Why Do You Need A Lite Version Of Your App?

Today, smartphones are more powerful than most computers. Yet, there is a need for lite apps.

With mindblowing specs like 12 GB of RAM, a 120Hz display, an octa-core processor, four cameras, 5G internet, etc., there is nothing that smartphones cannot handle.

Still, we see that Facebook lite has over 100 million downloads. Twitter lite also has over 100 million downloads.

There are many reasons why people prefer to use lite apps in a world of high-end technology.

If you already have a mobile app for your business, developing a lite version of the app is one of the best decisions that can help you increase your customer base.

Before that, let us understand what a lite app is.

What Is A “Lite App”?

Consider a lite app to be a mini version of your app.

It has all the features and functionalities boiled down to the minimum. The visuals and animations are also downgraded to reduce the size and avoid excessive load on the device.

The main purpose of the app is not sacrificed. Users can use the app for what it is intended for.

If you want users to buy your services or products through your app, it is possible with a lite app as well without any issues.

The only compromise takes place in the animations and extra features that most people do not require. The app will not look gorgeous, but it will get the job done.

Some examples of lite apps that are extremely popular among users are Facebook lite, Twitter lite, Instagram lite, Google Go, YouTube Go, Android Go, Pinterest lite, Skype lite, and Kindle lite.

The Benefits Of Developing A Lite App

If you already have a full-fledged app made with the latest technology and high-end features, why should you invest in a cheaper version of the app?

If you are planning to develop an app, is it worth investing in a lite version as well? Is it not compromising on many features and negatively affecting the user experience?

There might be more questions arising in your head right now.

Relax! We at WDI, a team of mobile app developers, have listed down the benefits of having a separate lite app for your business, and you will get a clear idea of whether you require a lite version for your app or not.

1: Lite Apps Require Less Space

Aren’t phones coming with 512 GB and 1 TB of storage? Why is app size a concern now?

Yes, phones are coming with a lot of storage, but the size of apps is also increasing comparatively.

Whatsapp can sometimes take up to 5 GB of space. Even basic browsers easily cross 1 GB in size.

Although the download size is less than 100 MB, the apps gradually increase in size through in-app downloads and usage.

People do not even realize how fast their 64 GB of storage gets filled up after downloading some necessary apps.

Many people play video games on their phones. Nowadays, video games are going north of 5 GB in size. Sometimes, they even surpass 10 GB.

Considering the user has at least three games on his device, they can easily take 20 to 30 GB of space.

Let us not forget that we are living in a world of social media.

Clicking pictures, shooting videos, and sharing them on social media has become a part of people’s lives.

The latest phones come with high res cameras that offer 4K videos at 60 FPS. Even a minute of 4K video takes up to 1 GB of space.

Because of all of this, running out of storage space has become a serious problem. People would be grateful if they got something that was lightweight and could get the job done.

Lite apps are usually less than 5 MB in size and provide the necessary features.

If your user is running out of storage, he will not be able to download your full-fledged app. But he will have no problem with downloading a lite app that requires almost no space at all.

1 MB app… That is next to nothing in today’s time. Even a photo takes 5 MB of space. HDR photos are usually north of 30 MB.

You can reach out to a larger user base who have low storage on their devices.

Your clients will not have to delete some other app or some of their favorite videos to download your app.

You can provide your clients with the option between a full-fledged app and a lite app, leaving them with no reason not to download your app.

2: Lite Apps Work on Low-End Devices

Even though ground-breaking smartphones are being launched every quarter, there are still people who do not have the latest smartphone.

Many people living in subpar financial conditions have to use an old smartphone or go for the ones with lower specs.

Although many people buy the latest smartphone every year, there are many people who have used the same smartphone for years. They consider a smartphone to be a one-time investment and tend to use it as much as possible before going for a new one.

Even today, there are people who still use the iPhone 6.

Most apps are not that hardware demanding and can run on low-spec devices. However, there will be lags, frame drops, and slowdowns on low-end devices.

Sometimes the app can crash as well. This can be deal-breaking if the user is doing something important, like making a payment.

If the user is running multiple apps at a time, crashes are very likely to take place, even on mid-range smartphones. Maybe the user is listening to music while using your app and it crashes. This can be very inconvenient for your users.

Maybe your user loses or damages his phone and has to get back to his older phone for the time being.

In all these cases, a developing lite app is a one-stop solution.

Due to having the bare minimum features and minimal animations, a lite app can easily run on low-end devices.

In many underdeveloped countries, the majority of people are still using low-end smartphones.

Developing a lite app allows you to conquer this huge market.

