometime in spring 2019.
The exact date for when these phones will be revealed is currently unknown, but as the date gets closer, we’re likely to see an announcement from Google as well as Verizon.
So far, leaks have suggested that these “Lite” versions of the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to have a Snapdragon 670 or 710 processor, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage, headphone jack, and a 8MP front camera and 12MP rear camera. For the screen sizes, the smaller form is expected to have a 5.5″ screen, and the larger XL Lite will have a 6″ screen.
So why exactly is Google interested in launching mid-level budget smartphones? Honestly, we don’t really know. Since Google Fi has taken form from Project Fi, it may be that Google desires to bring more options for customers who may not want to purchase any of the cheaper devices currently on Fi, but also don’t want to spend the big bucks for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. The midpoint could be a cheaper “Lite” versions of the Pixel smartphones that may bring a compromise of both worlds.
We’re expecting for these “Lite” version phones to cost between $400-$500, so a bit on the cheaper side when you look at the current smartphone cost trends. Expect us to cover more on these devices as details become available.