The BLU Studio X10+ and ZTE Blade A51 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. While both aim to provide essential functionality at a low price, they take different approaches to achieving this. The X10+ relies on a simpler, older processor, while the Blade A51 opts for a newer, octa-core chipset. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which phone offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the ZTE Blade A51 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring eight Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU Studio X10+'s quad-core Cortex-A7, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While neither phone excels in any single area, the A51 offers a more modern and responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09 | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 09 | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146 x 72.3 x 9 mm (5.75 x 2.85 x 0.35 in) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 167 g (5.89 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2550 mAh | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
BLU Studio X10+
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor.
- Simpler user experience for those unfamiliar with smartphones.
- Likely lower price point.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the ZTE Blade A51.
- Outdated processor architecture.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
ZTE Blade A51
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the octa-core processor.
- More modern processor architecture (Cortex-A55).
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the BLU Studio X10+.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support.
Display Comparison
Neither BLU nor ZTE provide display specifications beyond the screen size. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. However, the absence of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible. We can infer that both displays will be adequate for basic viewing, but don't expect vibrant colors or high brightness. The lack of information regarding resolution or refresh rate suggests both are targeting the lowest common denominator for cost savings.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details, it's difficult to make a meaningful comparison. It's safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BLU Studio X10+ uses a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, an older architecture known for its efficiency but limited performance. The ZTE Blade A51, however, features the Unisoc SC9863A with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A55 is a significantly more modern and efficient architecture than the A7, offering improved performance per clock cycle. The octa-core configuration further enhances multitasking capabilities. While the SC9863A is a 28nm chip, its architectural improvements outweigh the process node disadvantage compared to the older Cortex-A7. Users will experience faster app launches and smoother scrolling on the Blade A51.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the lower processing demands of the BLU Studio X10+, it may achieve slightly longer battery life on a single charge, despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The ZTE Blade A51's more powerful processor will consume more power, but the efficiency gains of the Cortex-A55 architecture may mitigate this difference. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting both phones will likely have slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10+ if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and you prioritize simplicity above all else. Buy the ZTE Blade A51 if you want a more responsive device capable of handling multiple apps, occasional gaming, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A51 be able to handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without lagging?
Yes, the ZTE Blade A51's octa-core processor and Cortex-A55 architecture are significantly more capable of handling social media apps smoothly compared to the BLU Studio X10+. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, you should expect a responsive and usable experience with these apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for receiving regular software updates?
Historically, Unisoc chipsets have had a less consistent track record for software updates compared to Qualcomm or MediaTek. While ZTE may provide some updates, users shouldn't expect the same level of long-term support as with more established chipsets. This is a potential drawback for users who prioritize security patches and new features.
❓ Can the BLU Studio X10+ handle basic games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
The BLU Studio X10+ can likely run very simple games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds, but performance will be limited. Expect longer loading times and potential frame rate drops, especially in more demanding scenes. It's not a suitable device for gaming beyond very casual titles.
