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.
Source(s)
http://consumer.huawei.com/en/mobile-phones/tech-specs/mate9lite-en.htm
via: http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_silently_makes_the_mate_9_lite_official-news-21715.php