Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a compact and sleek design. With its 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, this device provides an immersive viewing experience. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and 2GB of RAM, it delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and multitasking. The 13MP rear camera captures clear and detailed photos, while the 5MP front camera with LED flash ensures great selfies even in low light conditions. The phone comes with 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, and runs on Android 8.0 Oreo. With a 3000mAh battery, it offers decent battery life. Available in black and gold colors, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is an affordable option priced around 80 EUR.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL boasts a simple yet sleek design that is pleasing to the eye. It features a glass front and a plastic back and frame, which gives it a lightweight feel, weighing only 140g. The device is compact, with dimensions of 147.3 x 71.8 x 8.2 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Its 5.45-inch IPS LCD display offers a decent screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.5%, providing an immersive viewing experience.

In terms of build quality, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is well-constructed and feels durable. The materials used in its construction ensure its sturdiness, allowing it to withstand everyday usage without any issues. The device's plastic back may not be as premium as glass or metal, but it helps in keeping the overall weight down without compromising on durability.

The ergonomic design of the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL ensures a comfortable grip, minimizing the chances of accidental slips or drops. The placement of buttons and ports is intuitive, allowing for easy access and convenience. The device also features a dedicated slot for a microSD card, enabling users to expand the 16GB internal storage.

While the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL may not have the most high-end specifications, its design and build quality are commendable for a budget device. It offers a good balance between aesthetics and functionality, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable smartphone within a limited budget.

Overall, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL impresses with its physical appearance, ergonomic design, and durability. It may not have the premium materials found in higher-end devices, but it offers a solid construction that can withstand daily wear and tear. Whether it's the lightweight feel, compact dimensions, or comfortable grip, the design and build of the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL contribute to its overall reliability and user satisfaction.

Display

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL features a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 72.5%. The display has a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 295 pixels per inch. The aspect ratio of 18:9 offers a taller and more immersive viewing experience.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the display of the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL provides decent performance. However, it may not offer the same level of color accuracy and vibrancy as some higher-end devices with OLED technology.

The display has satisfactory brightness levels, ensuring good visibility in most lighting conditions. While it may not be as bright as some flagship devices, it should still offer decent outdoor visibility. Additionally, the device supports adaptive brightness, which automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

As for display protection, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL does not mention any specific protection like Gorilla Glass. However, it is always recommended to use a screen protector to prevent scratches.

The device does not offer features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) or wide color gamut support, which are typically found in higher-end smartphones. Nevertheless, the viewing angles are decent, allowing for comfortable viewing from different positions.

Other notable features of the display include anti-reflective coating, which helps reduce glare and enhance visibility in bright environments. The device does not have a notch design and features noticeable bezels at the top and bottom of the display.

Overall, the display of the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers a satisfactory viewing experience with respectable color reproduction, decent brightness levels, and good outdoor visibility. While it may not have advanced features found in premium devices, it still provides a reliable display for everyday use.

Performance

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent performance for its price. Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 chipset and an octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, this device provides sufficient power for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The Adreno 505 GPU handles graphics efficiently, making it capable of handling casual gaming and multimedia content.

In terms of gaming performance, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL delivers a satisfactory experience. While it may not be the most powerful device in its price range, it can handle popular games with ease. The GPU benchmarks and gaming benchmarks indicate that it can run games smoothly, although demanding titles may require lower graphics settings for optimal performance. The graphics scores and gaming capabilities of this device make it suitable for casual gamers who are not looking for high-end gaming experiences.

The CPU benchmarks and processor performance of the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL demonstrate its efficiency in handling everyday tasks. Users can expect smooth app loading speeds and a lag-free performance while navigating through the device's user interface. The system optimization and thermal management ensure that the device operates optimally without overheating, even during extended periods of usage.

In terms of benchmark tests and scores, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL may not achieve top-tier results compared to higher-end smartphones. However, its performance metrics and processor efficiency are well-suited for its price range. Users can enjoy a smooth user experience and multitasking capabilities without significant slowdowns or lags.

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL also offers 16GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM, which may be limiting for users who require extensive storage or engage in heavy multitasking. However, for basic day-to-day usage, this configuration should suffice.

Overall, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL provides a satisfactory performance for its price range. While it may not excel in terms of high-end gaming or heavy multitasking, it offers a smooth and lag-free user experience for everyday tasks. Its chipset performance, GPU benchmarks, and CPU benchmarks indicate its competency in handling casual gaming and light multitasking. If you are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers decent performance without breaking the bank, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is worth considering

Software and User Interface

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system, which provides a smooth and user-friendly interface. The device comes with Asus' own customization layer on top, which adds a few extra features and tweaks to the stock Android experience. This customization layer doesn't heavily modify the operating system and maintains the overall simplicity and familiarity of Android.

As for pre-installed apps, the ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL does come with a few apps out of the box. However, it doesn't have excessive bloatware that can clutter the device or slow it down. The pre-installed apps are generally useful and don't interfere with the overall user experience.

One of the advantages of the ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL's software is its user-friendliness. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it suitable for users of all levels of expertise. The device provides a seamless and intuitive experience, allowing users to quickly access their desired apps and settings without any hassle.

