Mid-range Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Lite phablet could launch in Q1 2014

Trimmed down variants of high-end smartphones has certainly become a trend these days. After mini versions of the Galaxy S4, HTC One and Xperia Z1, we may soon see a 'Lite' variant of the recently launched Note 3. But unlike the other phones, this LIte version won't have a smaller display. According to a report by DigiTimes, some industry sources claim that Samsung plans to launch Galaxy Note 3 Lite with a display size ranging between 5.5-inches and 5.7-inches in the first quarter of 2014.

We didn't see trimmed down versions of the original Note or Note 2, but Samsung does have two Galaxy Mega phones in the same territory. The Lite version has been planned due to the stronger than expected sales of entry-level to mid-range models such as the Trend Lite and Fame Lite. It could also be Samsung's plot to take on LG, which has introduced the G Pro Lite in india.

'Lite' version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 coming soon?

The Galaxy Note 3 Lite is also expected to come with trimmed-down hardware. So, one should not expect the same SoC, display type and resolution, or even the camera as seen in the Note 3, says the report. Just to recap, the Galaxy Note 3 comes with a 5.7-inch full HD Super AMOLED display with a pixel resolution of 1920 x 1080, giving it a pixel density of 386ppi. On the camera front, the Note 3 gets a 13-megapixel auto focus BSI Sensor and front-facing 2-megapixel BSI sensor. Read our complete review of the Note 3.

What we can expect is a mid-range phablet with stylus capability and some of the same software features as in the Note 3. It could retain the faux-leather back, which is one choice Samsung is clearly proud of, considering how it's highlighted in their promos. If the launch timing and price is right, Samsung could have Galaxy Grand-sized blockbuster on its hands and it could further cement the notion of phablets.