The Asus ZenFone Live series has always been known for its affordable price and live streaming capabilities. But with two iterations, the L1 and L2, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which ZenFone Live phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZenFone Live L2 offers a slight performance edge thanks to its octa-core processor, making it a better choice for multitasking and smoother operation. However, the L1 remains a solid budget option, especially if you prioritize a slightly more compact design and are on a tighter budget. The L2 is the overall winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A version | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - A version | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18 - D version | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, May | 2018, May. Released 2018, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.3 x 71.8 x 8.2 mm (5.80 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) | 147.3 x 71.8 x 8.2 mm (5.80 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308Adreno 505 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition), ZenUI 5 | Android 8.0 Oreo (Go edition), ZenUI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP or 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rocket Red, Cosmic Blue | Space Blue, Rose Pink, Shimmer Gold, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | X00RD, ZA550KL |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Asus ZenFone Live (L2)
- Improved Performance (Octa-Core Option)
- Better Front Camera (often)
- Slightly Larger Display
- Good Value for Money
- Design may be less refined than some competitors
- HD Display Resolution
Asus ZenFone Live (L1) ZA550KL
- Very Affordable
- Compact and Easy to Handle
- Decent Battery Life
- Slower Performance (Quad-Core)
- Lower Quality Front Camera
- HD Display Resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch HD (720 x 1280) IPS display. While the resolution is the same, the L2 might offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, though this is not definitively documented. Viewing angles are generally good on both.
Camera Comparison
The L1 typically features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. The L2 also has a 13MP rear camera, but the front camera is often upgraded to an 8MP or 16MP sensor, offering better selfies and video calls. Both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is average.
Performance
This is where the L2 pulls ahead. The L2 boasts either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 or 430 chipset, with the latter featuring an octa-core CPU, compared to the L1's Snapdragon 425 with a quad-core CPU. This translates to noticeably smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the L2. Gaming performance will also be improved on the L2.
Battery Life
The L1 has a 3000mAh battery, while the L2 typically features a 3000mAh or 3075mAh battery. Battery life is comparable on both devices, offering a full day of moderate usage. However, the L2's slightly more efficient processor could provide marginally better battery life in some scenarios.
Buying Guide
The Asus ZenFone Live L2 is ideal for users who want a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and occasional gaming. It's a good choice for those who stream frequently and appreciate a slightly larger display. The Asus ZenFone Live L1 ZA550KL is perfect for users seeking a very affordable, compact phone for basic communication and light usage. It's a great starter phone or backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Asus ZenFone Live L2 worth the upgrade from the L1?
If you frequently multitask or play games, the L2's improved performance makes it a worthwhile upgrade. If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing, the L1 remains a capable and affordable option.
❓ What is the main difference between the L1 and L2?
The primary difference is the processor. The L2 often features an octa-core processor (Snapdragon 430), while the L1 has a quad-core processor (Snapdragon 425), resulting in a noticeable performance boost for the L2.
