5 stars: Minimal differences from the full version, but it takes up a lot less space. If you've got a fast new device with storage to spare, don't bother with this -- install the full version. But on older devices that can't hold so many apps or run them quickly, this is very handy.
5 stars: ATTENTION: This is a LITE program meaning it won't have full accessibility and benefits as the standard app. The bad reviews is indicative that people are idiots expecting full version in a lite! This is a PERFECT app if you want a LITE version that uses less space and with basic functions. I've had no problems with this app & prefer it over the more invasive full-version.
4 stars: I've used Lite for a long time, but it no longer functions as well. When I receive photos or links in Lite these days, I only see a gray bubble! Also, I had message requests that kept showing up as unread messages but I could never find them. Installed Messenger, and all is well again. Goodbye, Lite. Sad to have to change apps again.
3 stars: All in all, this version is preferable to the full one. The full version of Messenger has a lot of unnecessary features I will never use. (Why have a section for Stories when the Facebook app has one too.) This version doesn't take up too much memory and battery life like the full one, and that's what I want in every app I use. The only feature I miss is Facebook Pay, but I don't use that often so it's not really a problem.
2 stars: Edit I've had to change ...