Previously, Huawei teased that it would be launching the new P9 flagship in different versions. However, when the P9 iterations launched this week, fans only saw the base model and the P9 Plus. The other iteration in the lineup, which was already seen in earlier leaks, the P9 Lite, was nowhere to be seen.
However, although the P9 flagship was revealed sans the modest version, this doesn't mean that Huawei will not be releasing the P9 Lite. The new mid-range version of the current flagship debuted behind closed doors.
According to GSM Arena, the unannounced P9 Lite has been seen in a hands-on review posted on a Russian website. Based on preview images, the Huawei P9 Lite is similar in build and design to the P9 and P9 Plus. The new mid-ranger also offers the same 5.2-inch screen with full HD resolution much like the base model. In addition, it is said that the P9 Lite will be offered in 2GB and 3GB RAM versions. Unlike the P9 however, the two versions will have the same 16GB internal storage capacity, expandable to 128GB via microSD. The P9 Lite is also said to feature 3,000 mAh battery capacity, as well as the fingerprint scanner module on the back.
However, since this is a "Lite" iteration, there are of course differences between the P9 Lite and the main versions. Apparently, the P9 Lite only features a single-cam setup on the back as its main shooter. It is also noted that the camera assembly is a "regular" one, and not a Leica-sponsored setup. There is also only a single LED flash.
While not much is known under the hood, Pocket-Lint expects the P9 Lite to have less impressive specs than the flagship. How far down the ladder the mid-range version will be is unknown, but it will definitely perform as a "regular" handset when compared to the main flagship, which has a Kirin 955 processor.