Overall, the software on the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers a balanced approach by providing a near-stock Android experience with added customization options. The device doesn't overload the user with unnecessary apps and offers a user-friendly interface that enhances the overall user experience.

Camera

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL comes equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.0 aperture and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). This camera offers decent image quality with good sharpness and detail in well-lit conditions, making it suitable for daylight photography. The camera also performs reasonably well in indoor and outdoor settings, capturing natural colors and maintaining a decent dynamic range. However, in low-light conditions, the camera struggles a bit and may produce some noise in the images.

The camera features LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, allowing users to experiment with different shooting styles and capture wider scenes. It also offers a portrait mode, which adds a depth-of-field effect to the photos, resulting in nicely blurred backgrounds. Additionally, the camera supports AI scene recognition, which automatically detects the scene and adjusts the camera settings accordingly for better image results.

In terms of video capabilities, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL can record videos in 1080p at 30fps. While it does not support 4K video recording, the device offers video stabilization to reduce shakiness and ensure smoother footage. It also includes slow-motion video and time-lapse modes, allowing users to get creative with their videos. The camera's video quality is decent, although it may not be the best for professional video recording.

Overall, the camera of the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers satisfactory performance for everyday photography needs, especially in well-lit conditions. However, it may not excel in low-light situations and lacks some advanced features found in higher-end smartphones.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers a variety of connectivity options to cater to the needs of its users. It supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. In terms of network compatibility, the device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring that users can stay connected in various regions. The device also supports 4G LTE, which enables faster data speeds for browsing and streaming content.

For wireless connectivity, the ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing users to connect to Wi-Fi networks and enjoy fast internet speeds. It also supports Wi-Fi Direct, which enables seamless communication between devices without the need for a router. Bluetooth 4.0 is available for wireless file sharing and connecting to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones and speakers.

In terms of navigation, the device comes with GPS, GLONASS, and BDS support, ensuring accurate positioning and reliable navigation. Additionally, it features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it does not support USB-C, which is a newer and more efficient standard.

While the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers a range of connectivity options, it does not support NFC or wireless charging. These features may be missed by users who rely on contactless payments or prefer the convenience of wireless charging. Overall, the device provides a satisfactory set of connectivity features for its price range.

Additional Features

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers several additional features that enhance the overall user experience. Firstly, it comes with dual SIM card slots, allowing users to use two different phone numbers simultaneously. This is especially convenient for those who want to separate personal and work contacts.

In terms of storage, the ZenFone Lite (L1) has a microSD card slot, which allows for storage expansion. Users can easily insert a memory card to increase the device's storage capacity and store more photos, videos, and apps.

The device also features a range of sensors, including an accelerometer and proximity sensor. These sensors enable various functionalities such as auto-rotation of the screen and the ability to detect when the device is held close to the user's ear during a call.

While the ZenFone Lite (L1) does not offer water resistance or wireless charging capabilities, it provides a solid set of features for its price range. Its dual SIM functionality, expandable storage, and sensor suite make it a versatile and practical choice for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is a budget smartphone that competes with other devices in the market. When comparing it with related gadgets, several aspects come into play, including specifications, performance, features, and pricing.

In terms of specifications, the ZenFone Lite (L1) features a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and comes with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The device runs on Android 8.0 Oreo and is equipped with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera.

Compared to its competitors, such as the Xiaomi Redmi 6A, the ZenFone Lite (L1) falls short in terms of performance. The Snapdragon 430 chipset is not as powerful as the Redmi 6A's MediaTek Helio A22, resulting in slower and less efficient performance. Additionally, the ZenFone Lite (L1) lacks a fingerprint scanner, which is a common feature found in many budget smartphones.

When it comes to pricing, the ZenFone Lite (L1) is positioned as an affordable option, priced at around 80 EUR. However, considering its limitations and weaker performance compared to its competitors, it may not offer the best value for money. Other devices in the market, such as the Redmi 6A or the Samsung Galaxy A10, offer better performance and features at a similar price point.

In terms of market competition, Asus faces tough competition from brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, and Realme, which offer more feature-packed devices at competitive prices. Asus' competitive advantage lies in its brand reputation and build quality, but it needs to step up its game in terms of specifications and performance to stay competitive in the market.

Overall, while the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is an affordable option, it falls short in terms of performance and features compared to its competitors in the market. Buyers looking for a budget smartphone may find better options from brands like Xiaomi or Samsung, which offer more value for money with their devices.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL offers budget-friendly features in a compact design. With its 5.45-inch IPS LCD display and 18:9 aspect ratio, users can enjoy a decent viewing experience. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and 2GB of RAM provide smooth performance for everyday tasks. However, the 16GB internal storage may feel limited for those who require more space. The 13MP rear camera captures decent photos, while the 5MP front camera is suitable for selfies. The device also includes essential features like a headphone jack and FM radio. Overall, the Asus ZenFone Lite (L1) ZA551KL is a suitable choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a basic smartphone experience.