Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Lite Release Date Nears: Real Name Galaxy Note 3 Neo And Hexa-Core Processor Detailed In Leaked Documents

For more than a month, reports have indicated that Samsung plans to release a low-cost, high-end variant of the Galaxy Note 3. Since the first murmurs about the variant in early December, the public has been referring to it at the Galaxy Note 3 Lite. But now new evidence has surfaced that suggests a new name for the device.

Tech website GSM Arena has shared some leaked documents, which compare the 2013 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the 2012 Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with a completely new phablet, called the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo. Many assume this may be the actual name of the device once dubbed the Galaxy Note 3 Lite.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo Specs

Featuring a Samsung Exynos hexa-core (six) CPU -- touted as the first of its kind in the industry -- as its distinguishing feature, the Galaxy Note 3 Neo is billed as a seamless blend of the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 2. According to the documents, the hexa-core processor features a 1.7Ghz dual-core chip and a 1.3Ghz quad-core chip. Similar to the original Samsung Exynos 5 Octa 5410 processor, sources expect the processor will use the dual-core chip for its low power, everyday tasks, while the quad-core chip will tackle more heavy duty tasks like viewing apps in Multi-Window or video game play. There's no word yet on if the processor will be a "true hexa-core chip" able to run all cores at once like the updated Exynos 5420 "true octa-core" processor.

Aside from the new processor, the Galaxy Note 3 Neo favors the Galaxy Note 2 by way of hardware, featuring a 5.5-inch 720p Super AMOLED display, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, an 8MP camera and a 3100 mAh battery. Software wise, the device favors the Galaxy Note 3 and features the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system, in addition to several of Samsung’s latest features including Air View, Air Gesture, Air Command, Smart Scroll and Pause, Adapt Display and Sound and Advanced Multi-Window. The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo could essentially be considered a Galaxy Note 3 in a Galaxy Note 2 body.

Samsung’s Neo History

This actually wouldn't be the first time Samsung has used the term "Neo" to indicate a slightly altered version of a device already on the market. Both the Samsung Galaxy Pocket Neo and the Samsung Galaxy Y Neo have older counterparts with only slightly alerted specs such as differences in screen size and operating systems. Rumors are also circulating around another prospective device called the Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo. Similar to the Galaxy Note 3 Neo, it was once referred to as the Galaxy Grand Lite until GSM Arena happened upon some leaked documents pertaining to the device. The Galaxy Grand Neo also remains unconfirmed but is expected to be release in February and may sell for a cool €299 ($492).

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo: What Else We Know So Far

SamMobile first broke the news about the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo -- then referred to as the Galaxy Note 3 Lite, announcing that the device would likely be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in early 2014 and may hit markets between February and March. Soon after reports indicated that the Galaxy Note 3 Neo (Lite) had already begun mass production and was also spotted in a User Agent Profile, which detailed that the device may feature a 720p display and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Other rumors propose that the Galaxy Note 3 Lite may be released in a green color variant.

There has been no word on what the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo might cost, but many are certain that it will be less than the original Galaxy Note 3, which sells for about $300 with a two-year contract and about $700 off contract with most carriers. In comparison, Samsung’s other midrange phablet, the Samsung Galaxy Mega, sells for $150 with a two-year contact and just under $500 off contract.

As a newer device under the Galaxy Note line, it is likely, but not confirmed, that the Galaxy Note 3 Lite may be priced between these two devices. The Note 3 Lite would especially be marketed to customers who were interested in the original Galaxy Note 3 but weren't enthusiastic about its exorbitant price.

What do you think of the name Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Neo for the low-cost, high-end Galaxy Note 3 variant? Let us know in the comments below.

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