The Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie series aimed to deliver affordable smartphones with a focus on photography. Two models emerged: the Selfie Lite and the Selfie. But which one is the better choice for your budget? This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Zenfone 4 Selfie (ZD553KL) is the clear winner thanks to its octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for multitasking and demanding apps. While both are budget-friendly, the Selfie's improved chipset justifies a slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global, India, Indonesia |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - Global, India, Indonesia |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41 - Brazil | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 41 - TW/JP/HK/PH/BR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2017, October. Released 2017, November | 2017, August. Released 2017, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 155.7 x 75.9 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 144 g (5.08 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 7 (Nougat), ZenUI 4 | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo), ZenUI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, PDAF | 16 MP, 26mm (wide), PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 20 MP, f/2.0, 31mm (standard), 1/2.8", 1.0µm
8 MP, 12mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deepsea Black, Mint Green, Rose Pink, Sunlight Gold | Deepsea Black, Mint Green, Rose Pink, Sunlight Gold |
| Models | X00LDA | X00LD |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite ZB553KL
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- 8MP front camera for selfies
- Underpowered processor
- Laggy performance
- Limited storage
- Basic camera capabilities
Asus Zenfone 4 Selfie ZD553KL
- Improved performance with octa-core processor
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slightly better camera quality
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly higher price
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- 720p display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch 720p (HD) IPS display. While the resolution is standard for the price range, the Selfie's slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles provide a marginally improved visual experience. However, the difference is subtle and unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast a 13MP rear camera with autofocus and flash. The Selfie's slightly improved image processing algorithms and potentially a better sensor (though specs don't explicitly confirm) often result in marginally better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Selfie also features a 5MP front camera, while the Selfie Lite has an 8MP front camera, offering slightly better selfies.
Performance
This is where the biggest difference lies. The Selfie Lite's Snapdragon 425 quad-core processor struggles with multitasking and heavier applications. The Selfie's Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor offers a significant performance boost, resulting in smoother app launches, faster loading times, and a more responsive user interface. Expect noticeable lag on the Selfie Lite when switching between apps or playing games.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 3000mAh battery. Battery life is generally comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. However, the Selfie's more efficient processor might provide slightly better battery endurance under heavy load.
Buying Guide
The Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite (ZB553KL) is ideal for users primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The Zenfone 4 Selfie (ZD553KL) is better suited for those who want a smoother experience with more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and improved overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Zenfone 4 Selfie Lite worth buying in 2024?
Given its age and limited performance, the Selfie Lite is generally not recommended unless you find it at a significantly discounted price and only need a basic phone for calls and texts.
❓ What is the difference between the Zenfone 4 Selfie and Selfie Lite?
The primary difference is the processor. The Selfie has an octa-core Snapdragon 430, while the Selfie Lite has a quad-core Snapdragon 425. This results in a noticeable performance gap.
