Explained: Why app developers are still making ‘Lite’ versions of their apps – Times of India

With the advent of technology, smartphones today have become more powerful than ever. Even an entry-level Android smartphone these days come with a pretty decent chipset, and ample amount of RAM to handle the regular version of apps.

With the advent of technology, smartphones today have become more powerful than ever. Even an entry-level Android smartphone these days come with a pretty decent chipset, and ample amount of RAM to handle the regular version of apps.
To put this in context, Samsung‘s recently launched Galaxy F13 comes with 4GB of RAM, a powerful Exynos 850 processor, and 128GB of storage for Rs 11,999. The Redmi 10A, priced at Rs 8,499, comes with an octa-core chipset and up to 4GB of RAM to handle most apps without any issues.
So, the question here is why app developers are still making the ‘Lite’ version of their apps. For example, Microsoft has recently launched its Outlook Lite app. Similarly, there are alternate apps like Gmail Go, Maps Go and the list can go on. Well, there’s a need for such apps and they actually come in handy even for users. Let us explain.
Smaller in size
The ‘Lite’ version of apps is usually smaller in size and hence they consume relatively less space on the phone. For instance, Facebook Lite has just 1.68MB of download size, while the regular Facebook app has 70.19MB of download size. Similarly, the regular Maps app is 37MB in size, while the Maps Go is just 377KB. The same applies to almost every Lite counterpart of the app. So, it is beneficial for users in case they want to save some storage space on their smartphones.
Performs better
It is certain that the companies usually strip the apps with some features to convert their regular apps into a Lite apps. However, the sacrifice isn’t that big. There are some UI element changes, graphics changes and feature changes. That’s what makes them really light on the resource of the smartphone. For instance, if you have an entry-level smartphone, the regular app will take more resources to run compared to the ‘Lite’ version of the app. So, there are people who prefer using the ‘Lite’ app in some cases.
Consumes less data
Another major advantage of Lite apps is that they are designed to work with any kind of situation including slow internet connection, limited data and other resources. So, for developing countries where the internet speed isn’t as fast as some of the developed regions and also, telecom service providers offer limited data (including India with daily data limits), the Lite apps will consume fewer data compared to the regular apps.
This is not only beneficial for users but also allows developers to expand their reach among users.
Why you shouldn’t choose the ‘Lite’ apps
While there is a lot going in favour of the Lite version of the apps, there are certain things that you should know about them. For starters, if you have a powerful handset and no shortage of storage or data, then you can simply use the regular version of the app.
Also, Lite apps usually cut down on features. For example, Maps Go does not offer turn-by-turn navigation. Similarly, Instagram Lite misses out on some of the features. For example, it does not support AR filters, Live support and more.
Certainly, things will vary depending upon the app you are looking at. But, it is up to you. If the missing features from the Lite app are your concern, then you should probably stick to the regular version of the app. If it isn’t, then the Lite version of the apps can save storage, data and CPU resource of your smartphone.