Amazon Prime Lite vs Amazon Prime plan: Are the savings worth the sacrifices? | Digit

Amazon’s introduction of Prime Lite in India has sparked curiosity among potential subscribers about how it differs from the standard Prime membership. Below, we delve into the key distinctions between the two subscription plans:

Amazon Prime vs Prime Lite: Key differences

1. Pricing: The most noticeable difference lies in the pricing. While Amazon Prime is available at ₹1499 for a year, the Lite version is significantly cheaper, offered at ₹999 for an annual subscription.

Also read: Cheaper Amazon Prime Lite plan launched for ₹999: How good is it?

2. Streaming Limitations: Both Amazon memberships grant access to a plethora of videos, movies, and TV shows. However, Prime Lite members can only stream on 2 devices simultaneously in HD quality, while Prime subscribers can enjoy 4K resolution streaming on up to 4 devices.

3. Ad Experience: Lite subscribers need to bear with ads on Prime Video, a feature not specified for standard Prime users. The exact placement and frequency of these ads have not yet been clarified by Amazon.

Amazon Prime Lite launched at ₹999/year but without Prime Video on laptop… pic.twitter.com/fwoAxae3sa

— Chethan S. | ಚೇತನ್ ಎಸ್. (@gischethans) June 15, 2023

4. Music and Reading Services: Prime membership provides access to Amazon Prime Music and Prime Reading, offering a wide range of songs and books. These services are not included in the Lite plan.

5. Gaming and Prime Advantage Benefits: Amazon Prime subscribers can enjoy Prime Gaming and Prime Advantage benefits, which include no-cost EMI on smartphone purchases and up to 6 months of free screen replacement on select devices. Prime Lite does not offer these benefits.

6. Morning Delivery Option: Unique to Prime Lite, subscribers have the option to pay an additional ₹175 for morning delivery on eligible products. This service is not mentioned under standard Prime benefits.

7. Plan Options: Amazon Prime provides flexible subscription choices, including a ₹299 monthly plan and a ₹599 quarterly plan. However, Prime Lite comes with only one annual subscription plan.

Should you buy Amazon Prime Lite subscription: Here’s what we think

Notably, with Prime Lite, you are losing out on free same-day and one-day delivery, Prime Video access on Laptop, Prime Music, Prime Reading and Prime Gaming. Prime Video can be watched on 2 devices only (Mobile, TV) up to 720P quality. 

However, you still get early access to shopping events, exclusive prime offers, and up to 5% cashback on shopping with a Pay ICICI credit card. 

We think if you don’t have a big family or lots of family members to share the Prime Video experience with, Prime Lite’s 2-devices limitation shouldn’t bother you. If you are one to consume Prime Video on a mobile phone, then the HD playback should seem good enough. 

As for the delivery limitations, a standup bit by Ronny Chieng comes to our mind about how spoiled we are by choices and fast-paced delivery options. 

So, TLDR: While the standard Amazon Prime subscription offers a more comprehensive suite of services, the Prime Lite plan emerges as an affordable alternative for those prioritizing video streaming and e-commerce benefits. It offers customers more choice and flexibility of options, which is great.