Comprehensive Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite ZB553KL Review Specs Prices and More

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite ZB553KL is a testament to Asus's ability to provide aesthetically pleasing yet functional devices. At first glance, the design is sophisticated, with a modern flair suitable for a wide range of users. The device measures 155.7 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm and weighs 144 g, which makes it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The sleek design is complemented by a variety of color options including Deepsea Black, Mint Green, Rose Pink, and Sunlight Gold, catering to different personal styles.

The phone is built with a plastic frame and back, which contributes to its lightweight feel. Despite the plastic construction, Asus ensures a sturdy device that can withstand daily use. The dual SIM feature is a great addition for users who want to keep their work and personal communications separate, providing flexibility and convenience.

Display

Equipped with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, the Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, delivering bright and vivid colors. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 70.6% ensures a wide viewing area for media consumption and browsing. Although the resolution might not compete with more modern FHD or QHD displays, it is quite adequate for everyday use, ensuring text readability, decent color reproduction, and satisfactory viewing angles.

Performance

At the heart of this device, the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 processor manages daily tasks without hiccups. The quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, combined with the Adreno 308 GPU, supports smooth navigation through the Android 7 (Nougat) operating system with ZenUI 4. Although users might face some lag during intensive multitasking or heavy gaming, casual users will find the performance sufficient for standard apps, social media, and media streaming.

The phone offers two storage variants: 16GB and 32GB, both coupled with 2GB RAM. While the built-in storage might feel limiting, especially for app-heavy users, the dedicated microSD slot provides relief by allowing expansion of storage for media and applications.

Camera Capabilities

Catering to selfie enthusiasts, the Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite features a 13 MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture, complemented by an LED flash. This setup is designed to capture bright and clear selfies even in low-light conditions. Features like beauty mode, panorama, and HDR add to the photographic capabilities, providing versatility in different settings.

The rear camera also houses a 13 MP sensor with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and LED flash, capable of shooting 1080p videos at 30fps. This makes it suitable for capturing memorable moments with good detail and decent color accuracy. While it lacks the depth and proficiency seen in higher-end models, the dual-camera setup holds up well for the price point.

Battery Life

The 3000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery offers a full day's use for average users. Although there is no fast charging support, the battery’s endurance is decent when handling routine tasks like browsing, calling, and media playback. Power-saving modes extend usage times when necessary, helping users get the most out of their device between charges.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite supports a comprehensive array of networks including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, ensuring seamless connectivity. Internet speeds can reach up to HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps, facilitating swift browsing and downloads.

Connectivity options are plentiful with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support. GPS is augmented by GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO to enhance location accuracy. However, the absence of NFC is noticeable, as it limits certain convenient features such as contactless payments.

Audio and Multimedia

The device provides a pleasing auditory experience with its loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, reaffirming Asus's attention to traditional features appreciated by many users. Although the single speaker might not deliver high-fidelity audio, it suffices for personal media consumption.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 7.0 Nougat with Asus's ZenUI 4 overlay, the user interface is straightforward and intuitive. ZenUI offers additional customization options and features such as theme selection, icon packs, and gesture controls. Although it is not the latest Android version, the interface remains user-friendly and engaging for everyday activities.

Conclusion

The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite ZB553KL stands as a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly device with reliable performance and a focus on selfie capabilities. While it may not boast cutting-edge specifications or the most recent software, it delivers essential features in a stylish form factor. Ideal for casual users and photography enthusiasts on a budget, it offers a well-rounded experience with room for personalization and enjoyment.