'Bonito', 'Sargo' codenames follow Google's fish-based naming convention (Image: Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL)
Google is reportedly planning to add two more smartphones to its Pixel lineup. Handsets with codenames 'Bonito' and 'Sargo' have been spotted within the code of the latest ARCore APK. As of now, there is no official information that these are upcoming smartphones from Google, but their fish-based codenames suggest that this could be the case. While the phone with codename 'Bonito' is speculated to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor, the 'Sargo' handset is expected to be the smaller variant of the two.
The first traces of a mid-range Google Pixel smartphone dates back to April this year, when a report had claimed that Google is working on a new Desire lineup of mid-range smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 600 and Snapdragon 700 series of mobile SoCs. The latest information also corroborates a report from June, when a tipster had claimed that Google is working on a Snapdragon 710 SoC-integrated smartphone, codenamed as Bonito. In the same month, another report had speculated that Google is working on a mid-range "mobile" device with Snapdragon 710, that may release in the first half of 2019.
Now, in a teardown of ARCore 1.5 by folks at Android Police, a device with codename 'Bonito' was spotted in the list of handsets that support Google's platform for mobile augmented reality. The ARCore list is regularly updated with new devices that support AR, hinting that the new device may get launched soon. Notably, the list also includes 'Sargo', a codename that has not been reported before. While there is no clarity on this device, according to Google's naming trends, the new fish-related name hints at another smartphone from the company. The report speculates that the two smartphones could match the smaller and larger configuration of the Pixel and Pixel XL series.
As of now, there are no official or concrete details regarding Google's mid-range offerings. Since this is pure speculation, it is advisable that the information is taken with a pinch of salt.
To recall, before Google shifted to the premium Pixel brand, the tech giant used to sell comparatively inexpensive Nexus smartphones that offered the same clutter-free Android experience for purists. With this expected mid-range lineup, the company might be looking to regain the audience that it lost in competing with premium market leaders such as Apple and Samsung.
It is also worth noting that the new smartphones that have received ARCore support based on the teardown are the Huawei Mate 20 X, Honor 8X, Honor Magic 2, Mi Mix 3, and OnePlus 6T (Single-SIM).
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