Not only that, lite apps run like a breeze on high-end devices. When people want speed, they will go for a lite app as there are no animations slowing it down.

3: Can Run On Slow Network

With the invention of 5G, slow networks are rarely an issue. Everything runs like a breeze and file sizes of multiple GBs can be downloaded in no time.

Still, there are places on Earth where connectivity is an issue. People struggle to have a break-free conversation with someone.

In hilly regions, people have to walk a little before they can get a single bar of signal.

According to the World Population Review in 2022, a total of 124 countries have less than 50 MBPS average mobile data download speed, while only 53 countries have more than that.

If you find out the population of these countries, it sums up to 5,009,113. This is a huge number of people who will benefit from a lite app.

Even in countries with faster network speeds, the situation is not the same everywhere.

When you get out of the city area, the network slowly starts to leave your side.

If you go for some trekking adventure in a remote area, it would be a miracle to get a fast 5G network. Just getting the ability to call and check messages is enough to be grateful.

Sometimes people get limited mobile data for the day. Most apps tend to consume a lot of data even when they are closed. People need a solution to this.

With a lite app, you can solve all these network problems.

Your clients will be able to use your app even when they go trekking in some remote region.

Even people with 2G or 3G networks will be able to access your app, thus increasing your user base and helping your business grow.

4: Consume Less Battery

This is where flagship smartphones take a beating. High-end phones contain a powerful processor that consumes a lot of battery life.

It is considered outstanding for a flagship phone to last a day on a full charge. This is not even a challenge for low-end devices.

As flagship phones get older, their batteries degrade to a great extent.

The battery life degrades even faster with fast charging. Most smartphones become unusable within two to three years.

There is a reason why power banks exist.

Lite apps consume way less battery than their normal counterparts due to having fewer animations and features.

People are more likely to use a lite app if their battery is running out.

Some users might delete your app if they find out it is consuming a lot of battery in the background. A lite app proves to be a great alternative in this case.

5: Critical Situations Demand A Lite App

In critical situations like a disaster or power cuts, networks and battery life become essential for survival and seeking help.

The network can drop substantially in such situations, and most apps fail to run.

Lite apps can be lifesavers in such cases, as they can run on low internet and get the message across.

If you want to develop or already have a social media app, you must invest in a lite version of the app. In case of an emergency, your app will be of help.

People will be able to reach out for help, and update about their situation through social media, and even poor network connectivity.

Lite apps also help to preserve the user’s battery life, which is necessary during power cuts.

6: Minimalistic UI

Some people just adore a minimalistic UI. Having too many animations gives them a jarring experience.

Lite apps provide the most basic functionalities and the most boiled-down versions of the animations.

They are also very snappy, with very little chance of crashing or lagging, thus providing a buttery smooth user experience.

7: Lite Apps Are Cost Efficient

If you are worried that lite apps will cost you a lot of money to develop, you can rest assured that is not the case.

Due to being very light in size and dumbed down in features, lite apps are very cost-efficient to develop.

You do not have to spend the same amount of money you used to develop a full-fledged app.

Development also takes a lot less time. All you have to do is find out the necessary features from your app and implement them in the lite app.

There is no need to brainstorm a whole new app.

Development is faster as there are fewer features to implement.

Lite apps are cost-efficient from the user’s perspective as well. He has to spend much less data than what a full-fledged app would require.

Conclusion

A lite app is a downsized version of any app.

It comes with a smaller file size, faster performance, and less demanding features.

When a full app can easily take more than 50 MB, a lite app can provide the basic functionalities at less than 10 times the file size. Most of them come in KBs.

Those with limited storage space can also download a lite app.

Lite apps require less data and can thus run when you have poor connectivity.

In case your user is at some remote location on vacation, he will still be able to access your app and services.

People with lower-end devices will also be able to access your lite app. Do not underestimate their numbers. You will be able to conquer a huge customer base with a lite app.

It is absolutely worth investing in a lite app if you already have a full-fledged app. If not, you can develop both at the same time.

We at WDI can do just that for you. If you want a full app or a lite app, our skilled mobile app developers can develop both with quality and security.

You will leave no stone unturned and cater to the widest range of users by developing both full and lite apps.

All you have to do is share your app idea with us and we will take it from there.

All tasks like wireframing, prototyping, MVP development, sprint delivery, and app launch will be handled by us.

With more than 21 years of experience in software development, you are guaranteed nothing but excellence in mobile app development.

From Sattva Connect, CSE, MCCC, and Pi Advisor, to Accessibly, our portfolio speaks for itself.

We have a track record of success with hundreds of satisfied clients.

Allow us to develop your app!

Let us create something dazzling!