Huawei P9 release date, specs and features: Handset to have 4 variants?

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While Huawei has been busy developing the Nexus 6P – leading to rumors of another Google collaboration – the China-based tech giant has also been expanding its own lineup. Reportedly, Huawei is on the verge of unveiling its own new flagship iteration, the Ascend P9, and that the next premium flagship will have at least four variants.

According to Venture Beat, there will be at least four options to choose from when Huawei launches the P9 lineup this year, including two watered-down versions of the base model, plus an enhanced, feature-packed iteration.

The industry follower said that aside from the base model P9, there will be a P9lite and P9max, two budget-friendly versions of the device.

The lineup will also include an above-average version of the P9. However, this fourth version will only have a slightly larger screen, additional memory and internal storage, and dual-lens setup for its main camera. Other than these changed features, the fourth P9 version will retain the specs and features of the base model.

While Huawei has yet to comment on the rumor, some observers are taking stock on this speculation, given that it came from Evan Blass, a noted tipster and tech industry leaker.

Phone Arena added that since the fourth version is the most advanced iteration in the lineup,  this model may be what surfaced in leaked diagrams previously. According to the industry observer, the diagrams showed a P9 variant with dual-lens setup, a sleek and slim body frame, and a hardware home button which may also include a fingerprint scanner.

Fans who are waiting for the P9 will have to wait a bit longer, as Huawei is said to be foregoing a P9 announcement in the upcoming Mobile World Congress. Instead, it is rumored that Huawei will be unveiling the new P9 lineup at a stand-alone event next month.