Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Asus ZenFone Live L2 and Xiaomi Redmi 5A are popular contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZenFone Live L2 edges out the Redmi 5A thanks to its potential for a slightly faster processor (Snapdragon 430 variant) and often better software support. However, the Redmi 5A remains a strong contender offering excellent value and a reliable experience for basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - A version | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 - A version | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18 - D version | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, May | 2017, November. Released 2017, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 147.3 x 71.8 x 8.2 mm (5.80 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) | 140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm (5.53 x 2.76 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 137 g (4.83 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~296 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.0 cm2 (~69.1% 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 7.1.2 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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/2.2, 22mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rocket Red, Cosmic Blue | Gold, Dark Gray, Rose Gold, Blue |
| Models | - | MCG3B, MCI3B |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.53 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
Asus ZenFone Live (L2)
- Potential for faster processor (Snapdragon 430 variant)
- Live streaming capabilities
- Often better software support
- Decent camera quality
- Performance can vary depending on chipset variant
- Can feel slightly dated
- Plastic build quality
Xiaomi Redmi 5A
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Compact and easy to handle
- Slower processor
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Subpar low-light camera performance
- Less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 5.5-inch HD (720 x 1280) display. While the resolution is similar, the ZenFone Live L2 sometimes offers slightly better color accuracy and brightness depending on the specific panel used. Viewing angles are adequate on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The ZenFone Live L2 generally boasts a slightly better camera setup, often featuring a 13MP main sensor with autofocus and LED flash. The Redmi 5A typically has a 13MP camera as well. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions on both, but low-light performance is subpar. The ZenFone Live L2's live streaming capabilities are a key differentiator.
Performance
This is where things get interesting. The ZenFone Live L2 has two chipset options: Snapdragon 425 and Snapdragon 430. The Snapdragon 430 variant provides a noticeable performance boost over the Redmi 5A's Snapdragon 425. Both phones handle basic tasks well, but expect some lag with demanding apps or multitasking. Gaming is limited to less intensive titles.
Battery Life
The Redmi 5A typically has a 3000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The ZenFone Live L2 usually has a 3000mAh battery as well, but battery life can vary slightly depending on usage and the chipset variant.
Buying Guide
The Asus ZenFone Live L2 is ideal for users who prioritize a slightly more powerful processor and potentially longer software updates. The Xiaomi Redmi 5A is perfect for those seeking a dependable, no-frills phone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, especially if price is the absolute top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZenFone Live L2 (with the Snapdragon 430 variant) is slightly better for gaming, but neither phone is a gaming powerhouse. Expect to play less demanding games smoothly.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Redmi 5A generally offers slightly better battery life due to its efficient processor and optimized software.
❓ Does the ZenFone Live L2 get software updates more frequently?
Typically, Asus provides slightly more frequent software updates for the ZenFone Live L2 compared to the Redmi 5A, although updates for both phones can be infrequent.
