Uber recently announced the launch of the new and simplified Uber Lite in Uganda. The app is slimmed down to easily work on any device while saving riders storage space as well as data.
The version comes with a simple interface, designed to make booking rides quicker and lighter in low connectivity, on basic Android phones, and for people with limited data plans.
As soon as you launch your Uber Lite app, it is meant to instantly relay the available online Uber drivers and a destination tag that proceeds to your pickup option when initiated – making it as convenient as possible.
But then, how different is it from the Uber app?
Size
The major difference is the size of the apps, which are significantly set apart. The original Uber app is between 40 MB and 180 MB, usually dependent on the device you have, and region you are in, while Uber Lite is not more than 5.6 MB in size.
Uber assures us that the lite version has a 300-millisecond response time, making the booking process fast enough even when locked up in low connectivity.
Tap over Type
Uber Lite has a much more simplified interface compared to the Uber app. Whereas you have a whole display of your location map and the option to pin exact drop location details in the latter, the lite version detects your current location to eliminate any typing.
If it can’t detect your location because of GPS or network issues, it guides you to choose popular landmarks nearby. That way, you can pick your destination with just a tap of a button, or by choice of a nearby point of interest. With most of the city’s top places stored in the app, you need no network is needed for them to appear.
Additionally, Uber lite is designed to learn where you go most often, so that it displays this as the primary destination option. This as well makes location searches faster because of the pre-fetch results and caching.
Interface and performance
Uber Lite is low on graphic details, thus consumes much less data and can support lower GSM bands like 2G or GPRS bands. Uber app on the other hand is richer in graphics and will need network that is as good as 3G and above.
The lite version can also turn maps on and off, the default being off to save data while searching location and viewing. You will also realize that the original Uber app has more features that you won’t find on the lite.
