Google might debut its long-rumored Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL handsets in 2019 via Verizon. These devices, pegged as low-cost versions of the premium Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, have been in the rumor circuit of late, complete with alleged renders and specs.
The Verizon rumor comes from Android Police, citing a source apparently familiar with Google's plans.
Pricing and an exact announcement date are not yet known, but the source confirms Google intends to launch "Lite" versions of its latest Pixel flagships on Verizon in early spring.
Pixel 3 Lite And Pixel 3 XL Lite
Last month, a Russian tech blog shared an alleged prototype of the Pixel 3 Lite, which fueled speculation about where Google plans to sell the smartphone, for how much, and how it would be positioned in Google's current Pixel lineup. Shortly thereafter, OnLeaks published alleged renders of both Pixel 3 Lite variants, which hinted that Google might bring back the headphone jack and get rid of the notch, at least on the larger model.
Google's Midrangers
Suppose Google does release Lite versions of the Pixel 3, it will mark the first mid-range phones from the company since the Nexus 5X, which launched in 2015 for $379. Google has been releasing exclusively premium flagships for a while now, perhaps as a way to take on Apple and Samsung's massive share in the global smartphone market, not to mention Huawei and Xiaomi, two Chinese manufacturers slowly emerging as heavy-hitters.
Not much is known about the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 XL Lite, but speculation points to either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 or 710 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, and 12-megapixel rear and 8-megapixel front cameras. The smaller Pixel 3 Lite is rumored to sport a 5.5-inch display, while the larger Pixel 3 XL Lite will apparently have a 6-inch screen.
Right now, it's not certain how much Google will sell these phones for, but they'll definitely much cheaper than their premium counterparts. The Pixel 3 starts at $799 and the Pixel 3 XL starts at $899, so it would make sense for Google to fill the gap with lower-cost options. The midrange market, after all, is another opportunity to reign in more profits.
It's not clear how the audience will respond to these phones, especially since they're bound to have inferior specs. Not to mention the fact that there are already excellent midrangers available. Time, however, will tell.
