On top of announcing the ZenFone Max, ASUS also introduced the ZenFone Lite (L1), an even more watered-down version of the former.

The specifications of the Lite model are quite similar to the Max’s, with a few key differences. Check them out below.

Related: Asus Android 9 Pie update

Specs

  • 5.45-inch HD+ display
  • 1.4GHz Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor
  • 2GB of RAM
  • 16GB storage (microSD available for expansion up to 256GB)
  • 13MP main camera
  • 5MP front camera
  • 3,000 mAh battery
  • Android Oreo with ZenUI 5 on top

As you can see, compared the ZenFone Max, the ZenFone Lite has a smaller 3,000 mAh battery. According to ASUS, it should be able to offer up to 4 days of music playback, 28 days on 4G standby and 17 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing.

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5 things you need to know

Given that there are so many entry-level options on the market right now, should you consider getting the ZenFone Lite? Well, below you’ll find five must-know things about the phone which might help you make a decision.

Modern 18:9 aspect ratio

The ASUS ZenFone Lite is a dirt-cheap device that somehow manages to squeeze in some features that not-so-long-ago were exclusive to premium devices. For example, it features an 18:9 aspect ratio and an 82% screen-to-body ratio. This means very thin bezels and thus, more space for watching videos.

Beautiful design

The ASUS ZenFone Lite also looks quite stylish featuring a metallic finish in elegant colors. It’s also pretty lightweight, tipping the scales at only 140g. So who said that affordable devices can’t look elegant? ASUS Is certainly showing us otherwise with the ZenFone Lite.

It relies on Face unlock only for security

While the ZenFone Max, the second phone launched today in India by ASUS, also includes a fingerprint scanner on the back, the ZenFone Lite has only Face unlock for quick authentication. Hopefully, the feature is fast and reliable. Otherwise, users will probably resent ASUS for not including a fingerprint sensor.

The main camera has PDFA

While the cameras on board the phone aren’t stellar, the main 13MP sensor (f/2.0) does have PDAF (phase detection autofocus) which allows the camera to focus faster. On the front, there’s a pretty unimpressive 5MP camera that nevertheless offers HDR Mode and Portrait Mode.

Will probably never get Android 9.0 Pie

Given that this is such a low-end device, it’s probably at the bottom of ASUS’ list when it comes to updates. The phone has Android Oreo out of the box, and will probably stay at that for as long as you will use it.

Pricing and availability

  • Available in India only at the moment
  • Priced INR 6,999 (USD 95 approx.)
  • Buy here

The ZenFone Lite (L1) will go on sale in India exclusively on Flipkart soon and will be priced at only INR 5,999 (or $82) at first. Once the launch deal expires, the price will go up to INR 6,999 (or $95). The device in Gold or Black will become available during Flipkart’s Dhamaka Days sale.

Worth it?

Priced at only INR 5,999, the phone is certainly a competitive entry in the budget space. Compared to current segment leader, the Redmi 6A, the ZenFone Lite features similar specs. Although the Xiaomi phone also has a 3GB of RAM + 32GB of storage version. So choosing between them boils down to personal preference really.