LG Electronics is reportedly planning a lower-spec version of its G Pro (pictured), to offer a lower-cost alternative for potential phablet buyers.

According to Unwired View, the device will be called G Pro Lite Dual. While it would share the 5.5-inch screen size with its more expensive sibling, the resolution would be 540×960 pixels, compared with 1080×1920 pixels.

Similarly, its other features have been downgraded: it has a 1GHz dual-core processor rather than 1.7GHz quad-core; 1GB of RAM rather than 2GB; 8GB of storage rather than 32GB; and 8 megapixel main camera instead of 13 megapixels.

Unwired View also speculated that it will include a stylus, which is not included with the G Pro.

One feature that the mid-tier device does have that its more costly counterpart does not is dual SIM support, reports said.

The move would see LG echoing the strategy of Samsung, which earlier this year unveiled its Mega-branded phablet devices, to provide a lower-tier alternative to its high-end Galaxy Note range.

Last month, research firm IDC noted that phablets are picking up ground in Asia, with lower-cost devices picking up buyers in emerging markets where premium devices are too expensive.

This was attributed to customers who cannot afford multiple devices switching to a single product which “captures both the telephone and better browsing and multimedia experience”.