We didn’t expect Asus to launch its Zenfone Lite in India anytime soon, as Asus already has a well defined budget Android portfolio. The phone is already available on its retail hub Flipkart in single Charcoal Black color variant. Let’s take a look at how much this trims down Zenfone 5 for a subsidy of 1,000 INR
Camera and Internal Storage
The rear camera still has the same 8 MP sensor which is a good thing. We liked Zenfone 5’s 8 MP shooter better, compared to what others are offering in the same price range. The front camera of Zenfone 5 was also impressive and thus Asus replacing it with a VGA shooter is mildly disappointing. Asus hasn’t revealed if you can record full HD videos.
Internal storage is 8 GB and since this can be further expanded by another 64 GB, this should work for most people. The display is not the
Processor and Battery
The processor used is Intel Atom Z2520 which is the same one which is used in low cost Zenfone 4. The 1.2 GHz dual Core Z2520 supports hyper threading, similar to other SoCs in this series. This implies each CPU core can execute more than one instruction per cycle. The RAM assisting the CPU has been halved to 1 GB. Chipset makes Zenfone 5 lite look like a bigger Zenfone 4.
Battery capacity is 2500 mAh which is more than what we see on Zenfone 5. With lower clock frequency and lesser resolution, battery backup will get a further boost. Asus claims this will last for more than 21 hours of 3G talk time.
Display and Other Features
The display resolution has been reduced by one fourth. The new Zenfone Lite features qHD 960 x 540 pixel resolution on the large 5 inch IPS LCD display, which implies it won’t be as sharp as its predecessor. Also missing is Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch resistance.
Zenfone 5 lite will be running Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box. Other features include Other features include 3G HSPA+, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and GLONASS.
Comparison
Asus Zenfone 5 Lite will compete against Asus Zenfone 5, Moto G first Gen, Huawei Honor Holly and Xiaomi Redmi Note in India.
Key Specs
| Model | Zenfone 5 Lite or ZenfonE 5 A502CG |
| Display | 5 inch, 960 X 540 |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz Dual Core Intel Atom Z2520 |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Internal Storage | 8 GB, Expandable up to 64GB |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 KitKat Based Zen UI |
| BCamera | 8 MP/ VGA |
| Battery | 2500 mAh |
| Price | Rs 8,999 (Buy Now) |
What we Like
- Bigger battery life
- Android 4.4 KitKat
What we don’t like
- Lack of Gorilla Glass
- Only 1 GB RAM
Conclusion
Asus Zenfone 5 Lite trims down CPU, Gorilla Glass 3, three fourth pixels and front camera which is a lot for just 1,000 INR subsidy. On the other hand, if Asus manages to improve thermal efficiency owing to lower clock frequency and also significantly improves battery backup from its juicier 2500 mAh battery, we can see Zenfone 5 Lite as its own valid place in Zenfone lineup.
