Reports of a cheaper LCD-based Galaxy phablet variant were making rounds at the time of Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch in September, but the speculations never materialised. Now, a new report has surfaced again breathing life to these rumours.
Samsung dedicated website, SamMobile, citing company insiders has confirmed that the South Korean company will launch the rumoured Galaxy Note 3 Lite, an mid-range variant of the Galaxy Note 3, at MWC (Mobile World Congress) 2014 which will be hosted in Barcelona, in February.
Adding weight to the claims, mystery Samsung devices - a 5.49-inch model and a 5.7-inch device bearing same codenames 'SM- N7505 was spotted in the database of Zuaba, an Indian-based cargo logistic company. The shipment record has revealed that the models were shipped from South Korea to India for testing and evaluation purposes.
The description column on the logistic database shows that the device will have a single-SIM slot each, but does not give away any key specifications. SamMobile believes that the rumoured Galaxy Note Lite will sport a less expensive LCD screen and pack an 8.0-megapixel main camera.
Samsung has not responded to the reports circulating in the media. But if the rumours ring true, the budget phablet is likely to make its way to emerging markets including India, where Samsung is currently trying to fend off a threat from popular indigenous vendor Micromax. The Indian firm is trailing just four percent from Samsung in terms of smartphone market share.
In related news, Samsung is also rumoured to launch Galaxy Grand Lite (GT-I9060) at the same international telecommunication trade fair - MWC 2014.
