Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL 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 Live (L1) ZA550KL is an affordable smartphone that delivers impressive features without breaking the bank. Sporting a sleek glass front and a durable plastic back, this device is both stylish and practical. With its 5.5-inch IPS LCD display and 18:9 aspect ratio, you can enjoy a rich and immersive viewing experience. Powered by Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition) and a quad-core Snapdragon processor, the ZenFone Live (L1) ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks. Capture stunning photos with the 13MP main camera and take beautiful selfies with the 5MP front camera, both equipped with LED flash. With a 3000mAh battery, you can stay connected all day long. Available in various colors and priced at around 100 EUR, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL boasts a sleek and compact design, making it a comfortable fit for one-handed use. With dimensions of 147.3 x 71.8 x 8.2 mm and weighing only 140g, it is lightweight and easy to carry around. The device features a glass front and a plastic back and frame, giving it a premium look and feel. The choice of materials ensures durability while maintaining affordability. The 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with an 18:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, although the 720 x 1440 pixel resolution may not offer the sharpest visuals. The phone's physical appearance is further enhanced by the availability of attractive color options, including Space Blue, Rose Pink, Shimmer Gold, and Midnight Black.

In terms of ergonomics, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is designed to be user-friendly. The placement of buttons and ports is well-thought-out, allowing for easy access and intuitive operation. The inclusion of a dedicated microSD card slot is a convenient feature for expanding the device's storage capacity. Additionally, the device features a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy their favorite audio content without the need for adapters or wireless headphones.

When it comes to construction, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL offers a solid build quality. While the device is primarily made of plastic, it doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The phone feels sturdy and can withstand everyday wear and tear. However, it is essential to handle the device with care as the plastic back may be prone to scratches and smudges over time. Overall, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL strikes a balance between aesthetics, comfort, and durability, making it a viable option for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with a visually appealing design.

Display

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 73.8%, providing a decent amount of real estate for multimedia consumption and app usage.

While it doesn't utilize advanced display technologies like OLED, the LCD panel on the ZenFone Live (L1) offers good color accuracy and vibrancy. The brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use, but outdoor visibility might be a bit challenging under direct sunlight. However, it is important to note that the device does not come with any specific display protection such as Gorilla Glass.

With a pixel density of around 293 pixels per inch, the display offers reasonably sharp visuals for everyday tasks and media consumption. While it doesn't support a high refresh rate or HDR, it still provides a satisfactory viewing experience for the price point it targets.

The ZenFone Live (L1) does not incorporate any wide color gamut or anti-reflective coating. However, it does offer features like adaptive brightness and a blue light filter for comfortable viewing in different lighting conditions. Users can also calibrate the screen settings according to their preferences.

In terms of design, the device does not feature a notch design. It has noticeable bezels around the display, which might not be as sleek as some modern smartphones. However, the overall screen-to-body ratio is still respectable considering its price range.

In summary, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. While it lacks advanced display technologies and specific protection, it offers decent color accuracy, satisfactory brightness levels, and a reasonable screen-to-body ratio for an entry-level device.

Performance

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL offers a decent performance for its price range. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset and a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, this device provides satisfactory multitasking capabilities and smooth user experience. The GPU, Adreno 308, performs well when it comes to handling graphics-intensive tasks and casual gaming.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL may not be the most powerful device on the market, but it performs admirably for its budget-friendly price point. It handles day-to-day tasks with ease, such as web browsing, social media scrolling, and light app usage. The processor efficiency allows for efficient power usage, contributing to a longer battery life.

When it comes to gaming performance, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is capable of running casual games smoothly. It may struggle with more demanding games, but it can still provide a decent gaming experience for those who enjoy playing mobile games occasionally. The GPU efficiency ensures that the device doesn't overheat during extended gaming sessions, and the thermal management helps in maintaining a stable performance.

Although the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL may not excel in benchmark tests compared to higher-end devices, it still manages to deliver respectable scores. Synthetic benchmarks reveal that the device's performance is in line with other smartphones in its price range. It offers a smooth user experience with minimal lag and adequate app loading speeds.

One of the key factors contributing to the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL's performance is the system optimization. The device runs on Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition), which is specifically designed to provide a smooth experience on entry-level devices. The operating system, coupled with Asus's ZenUI 5, ensures that the device operates efficiently and optimizes the available resources.

In conclusion, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL offers a satisfactory performance for its price range. While it may not be the most powerful device in terms of CPU and GPU benchmarks, it still provides a smooth user experience, adequate multitasking capabilities, and decent gaming performance. The device's system optimization and thermal management contribute to its overall performance and efficiency. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that can handle day-to-day tasks and occasional gaming, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550

Software and User Interface

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL runs on the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system with Asus' ZenUI 5 customization. This combination offers a user-friendly interface and a smooth user experience. The ZenUI 5 brings some useful features and customization options to the device, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the ZenFone Live (L1) comes with a range of applications that cater to different needs. Some useful apps include the Asus Mobile Manager, which helps optimize the device's performance and manage battery usage. There is also the Asus File Manager, which provides easy access to files and allows users to organize and manage their data effectively.

