Huawei Mate 9 "Lite" could be coming soon

A current trend in the smartphone world these days is to launch a premium flagship model with high specifications followed by a lesser-equipped and usually smaller "Lite" version at a more affordable price. Huawei recently revealed the luxury Porsche Edition of the Mate 9 and may soon be launching the Mate 9 Lite as a mid-range option in its Mate 9 series. Like the Porche version, the Lite model should be slightly smaller than the vanilla Mate 9 with a 5.5-inch FHD display. The manufacturer has already added references and entries through its official website on the Mate 9 Lite.

Other supposed specifications for the Mate 9 Lite include:

• Mid-range Kirin 655 SoC
• 3 GB or 4 GB RAM (depending on SKU)
• 32 GB or 64 GB of internal storage (depending on SKU)
• 8 MP front-facing camera
• Single-band 802.11n + Bluetooth 4.1
• Android 6.0 w/ EMUI 4.1
• 3340 mAh battery
• 8.2 mm thick

When compared to the Mate 9 flagship, the Mate 9 Lite is sporting a weaker processor, slower WLAN, older EMUI software, and a slightly thicker design.

Nonetheless, the new smartphone should be using a similar metal chassis as its more expensive sibling with dual rear cameras and a rear fingerprint sensor. The rear cameras, however, are not expected to be the same Leica lenses and should instead be a weaker 12 MP (w/ PFAF) lens and a 2 MP lens for Bokeh effects.

Initial color options are expected to be Gold, Gray, and Silver. Exact prices and launch dates have not been announced.

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