Huawei is rumored to launch four variants of the P9 smartphone in 2016.
Huawei released the P8 handset in April 2015. The mobile device is available in three versions: the standard P8, P8lite and P8max. However, reports suggest that the Chinese smartphone maker will launch four and not three variants of the upcoming P9. Just like the P8 series, Huawei will offer the regular P9, the P9lite, P9max and a new version.
Reports say that the fourth P9 model will be an enhanced and premium version of the regular P9. The premium version of the P9 is said to have a slightly bigger screen than the regular P9, but it will not be as big as the P9max.
Hardware specs of the next-gen Huawei phones remains scarce at the moment. The P8 sports a 5.2-inch display, the P8lite comes with a 5-inch screen and the P8max boasts a massive 6.8-inch screen. Customers will hope that the models in the P9 series will also sport similar screen sizes.
Huawei is speculated to beef up the RAM in the premium version of the P9 and also includes an improved camera. If rumors are to be believed, then the premium P9 will have dual 12-megapixel rear-facing camera.
Sources pointed out that none of the P9 phones will come with QHD resolution. It this rumor is true then the Nexus 6P will remain the only Huawei smartphone to pack 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution.
Dual camera in smartphones is not a new technology. Huawei itself included dual camera in the Honor 6 Plus, which was launched in December 2014.
It seems that Huawei is planning to please all smartphone market segments with the launch of four versions of the P9 to suit individual taste and pocket. The P9lite will target customers searching for a pocket-friendly phone. The P9max will be aimed at smartphone lovers looking for a phablet.
The regular P9 will have features needed in a normal top-end phone while the P9 premium model will bring some improved features to customers.
Huawei has not confirmed the launch date of the P9. Many smartphones will be launched at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona starting Feb. 22. However, the P9 series will not be showcased at the event.
Sales of Huawei smartphones have been impressive in 2015. According to an International Data Corporation (IDC) report, Huawei is the third largest smartphone vendor in the world only after Samsung and Apple. The company will hope that the P9 line will attract smartphone enthusiasts and help Huawei to retain its position in the market.
Photo: Karlis Dambrans | Flickr
