In a widely expected move, LG Electronics has launched a pared-down version of its G Pro device. Dubbed G Pro Lite, the device targets the phablet market just like its more expensive stablemate; it has a 5.5-inch screen and an equally large 3,140mAh battery.

But G Pro Lite is not as sophisticated as its big brother. For a start, the display resolution is not as sharp – 960×540 pixels compared with the 1,920×1,080 pixels you get with the Pro edition.

Other features have been downgraded, too. It has a 1GHz dual-core processor rather than 1.7GHz quadcore; 1GB of RAM rather than 2GB; 8GB of storage rather than 32GB; and 8 megapixel main camera instead of 13 megapixels. Data speeds are limited to 3G, while the full Pro model supports 4G.

Nonetheless, G Pro Lite has other attractions, including a stylus pen and stereo speakers. What’s more, a dual SIM slot comes with its own hot key to let users easily switch between the two SIM cards.

The device runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 and is available in both black and white.

The LG G Pro Lite is due to debut this month in Latin America followed by launches in Asia, Russia, China, India and the Middle East.

LG has yet to reveal prices for G Pro Lite, although the full Pro model sells in the US (through AT&T) for $199.99 with a standard two-year contract.