Huawei re-releases another 2019 phone, but it can't do it forever
Recently, Huawei discreetly launched a “new” smartphone: the Huawei P30 Lite new edition. As you would expect from the name, the device is a slight refreshment of the P30 Lite launched in early 2019.
On the outside, the device essentially looks like the 2019 edition of the Huawei P30 Lite. It is even available in the same colors: midnight black, pearl white, peacock blue and breathable crystal.
The only real differences between this new edition and the old model are the RAM and the internal storage configurations. Previously, the most common variant of the P30 Lite only had 4 GB of RAM, but it is increased to 6 GB in the new edition. Likewise, all variants of the original P30 Lite have reached a maximum capacity of 128 GB of internal storage, but the new edition offers 256 GB.
Besides these two subtle differences, the Huawei P30 Lite New Edition is the same as the phone the company launched in 2019. This includes design, processor, display resolution, camera configurations, etc. Most importantly, the P30 Lite New Edition, just like the original, will be compatible with Google apps.
Related: Huawei P40 series launch confirmed, still no Google apps
This last part is probably the reason why Huawei is launching this new edition. As we explain in This article, the certifications for the support of Google applications are linked to the number of smartphone models, which means that Huawei is still legally able to relaunch the same phone with slightly modified specifications or designs without violating the U.S. ban on Huawei. This new edition represents a definitive solution to Huawei's ban, as it allows the company to launch a "new" device, keep Google apps on board and stay fresh in the minds of consumers.
The Huawei P30 Lite New Edition will be available in the UK from January 15, 2020. It will be priced at £ 299 (~ $ 389). It will likely arrive in other markets soon.
It is not the first time that Huawei has launched a slightly refreshed device since Huawei's ban came into effect. Towards the end of 2019, it refreshed the color scheme Huawei P30 Pro and Honor 9X is basically just a renowned Honor P Smart Z. Obviously, society can only do this for so long before the "new" devices are too outdated to be republished.
The next Huawei P40 ProHowever, it is unlikely that this is another refresh. All signs indicate that Huawei is launching this device as a brand new phone, albeit without Google apps on board, as it did with the Huawei Mate 30 series.