The Lenovo A7 and Nokia 5.3 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The A7 leverages the efficiency of Unisoc’s SC9863A, while the Nokia 5.3 opts for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia 5.3 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo A7’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the A7 may offer slightly better battery life due to the less powerful chipset, the Nokia 5.3’s overall performance justifies 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 / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 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 |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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 802.11 b/g/n/ac, 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 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Cyan, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | L19111 | TA-1234, TA-1223, TA-1227, TA-1229 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance compared to Snapdragon 665
- Older 28nm process technology
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Nokia 5.3
- Faster and more responsive performance with Snapdragon 665
- More efficient 11nm process technology
- 10W wired charging support
- Slightly shorter battery life compared to Lenovo A7 (potentially)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Limited camera capabilities (likely)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature 720p+ resolution panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset impact on UI smoothness. The Snapdragon 665’s superior GPU will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience and faster app loading times, indirectly enhancing the perceived display quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both devices feature entry-level camera setups. The Snapdragon 665’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than Unisoc’s, potentially leading to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Nokia 5.3 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s software optimizations for camera performance, offering slightly better image quality and dynamic range. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the Snapdragon 665 is a key advantage.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (11nm) is a clear upgrade over the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 11nm process node allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 665’s Kryo 260 Gold cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, offer a significant speed advantage over the A7’s Cortex-A55 cores, peaking at 1.6 GHz. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The A7’s CPU architecture, while octa-core, utilizes less powerful cores, limiting its ability to handle demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Lenovo A7’s less powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset will likely result in slightly better battery life under light usage scenarios. However, the Nokia 5.3’s 10W charging capability is a notable feature, allowing for a more convenient charging experience. While neither device offers fast charging, the 10W support on the Nokia 5.3 is preferable to potentially slower or non-standard charging solutions on the A7. The Snapdragon 665’s power efficiency improvements also mitigate the battery life difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you prioritize absolute minimal cost and extended battery life for very basic tasks like calls and light messaging. Its Unisoc chipset is designed for efficiency, even if it lacks processing power. Buy the Nokia 5.3 if you value a more responsive user experience, smoother app switching, and the ability to handle moderately demanding tasks like social media and casual gaming. The Snapdragon 665 offers a significant performance boost for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 665 in the Nokia 5.3 handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is well-equipped to handle social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. Its GPU and CPU are capable of rendering feeds, playing videos, and running the apps efficiently, providing a smoother user experience compared to the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc chipset.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia 5.3 slow compared to other smartphones?
While 10W charging isn't considered fast charging by today's standards, it's a reasonable charging speed for a budget smartphone. It will take approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge the Nokia 5.3 from 0%, which is acceptable for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day. The Lenovo A7 may have slower or non-standard charging, making the Nokia 5.3 more convenient.
❓ Can the Lenovo A7 handle basic mobile gaming?
The Lenovo A7 can handle very basic mobile games, but don't expect a smooth experience with graphically demanding titles. The Unisoc SC9863A’s limited processing power and GPU will struggle with higher frame rates and complex graphics, leading to lag and stuttering. The Nokia 5.3, with its Snapdragon 665, offers a significantly better gaming experience.
