Google has partnered with a number of smartphone OEMs to release Android One powered entry-level smartphones since February this year. Fresh information that has appeared on an Indian publication states that the search engine giant is reportedly working on a mid-range edition of Pixel smartphone. It will be aimed towards India and other emerging markets.
India is one of the most important emerging markets in the world where there is tough competition between numerous brands in mid-range market. Google’s Pixel series of smartphones have always featured flagship specs, but new information reveals that the company is now prepping to launch a mid-range Pixel phone.
The outlet was unable to uncover details pertaining to the handset’s specifications, though if we had to hazard a guess we’d say it’s armed with at least a 5-inch AMOLED screen, 3GB of RAM and the same 12.2MP camera as the standard Pixel 2.
Here’s what’s interesting: the report, aside from noting that Google is also looking to bring the Google Home and PixelBook to India, claims it’s looking to expand its retail footprint in the region to help it compete with Apple, Microsoft and Samsung.
If Google is serious about hardware—and it keeps indicating that it is—it seems inevitable that the company will one day offer a range of smartphones at different price points. Back when Google owned Motorola (which was also run by Rick Osterloh, the current head of Google hardware), it produced a range of phones at different price points. Googlerola’s Moto E, Moto G, and Moto X created a simple, easy-to-understand lineup at the $129, $179, and $500 price ranges.
