Vivo Z1 Lite Full Review, Specifications, Features, and Price

Introduction

The Vivo Z1 Lite is a budget-friendly mid-range Android smartphone that made its debut with a solid set of features designed to appeal to everyday users. The Vivo Z1 Lite Android smartphone was launched in November 2018. Positioned as an affordable alternative in the Vivo Z series lineup, the Vivo Z1 Lite is a stripped-down version of the Vivo Z1, with the key difference lying in the chipset, where the Z1 Lite comes powered by a Snapdragon 626 while the Vivo Z1 packs a Snapdragon 660 SoC. Despite being a lite model, it still carries a well-rounded package suitable for users seeking value for money.

Design and Build Quality

The Vivo Z1 Lite features a modern and premium-looking design for its price range. 2The Vivo Z1 Lite is equipped with a 6.26-inch full HD+ display that gets slim bezels and a notch at the top, and the back of the phone is comprised of glass. The slim profile and glass back give it a premium appearance that stands out among budget smartphones. The volume of the Vivo Z1 Lite is 91.72 cubic cm and its thickness is 7.9 cm. The Vivo Z1 Lite weighs just 149g, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry throughout the day.

Display

The display is one of the strongest selling points of the Vivo Z1 Lite. The Vivo Z1 Lite has a 6.26-inch, 1080 x 2280 pixels IPS display with a pixel density of 403 ppi. It offers a 19:9 cinema-like screen ratio that is perfect for viewing videos, photos, and games. The Full HD+ resolution ensures crisp and vibrant visuals, and the high pixel density delivers sharp text and detailed images. Whether you are streaming content, browsing social media, or playing games, the display delivers a satisfying visual experience.

Processor and Performance

For everyday performance, the Vivo Z1 Lite relies on a capable mid-range chipset. The Vivo Z1 Lite is powered by an Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 processor, Qualcomm MSM8953-Pro Snapdragon 626 (14 nm) chipset, and Adreno 506 GPU. The 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 Octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM deliver outstanding overall performance for opening and running applications, flipping through menus, running home screens, and more. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and capable handling of moderate gaming tasks without significant lag or stutter.

Memory and Storage

The phone has 4GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable using microSD up to 256GB. The expandable storage option is a significant advantage for users who require extra space for photos, videos, apps, and documents. The 4GB RAM configuration ensures that the phone can handle multiple apps running simultaneously without performance issues.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts will find the camera setup of the Vivo Z1 Lite quite capable for its segment. The device features 16MP + 2MP AI dual rear cameras and a 16MP AI front camera. The 16-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual camera setup is positioned on the rear side of the Vivo Z1 Lite. The depth sensor assists in producing portrait shots with a natural background blur effect. The notch at the front houses the 16-megapixel selfie camera, and the front shooter doubles up for the face unlock function. The AI-powered cameras help in scene detection and optimizing photos automatically for better output in various lighting conditions.

Security Features

The Vivo Z1 Lite provides two convenient methods of biometric authentication. A fingerprint scanner is also available on the rear shell of the device. Users can also unlock the phone with face wake facial recognition, freeing their hand and unlocking the phone faster. These dual security features add convenience and reliability to the overall user experience.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a key consideration for any smartphone buyer. The Vivo Z1 Lite is powered by a 3260mAh battery. To extend battery life further, an Ultra Power Saving mode lets users keep the phone powered on for longer in between charges by changing the screen to black and white and shutting down all unnecessary features to dramatically minimize battery consumption. While the battery capacity is modest compared to modern standards, the power-saving features help maximize uptime for users on the go.

Software and Operating System

The Vivo Z1 Lite boots Android 8.1 Oreo wrapped under the company’s own FunTouch OS skin. FunTouch OS offers a customized Android experience with additional features, gesture controls, and personalization options that enhance day-to-day usability.

Connectivity

The Vivo Z1 Lite is well-equipped when it comes to connectivity options.For connectivity, users get 4G with VoLTE support, GPS, Bluetooth 4.2, dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and a microUSB 2.0 port. The Vivo Z1 Lite provides 4G LTE-FDD bands B1/B3/B5/B7/B8, allowing it to work in most countries in Asia, Europe, and Australia. Additionally, there is a notification LED present on the Vivo Z1 Lite, along with a fingerprint sensor, magnetic field sensor (compass), gyroscope sensor, proximity sensor, and accelerometer sensor.

Price

The Vivo Z1 Lite was released in November 2018 at a price of approximately $142 in the USA.  The Vivo Z1 Lite price in India starts from Rs. 11,990. Given its feature set, the Vivo Z1 Lite represented strong value for money at its launch price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Full Specifications Summary

Conclusion

The Vivo Z1 Lite is a well-rounded budget smartphone that delivers a large full HD+ display, capable dual cameras, a reliable processor, and practical security features at an affordable price. While it may not compete with flagship devices, it punches well above its weight class for users who want a reliable daily driver without spending a fortune. Its slim design, glass back, AI camera capabilities, and generous storage expansion options make it a solid choice in the budget mid-range segment. If you are looking for an affordable Vivo smartphone with decent all-around performance, the Vivo Z1 Lite is certainly worth considering.