The Lenovo A7 and A8 2020 represent Lenovo's entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver affordability, they differ significantly in their core components, impacting performance and efficiency. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing either longevity or raw processing power.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Lenovo A8 2020 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the A7’s octa-core configuration. While the A8 2020 doesn’t boast exceptional battery life, the performance gains justify the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 163.8 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | - | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 107.9 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | L19111 | L10041 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially lower price point
- Unisoc chipset may offer slightly better efficiency in *very* light usage
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely struggles with multitasking
- Outdated 28nm process technology
Lenovo A8 2020
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient 12nm process
- 10W charging for convenience
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Potentially higher price
- Still a budget device with limited features
Display Comparison
Neither Lenovo provides detailed display specifications. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The A8 2020’s performance advantage suggests a potentially more responsive touch experience, though this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either model.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. However, given the market segment, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. The absence of information suggests neither phone prioritizes camera quality. Any differences in image quality will likely stem from software processing rather than superior hardware. Expect limited low-light performance and average dynamic range on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo A8 2020’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management, allowing for sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the A8 2020’s CPU utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, compared to the A7’s Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. This difference in architecture and clock speed results in a demonstrably faster and more responsive user experience on the A8 2020. The A7's chipset is likely to struggle with multitasking and more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the A8 2020’s 10W wired charging suggests a focus on convenience rather than rapid charging. The more efficient Helio P22 chipset may partially offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, offering comparable real-world battery life to the A7. Users should expect a full charge to take several hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you prioritize absolute minimal cost and are primarily using the device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Its Unisoc chipset, while less powerful, is designed for efficiency. Buy the Lenovo A8 2020 if you prefer a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, or running more demanding applications. The Helio P22 offers a significant performance boost, making it suitable for users who need more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the A8 2020 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P22 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it offers a playable experience, unlike the A7 which would likely struggle significantly.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not known for extreme overheating, but its 28nm process is less efficient than the A8 2020’s 12nm process. Prolonged use of demanding apps may result in noticeable throttling on the A7.
❓ What type of storage and RAM do these phones use?
Specific storage and RAM types are not specified. However, given the price point, expect eMMC storage and likely LPDDR3 RAM in both devices. This impacts app loading times and overall system responsiveness.
❓ Does the Lenovo A8 2020 support fast charging beyond 10W?
No, the Lenovo A8 2020 is limited to 10W wired charging. While not fast by modern standards, it's sufficient for overnight charging and provides a basic level of convenience.
