With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. However, the official Facebook app can be quite demanding on data usage and phone battery life for some users. This is where Facebook Lite comes in – a stripped down version of Facebook that uses less data and is designed for low-end smartphones. But which one should you use? Here is a detailed comparison of the standard Facebook app and Facebook Lite to help you decide.
What is Facebook Lite?
Facebook Lite is a lighter version of the regular Facebook app that uses less data and works better on slower networks and low-end smartphones. It was initially launched in 2015 for emerging markets where people often had limited internet connectivity and lower-end phones.
Some key features of Facebook Lite:
- Small app size – Under 1MB compared to around 100MB for regular Facebook app
- Data saver mode – Optionally limits background data usage
- Works on slower 2G networks
- Streamlined interface shows core Facebook functions only
- Photo uploads limited to 2MP for reduced data usage
Although intended for developing nations initially, Facebook Lite is now available globally for any users who want a lightweight Facebook experience.
Key Differences Between Facebook and Facebook Lite
While Facebook Lite retains the core functionality of regular Facebook, there are some key differences:
Size and Data Usage
Facebook Lite is less than 1MB in size whereas the Facebook app can be over 100MB. This makes a big difference if you have limited storage space on your phone.
Facebook Lite also has an optional “Data Saver” mode that limits background data usage, prevents autoplaying videos, and downgrades the quality of images. This allows you to browse Facebook without racking up as much mobile data usage.
Performance
The stripped down nature of Facebook Lite means it performs better on low-end smartphones and weaker network connections than the full-fledged Facebook app. The app loads pages faster and is less prone to crashing.
Features
Facebook Lite does not have access to all of Facebook’s features. Some missing features include:
- Facebook Gaming
- Facebook Dating
- Augmented Reality filters and effects
- Customize chat themes
- Change background color in dark mode
The trending topics sidebar and page transparency details are also missing.
However, core features like news feed, stories, posts, messages, notifications, groups and events are present.
Ads
Facebook Lite shows you fewer ads than the regular Facebook app. This contributes to the faster loading times.
Performance Comparison
Let’s compare the performance of Facebook and Facebook Lite in some key areas:
App Size
| App | Size |
|---|---|
| 100MB+ | |
| Facebook Lite | Under 1MB |
Facebook Lite has a fraction of the app size, making it much more phone storage friendly.
Data Usage
| App | Data Usage |
|---|---|
| High – videos autoplay and download in highest quality by default | |
| Facebook Lite | Low – optional data saver mode limits background usage and downgrades media quality |
Facebook Lite gives you more control over your data consumption.
Loading Speed
| App | Loading Speed |
|---|---|
| Slower – heavy app needs good hardware and connection | |
| Facebook Lite | Faster – stripped down interface optimized for slower devices |
Facebook Lite’s simplicity makes it quicker to load pages and posts.
Crash Rate
| App | Crash Rate |
|---|---|
| Higher – more prone to crashing on weaker smartphones | |
| Facebook Lite | Lower – lighter app less likely to crash |
The more bloated Facebook app crashes more frequently than the svelte Facebook Lite.
Missing Features in Facebook Lite
While Facebook Lite contains the main functionality of the regular Facebook app, there are some features it lacks:
Facebook Gaming
You cannot access the dedicated Facebook Gaming section to stream and watch live gameplay.
Facebook Dating
The Facebook Dating feature for meeting potential romantic matches is not available in Facebook Lite.
Augmented Reality
The fun augmented reality filters and effects for stories and photos are missing in Facebook Lite.
Customized Chat Themes
You cannot customize chat theme colors in Facebook Lite.
Dark Mode Customization
While Facebook Lite does have a dark mode, you cannot change the background color like you can in the regular Facebook app.
Trending Topics
The trending topics sidebar showing popular news across Facebook is not present in Facebook Lite.
Page Transparency Details
Page transparency information such as date created, name changes, and location history is not shown in Facebook Lite.
So if you rely heavily on any of those missing features, the regular Facebook app may be a better choice for you.
The Pros of Facebook Lite
Here are some of the best things about Facebook Lite:
- Light app size saves phone storage space
- Works better on slower/older phones
- Quick loading times
- Data saver mode reduces mobile data usage
- Uses less battery life
- Smoother scrolling due to fewer ads
- Doesn’t get as hot on your phone
- Less prone to crashing
Facebook Lite is great for people who want the main Facebook experience but on an older or low-end smartphone. It provides a smooth Facebook experience without putting too much strain on your battery or data plan.
The Cons of Facebook Lite
The compromises and downsides of Facebook Lite include:
- Missing some newer Facebook features
- No games, dating, or augmented reality
- Lower quality media and images
- Less customizable appearance
- Harder to access settings and privacy controls
- Some ads still present
While Facebook Lite retains Facebook’s core features, it does sacrifice some of the newer or more intensive elements. You’ll miss out on certain features, customizations, and visual quality.
Should I Use Facebook or Facebook Lite?
So should you use the full Facebook app or Facebook Lite? Here are some guidelines:
Use regular Facebook if:
- You have a newer, high-end smartphone
- Don’t need to worry about mobile data or battery life
- Want access to all features like gaming, dating, and augmented reality
- Prefer highest quality images and video
Stick with the fully-featured Facebook app if you have a capable device and want everything Facebook has to offer.
Use Facebook Lite if:
- You have an older or low-end smartphone
- Need to limit mobile data usage
- Battery life is a concern
- Mostly use Facebook for essential features like news feed, messaging, and groups
- Don’t care much about newer fancy features
Opt for Facebook Lite if you need a lightweight Facebook experience to accommodate an underpowered phone or limited data plan.
Other Facebook options:
If Facebook Lite still doesn’t quite fit your needs, here are a couple other Facebook options to consider:
- Messenger Lite – Even lighter Messenger app for basic chatting
- Mobile Website – Access Facebook via their mobile optimized website
- Facebook app with data saver settings – Enable the data saver and turn off autoplay options in the full Facebook app
So in summary, Facebook Lite makes the most sense for people with budget devices and limited data. But if you have a higher end phone and want access to 100% of Facebook’s features, stick with the regular Facebook app. Evaluate your own priorities and device capabilities to decide which Facebook experience makes the most sense for you.
Conclusion
Facebook Lite offers a streamlined version of the Facebook app that’s smaller, lighter, and designed for slower devices and networks. It lacks some of the newer Facebook features but provides a smooth experience for the Facebook essentials on lower end smartphones.
Consider switching to Facebook Lite if you have an older phone, limited data plan, or just want a clutter-free Facebook experience. But the regular Facebook app is still better if you want 100% of the features on a modern device. Assess your own needs and priorities to determine if Facebook Lite is right for you.