The Acer Liquid S272E4 and Z530 represent different points in Acer’s budget smartphone strategy. The Z530, with its older chipset, likely targets the ultra-budget conscious, while the S272E4, featuring a newer Mediatek processor, aims for a balance of affordability and usability. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Acer Liquid S272E4 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek MT6765X chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Z530’s MT6735, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both are budget devices, the S272E4 offers a more future-proof platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March 25 | 2015, September. Released 2015, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 171 x 78.6 x 8.9 mm (6.73 x 3.09 x 0.35 in) | 144 x 70.3 x 8.9 mm (5.67 x 2.77 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~68.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765X (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6735 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 5.1 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2420 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue | Black, White |
| Models | ZL.H01SI.002 | - |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Acer Acerone Liquid S272E4
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Potentially better camera image processing
- More future-proof platform
- Likely higher price point than the Z530
- May not offer substantial improvements in display quality
Acer Liquid Z530
- Lower price point, ideal for budget-conscious users
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Acceptable battery life for light usage
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Less power-efficient chipset leads to shorter battery life
- Limited camera capabilities
- Outdated chipset may not receive future software updates
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given their market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The S272E4’s more powerful chipset *could* support a higher resolution or refresh rate, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this price range, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The S272E4’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), integrated within the MT6765X, likely offers improved image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The Z530’s older ISP will likely struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a more capable chipset in the S272E4 suggests a higher likelihood of supporting features like HDR photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Acerone Liquid S272E4’s Mediatek MT6765X (12nm) boasts an octa-core CPU configuration – four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Liquid Z530’s Mediatek MT6735 (28nm) which features a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The 12nm fabrication process of the MT6765X is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the MT6735, leading to lower power consumption and reduced heat generation. The octa-core configuration also provides a substantial performance boost in multi-threaded tasks. Users will notice a marked difference in app loading times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness on the S272E4.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the MT6765X’s 12nm process gives the S272E4 a significant advantage in power efficiency. This means the S272E4 is likely to achieve comparable or better battery life than the Z530, even with a similar battery capacity. While charging wattage is unknown, the S272E4’s more modern chipset *may* support faster charging protocols, though this is speculative.
Buying Guide
Buy the Acer Acerone Liquid S272E4 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, and anticipate running multiple apps or playing moderately demanding games. Its newer chipset will handle daily tasks with greater ease. Buy the Acer Liquid Z530 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing – and you are operating on an extremely limited budget where every dollar counts. The Z530 will suffice for the most fundamental smartphone functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Acer Liquid Z530 struggle with modern apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Z530’s quad-core MT6735 processor and limited RAM will likely result in slow loading times and occasional lag when using resource-intensive apps like Facebook or WhatsApp, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. It's suitable for basic usage, but not ideal for heavy app users.
❓ Is the Acer Liquid S272E4 a good choice for light gaming?
The S272E4’s octa-core MT6765X chipset is capable of handling light gaming, such as casual puzzle games or older titles. However, it’s not a gaming powerhouse and will likely struggle with graphically demanding games at higher settings. Expect moderate frame rates and potential for some lag.
❓ How much of a difference will the 12nm vs 28nm process make in real-world battery life?
The difference is substantial. The 12nm process is significantly more efficient, meaning the S272E4’s chipset consumes less power for the same tasks. This translates to potentially 20-30% longer battery life compared to the Z530, even with similar battery capacities. You'll notice this difference in everyday use.
