Smartphones running on Android come with a default marketplace for apps, books, music, and movies: the Google Play Store. While it serves its purpose really well, you might be looking for something more. And that little extra is provided by Aptoide and its lighter version, Aptoide Lite.

Aptoide Basics

Aptoide isn’t available in the Play Store. This is due to a non-compete clause in the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement. This is the same reason the Amazon Appstore can’t be found on the Play Store as well.

To install Aptoide, you have to download an APK from a reliable source like Aptoide’s own official site. This is quite different from using the Play Store where you just need to find the app you want to install. But if you want a different marketplace experience, you have to be willing to perform some extra steps.

Since an APK is from an outside party, you have to enable Unknown Sources on your phone before installing the app. That can be done by going to Settings then ticking the box for Unknown Sources.

Aptoide vs Aptoide Lite: The Similarities

To get straight to the point: Aptoide and Aptoide Lite are just the same. The only difference between the two is that the latter is a lot smaller in size and as such, caters to those who really want to save on space. Other than that, they perform exactly the same function.

One of the best things about the Aptoide is its social factor. While you do get suggestions on the Play Store, you’ll find more tailored recommendations in Aptoide. Not only that, you can create your own store that you can share with others. This allows you to browse through the app collection of other like-minded users to see what else you can put on your phone.

You can even write incredibly detailed posts about the apps in your store. This way, people who might stumble upon it can read a detailed overview which can guide them on whether or not they want it on their phone.

Basically, this is the app for you if you like your apps with a bit of a social aspect.

Aptoide vs Aptoide Lite: What’s the Difference?

If Aptoide and Aptoide Lite are essentially the same, why was there a need to create two separate apps? Just like how Facebook created Facebook Lite, Aptoide also created a lighter version of its regular app for those who don’t have high end phones.

More sophisticated phones are equipped to handle the demands of resource hungry apps, but that can’t be said of lower end phones. Since there are budget smartphones that don’t are short on space and resources, it would be nice if there were apps catered to their capabilities. This is where the “lite” versions of apps come in: they are technically the same as their heavier counterparts but they won’t consume space necessary to perform other functions.

So if you don’t own a premium model smartphone but would still like to enjoy the benefits of Aptoide, the Lite version fulfills that need.