The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Honor X5b Plus and ZTE Blade A73 5G aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Honor relies on MediaTek’s Helio G36, while the ZTE opts for the Unisoc T760. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing overall responsiveness and potentially better long-term software support, the ZTE Blade A73 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Unisoc T760 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a more modern CPU architecture than the Honor X5b Plus’s Helio G36, translating to a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 22 | 2023, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Available. Released 2023, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 163.5 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz, 530 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x Cortex-A76 & 4x Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 14, Magic OS 8 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP (13 MP in Asia), (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Starry Purple, Midnight Black | Gray, Blue |
| Models | GFY-LX2P, GFY-LX2 | - |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.42 W/kg (head) 1.69 W/kg (body) |
Honor X5b Plus
- Established Brand Recognition (Honor)
- Potentially Lower Price (depending on region)
- Simple and Reliable Software Experience
- Less Powerful Chipset (Helio G36)
- Less Efficient Processor (12nm)
- Slower App Loading Times
ZTE Blade A73 5G
- More Modern Chipset (Unisoc T760)
- More Efficient Processor (6nm)
- Better Multitasking Performance
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Less Established Brand (ZTE)
- Software Updates May Be Less Frequent
- Potential for Bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. However, the chipset difference *could* indirectly impact display performance. A smoother processor like the Unisoc T760 in the ZTE Blade A73 5G will ensure a more fluid scrolling experience and faster app loading times, enhancing the perceived quality of the display. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones will feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T760 *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more modern architecture, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The aperture and sensor size will be the determining factors, but the chipset provides a foundation for better image quality. We can expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A73 5G’s Unisoc T760, fabricated on a 6nm process, is a significant advantage over the Honor X5b Plus’s 12nm MediaTek Helio G36. The T760 features a single high-performance Cortex-A76 core alongside three additional A76 cores, and four efficiency cores, offering a more balanced and powerful CPU configuration compared to the Helio G36’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.2GHz and another four at 1.6GHz. This architectural difference means the ZTE will handle multitasking and demanding applications with greater ease. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both have octa-core CPUs, the *type* of core matters significantly.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range (around 5000mAh is a reasonable expectation). However, the Unisoc T760’s 6nm process efficiency gives the ZTE Blade A73 5G an edge in battery life. The more efficient processor consumes less power during everyday tasks, potentially extending usage time. Both are limited to 10W charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time – likely over 3 hours – regardless of which device you choose.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5b Plus if you prioritize a brand with a more established global presence and are comfortable with a slightly less powerful processor for basic tasks. Buy the ZTE Blade A73 5G if you value a more modern chipset architecture, potentially better performance in demanding apps, and a more efficient processor that could lead to improved battery life, even with similar capacity batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A73 5G handle graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T760 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's significantly more capable than the Helio G36. You'll likely be able to play PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, don't expect a consistently smooth experience at the highest settings.
❓ How will the 10W charging affect daily use on either phone?
10W charging is slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours. This means you'll need to charge overnight or during extended periods of inactivity. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Is the Unisoc T760 chipset known for overheating issues?
The Unisoc T760 generally runs cooler than many MediaTek chips, thanks to its 6nm fabrication process. While it can get warm under sustained load, it's unlikely to experience significant overheating issues in typical usage scenarios.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Honor generally has a better track record for software updates compared to ZTE, although both are budget brands. Expect at least one major Android update for both devices, but long-term support is uncertain.
