Over 10 years ago Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad Android tablet, however, the sequel (dubbed ThinkPad Tablet 2) ran Windows and so did the ThinkPad 8 and 10 tablets that followed in the years after that. Leaked renders show that the tech giant may be considering leveraging the ThinkPad brand for an Android device once again.
Well, the branding on the back actually
says “ThinkPhone”, but the connection is unmistakable with the trademark red
dot on the “i” (which represents the TrackPoint that the laptops are known
for). Lenovo is already using its Legion PC brand for a series of gaming
smartphones, ThinkPads occupy a different niche – business-oriented laptops. Is
there still a market for business phones? ThinkPads do also appeal to techies,
so this could be an enthusiast phone as well.
The device shown in the render – the
XT-2309, code name “Bronco” – could also launch under Lenovo’s preferred brand
for Android devices, Motorola. If so, then this will probably be part of the
next Edge series. Previous rumors detailed several devices, including Bronco
and Canyon. Canyon is likely the Edge 40 Pro with a 165Hz FHD+ display,
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a 50MP main, 50MP ultra wide and 12MP tele cameras (plus
60MP selfie).
The Bronco will slot below that with a
similar screen and main camera, but with only a 13MP ultra wide and 16MP selfie
cameras (no telephoto). It will use either the 8 Gen 2 chip as the Canyon or
the current Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. So, if Canyon is the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, the
Bronco is the Edge 40 Fusion (here’s a comparison of the current Edge 30 Pro
and 30 Fusion). Will the Bronco also be the ThinkPhone? The company will have
to acquire a trademark for that, which will be a good indication of whether
Lenovo is serious about starting a new phone series or whether it will just
stick to using the Motorola brand.