Supposedly, Xiaomi will be launching a new iteration, the Meri, soon. However, leaks hint that the upcoming iteration is instead an addition to the current Mi 5 series, and will be rebranded as the Xiaomi Mi 5c.

According to reports out of China, supposed leaked renders have already been posted online, showcasing the upcoming new Xiaomi iteration. The new leaked images appear to be similar in design to the Xiaomi MI 5 series. However, with its supposed specs and features listed, it is expected that the new Mi 5 addition is a step-down variant since most of the components are mid-range specs.

While Xiaomi has yet to confirm the release, adding a Mi 5c iteration to the lineup is already expected. Previous Mi series releases all have step-down C variants, most recently the Mi 4c. Meanwhile, since the China-based tech maker has already added a premium Mi 5s iteration to the lineup, it is likely that the next addition is the much-awaited Mi 5c version.

Allegedly, the upcoming step-down version for the Mi 5 lineup will feature Xiaomi's first, homegrown SoC, the Pinecone chipset. It is a mid-range processor that will be paired with either 2 or 3 GB of RAM, a combination that hints at a step-down model for the SD 820 and 3-GB RAM hardware for the original Xiaomi Mi 5. Meanwhile, it is expected that the downgrades will likely occur under the hood, and Xiaomi will retain some features for the Mi 5c, including the 5.15-inch IPS LCD panel for the display with full HD resolution. In addition, it is expected that the upcoming release will also come out only with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and not the newer Android 7.0 Nougat platform.

As to when fans can expect the new release, rumor has it that as per leaked posters, Xiaomi is intending to debut the Xiaomi Meri aka the Mi 5c on Dec. 12.