Google and BlackBerry are two of the most popular names when it comes to smartphones, which is why it's kind of a positive news that these two are allegedly releasing less-expensive phones this 2017. What makes it even better is that these budget-friendly phones could also be released outside the US. Meaning, markets who haven't really experienced a lot of Google and BlackBerry phones will now get a chance to have a Pixel or BB.
BlackBerry to Launch A Midrange Phone This 2017
The BlackBerry Mercury may be the most awaited BB phone to come in this year. However, the company is also rumored to release a different smartphone in the coming months. According to Tech Radar, a certain tipster who goes by the handle @quandt has leaked the midrange BlackBerry device. It was said that a certain BB100-1 smartphone will be introduced in the near future and it would come with a 5.5-inch 720p display.
This phone is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 425 chip and come with 4 GB RAM. Additionally, this new BlackBerry smartphone is rumored to have a 3000 mAh battery, a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera. Also, it was said that this BB could be exclusive to developing markets.
Google To Release A Budget-friendly Pixel Phone In 2017
The Pixel and Pixel XL were quite big news when they were released last year. Google's decision to change its smartphones' name from Nexus to Pixel was also kind of a big surprise to its fans. Nevertheless, the first Pixel phones did well and they pretty much impressed their users in general.
With that said, Google is rumored to be moving forward with new Pixel devices. As per 9to5Google, Google will be releasing the Pixel 2 alongside a budget-friendly Pixel 2B smartphone. This Pixel 2B phone will come with a non-flagship set of specs and is expected to be aimed towards "different markets". It was said that Google's goal for the next Pixel release is to bring in the Google experience to other markets.
BlackBerry And Google's 2017 Midrange Phones
It's worth noting, however, that these two phones are still in their rumor stages. Meaning, their existence are still uncertain and even if they do exist behind their manufacturers' doors, they are still prone to get postponed or canceled. Nevertheless, between these two, only the BlackBerry phone got a more detailed rumored specs sheet, and so far, it looks good. Granted that the phone will indeed come with 4 GB RAM and 3000 mAh battery, it is already on par with last year's premium phones. The Pixel 2B on the other hand also has good chances of bringing in a lot of Google goodness to the market. This includes the possibility of an improved camera and most importantly, the Android update priority.
