Google is expected to announce Lite versions of its Pixel 3 and 3 XL flagship smartphones at some point in 2019. What will they miss out on though?

Here are the differences and similarities between the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL and the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, based on the speculation.  

What's expected to be the same on the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3?

  • Design
  • Cameras
  • Pixel 3 Lite display
  • RAM
  • Battery
  • Software

The Google Pixel 3 Lite and 3 Lite XL are both expected to resemble their more expensive siblings in design, including a single rear camera, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a colourful power key.

It has also been claimed the Lite versions of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL will offer the same camera specifications as the flagship handsets, which is excellent news for those interested in the Lite devices.

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL have a 12.2-megapixel Dual Pixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, 1.4µm pixels and optical image stabilisation. They both offer 8-megapixel dual front cameras made up of wide angle and telephoto lenses and they deliver great results.

Additionally, the Pixel 3 Lite is expected to have the same 5.56-inch, Full HD+, 18:9 display as the Pixel 3, offering a pixel density of 434ppi.

The Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL are also rumoured to offer the same RAM and battery capacities as the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, respectively, and they should offer the same user experience, running on vanilla Android 9.0.

What's expected to be different between the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3?

While there are plenty of specifications that are set to remain for the Pixel Lite devices compared to the current Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, there are a couple of differences to consider too.

Designs

  • Pixel 3: 145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9mm, 148g
  • Pixel 3 Lite: 151.3 x 70.1 x 8.2mm
  • Pixel 3 XL: 158 x 76.7 x 7.9mm, 184g
  • Pixel 3 Lite XL: 160 x 76.1 x 8.2mm

The Pixel 3 Lite and 3 Lite XL might look similar to the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, but they are expected to be made from all polycarbonate, rather than offering glass and metal like the flagship devices.

Based on the leaked measurements, the Pixel Lite devices will be larger and thicker than the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL too. There is currently no word on IP ratings for the Lite devices.

Displays

  • Pixel 3 Lite XL: No notch
  • Pixel 3 XL: 6-inch, Full HD+, notch

While the Pixel 3 Lite appears to be coming with the same screen as the Pixel 3, the Pixel 3 Lite XL's display is different to the Pixel 3 XL in the leaks.

Based on the rumours, the Pixel 3 Lite XL won't feature a notched display like the Pixel 3 XL. It is however expected to offer around the same sized display and resolution as the top-tier model.

Hardware

  • Pixel 3: SD845, 4GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 2915mAh
  • Pixel 3 Lite: SD670, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 2915mAh
  • Pixel 3 XL: SD845, 4GB RAM, 64/128GB storage, 3430mAh
  • Pixel 3 Lite XL: SD710

Processor is set to be one of the main differences between the Pixel 3 Lite models and the flagship Pixel 3 devices.

While the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845, the Pixel 3 Lite is said to feature the lower tier Snapdragon 670 under its hood, while the Pixel 3 Lite XL is expected to opt for the Snapdragon 710.

The Pixel Lite devices are also expected to offer less storage than the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL. That said, the Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL are expected to offer a 3.5mm headphone jack - something the Pixel 3 and 3 XL miss off their spec sheets.

Price and conclusions

  • Pixel 3: From £739
  • Pixel 3 Lite: $400-$500?
  • Pixel 3 XL: From £869
  • Pixel 3 Lite XL: $600-$700?

Nothing is confirmed as yet, though based on the rumours, the Pixel 3 Lite and 3 Lite XL will feature an older processor, less storage and less premium builds than the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.

Pricing for the Pixel 3 Lite is claimed to be around $400 to $500, which is quite a big saving compared to the Pixel 3, especially if you consider you might still be getting the excellent Pixel camera for that.

Pricing for the Pixel 3 Lite XL has yet to be rumoured but we will update this feature and our Pixel 3 Lite and Pixel 3 Lite XL rumour round up as soon as any further leaks surface.