While the device does come with some pre-installed apps, commonly referred to as bloatware, Asus has taken steps to minimize their impact. The ZenUI 5 offers users the ability to uninstall or disable unwanted apps, freeing up storage space and reducing clutter on the device. This level of customization allows users to tailor their device to their liking and remove any unnecessary apps that they may not use.

Overall, the software experience on the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is smooth and user-friendly. With the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system and Asus' ZenUI 5 customization, users can expect a responsive interface and a range of features to enhance their smartphone experience. The ability to uninstall or disable pre-installed apps adds to the user-friendliness of the device, allowing users to have more control over their device and optimize its performance.

Camera

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera with an aperture of f/2.0. This camera is capable of capturing detailed images with good sharpness and natural colors. It performs well in daylight photography, producing images with accurate colors and a decent dynamic range. The camera also features LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, allowing users to capture a wide range of scenes and perspectives. However, in low-light conditions, the camera's performance is not as impressive. The low-light sensitivity and noise reduction capabilities are limited, resulting in some loss of detail and increased noise in images. The lack of image stabilization also affects the quality of night photography. Video recording is available in 1080p resolution, and while there is no 4K video option, the camera does offer video stabilization for smoother footage. Other features like slow-motion video, time-lapse, and different video formats are also supported. Overall, the camera of the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is suitable for everyday photography needs but may struggle in challenging lighting conditions.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL offers various connectivity options to ensure you stay connected wherever you go. It supports network compatibility with GSM, HSPA, and LTE, allowing you to enjoy high-speed data speeds and reliable connectivity. The device also features dual SIM capability, which is convenient for those who need to use multiple SIM cards. When it comes to wireless connectivity, the ZenFone Live (L1) supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n standards, ensuring fast and stable internet access. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE is available for seamless wireless pairing with other devices. While NFC is not supported, the phone does offer GPS, GLONASS, and BDS for accurate navigation and location tracking. The ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL also includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. Although it doesn't support USB-C or wireless charging, it provides a reliable and widely used connectivity option. With its connectivity features, this device makes it easy to stay connected, browse the web, and enjoy various online activities.

Additional Features

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL comes with a range of additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience. One notable feature is its dual SIM card slots, allowing users to easily switch between two different SIM cards for convenience or to separate personal and work numbers. It also has expandable storage through a microSD card slot, providing the option to increase the device's storage capacity for those who require more space for apps, photos, and videos. In terms of sensors, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, and additional sensors, offering a comprehensive sensor suite that enables various motion and environmental sensing capabilities. However, it does not have any water resistance or dustproof features, and wireless charging is not supported on this device.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features and performance for its price. When comparing it with other related devices in the market, it competes with phones like the Xiaomi Redmi 6A, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core, and Nokia 2.1.

In terms of specifications, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL sports a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor and comes with 1GB or 2GB of RAM, depending on the variant. The phone has a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera with LED flash for better low-light selfies. It runs on Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition) with ZenUI 5 on top.

Compared to its competitors, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL falls short in terms of performance due to its lower RAM capacity. Phones like the Xiaomi Redmi 6A and Samsung Galaxy J2 Core offer higher RAM options, resulting in smoother multitasking and app performance. However, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL does have an advantage with its larger display and higher resolution compared to the Nokia 2.1.

When it comes to pricing, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is positioned as an affordable option, priced around 100 EUR. This makes it a viable choice for budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a smartphone with basic features. However, its competitors like the Xiaomi Redmi 6A and Samsung Galaxy J2 Core offer similar or better specifications at a similar price point.

In terms of market competition, the ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL faces tough competition from other budget smartphones. Its competitive advantage lies in its brand reputation and the inclusion of Asus' ZenUI 5 interface, which provides additional features and customization options. However, in terms of overall value for money, other devices in the market offer better performance and features at a similar price point.

In conclusion, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL competes with other budget smartphones in terms of pricing and features. While it offers a decent set of specifications, it falls short in terms of performance compared to its competitors. Consumers looking for a budget smartphone may consider the

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent features for its price range. With its compact design and vibrant 5.5-inch display, it provides a comfortable viewing experience. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, while the 13MP rear camera captures satisfactory photos. The inclusion of Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition) and ZenUI 5 provides a user-friendly interface. However, the limited 1GB or 2GB RAM may lead to occasional lags, and the lack of a fingerprint sensor is a drawback. If you are on a tight budget and prioritize affordability over high-end specifications, the Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL could be a suitable choice.