The Lenovo A7 and K10 Plus represent Lenovo's attempts to capture the ultra-budget smartphone market. While both aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their core components, particularly the chipset. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing performance versus basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Lenovo K10 Plus is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, built on a 14nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the A7’s lower price point. The K10 Plus also benefits from 10W charging, a feature absent in the A7’s specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2019, September 23. Released 2019, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 158.3 x 75.8 x 8.3 mm (6.23 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.5% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), ZUI 11 |
| 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, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm |
| 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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 4050 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Sprite |
| Models | L19111 | PAGW0015IN, L39051 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | - |
| SAR | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A7
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor (though offset by inefficiency).
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the K10 Plus.
- Less efficient chipset leads to higher power consumption during use.
- Charging specifications are unknown and likely slow.
Lenovo K10 Plus
- More powerful Snapdragon 632 processor for smoother performance.
- 10W wired charging for faster top-ups.
- Potentially better camera image processing due to the ISP.
- Slightly higher price compared to the A7.
- Battery life may be comparable to the A7 due to increased power draw.
- Still a budget device with limitations in build quality and features.
Display Comparison
Neither Lenovo provides detailed display specifications. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The A7’s Unisoc chipset suggests a less powerful ISP, potentially impacting display color processing. The K10 Plus, benefiting from the Snapdragon 632’s image signal processor, may offer slightly more accurate color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this market segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 632’s superior ISP in the K10 Plus will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The A7’s Unisoc chipset may struggle with noise reduction and dynamic range. It’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups, and image quality will be heavily reliant on software optimization, which is unlikely to be a priority at this price point. Avoid expecting flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo K10 Plus’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 (14nm) features Kryo 250 Gold and Silver cores clocked at 1.8GHz, offering a significant architectural advantage over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip is less efficient, leading to higher power consumption for similar tasks. The Snapdragon 632’s octa-core configuration, with a mix of performance and efficiency cores, allows for better multitasking and smoother app switching. This translates to a more responsive user experience on the K10 Plus, particularly noticeable when running multiple applications or moderately demanding games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s less efficient 28nm process will likely result in shorter battery life on the A7 compared to the K10 Plus, despite potentially having a similar capacity. The K10 Plus’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups, while the A7’s charging capabilities remain unknown, likely being significantly slower or relying on micro-USB.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you need a truly minimal smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and are operating on an extremely tight budget. It’s a functional device for those prioritizing cost above all else. Buy the Lenovo K10 Plus if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo K10 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 632 in the K10 Plus can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) to maintain a stable frame rate. The Unisoc SC9863A in the A7 will struggle with these titles, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The K10 Plus’s Snapdragon 632 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and switching between apps. The A7’s Unisoc chip may exhibit lag and stuttering during these tasks.
❓ Does the Lenovo A7 support fast charging, and if so, what wattage?
The Lenovo A7’s charging specifications are not publicly available. However, given its budget nature and the lack of mention of fast charging, it’s highly likely to support only standard 5W charging via micro-USB, resulting in significantly longer charging times compared to the K10 Plus’s 10W charging.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, the Lenovo A7 is sufficient. Its lower price point makes it a viable option if calls and texts are your primary use case. However, the K10 Plus offers a more pleasant overall experience even for these basic tasks, and the slightly higher cost is worth it for the improved usability.
