According to a new leak, the so-called ‘Pixel 3 Mini’ is a genuine product that will launch around the same time as its larger Pixel 3 siblings. Here’s what you need to know.
This latest report comes from reputable Pixel spy Roland Quandt who tweeted about the existence of a new Pixel device code named “Bonito” – which is a type of small predatory tuna fish. According to Quandt, the phone is expected to come with a mid-range Snapdragon 710 CPU.
Someone has been testing Google “Bonito” with GFXBench lately. Make of this what you will. And HMD “Phoenix” is coming soon. I think that’s Nokia 7.1 Plus, while “Rooster” (aka ROO) is Nokia 7.1. (big bird, small bird, you know…) https://t.co/G95tIm1EN1
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) October 3, 2018
Instead of keeping tight-lipped about the rumour, Google decided to play along on its official Instagram account, complete with a mock photo:
“We’ve heard rumors of a mini Pixel. Which begs the question how “mini” is too mini? We have a feeling the next one will be a bit bigger than this. Tune in on 10/9 to see for yourself,” the company teased.
While the above image is obviously a joke, it would be odd for Google to hint at something that doesn’t exist – especially a week out from a new hardware launch. Why would it want to needlessly disappoint its customers?
If Google is indeed working on a cheaper Pixel, going with a smaller form factor is definitely a smart move. It would offer a point of differentiation from every other mid-range Android on the market.
There’s definitely an appetite for smaller, high-quality handsets. Think of all those tiny handed people who pine for the days when six-inch screens were considered outlandishly generous. They’d lap this phone up and make no mistake.
The only potential hurdle is the fact that Android apps tend to be optimised for plus-size displays these days. This could make touch screen navigation difficult.
We’ll know one way or another on October 9 when Google reveals its new hardware products. In the meantime, here’s everything else we think Google will announce at next week’s event. (Fingers crossed for the Pixel Slate!)
[referenced url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/10/what-can-we-expect-from-the-google-hardware-event/” thumb=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/08/Pixel-3XL.jpg” title=”Everything We Think Google Will Announce Next Week” excerpt=”We’re just a week or so away from Google’s hardware event where a bunch of new devices will be revealed. The “Made By Google ” event will take place in New York City at 11.00AM on Tuesday 9 October 2018. That’s 2.00AM on Wednesday 10 October 2018 EST. We can expect new Pixel smartphones, a revised Chromecast and, potentially, a new tablet product. Here’s the low down on the rumours and confirmed products.”]
[Via Tom’s Hardware]
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