Released around the same era, the Prestigio MultiPhone 4505 Duo and ZTE Grand X Quad V987 represent a pivotal moment in the shift towards affordable multi-core smartphones. Both aimed to deliver a more responsive experience than single-core devices, but they took different approaches. The Prestigio focused on a refined dual-core experience, while the ZTE opted for a quad-core solution. This comparison dissects the implications of these choices for the average user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the ZTE Grand X Quad V987 is the better choice. While the Prestigio 4505 Duo benefits from a more efficient 40nm process, the ZTE’s quad-core Cortex-A7 architecture on a 28nm node provides a noticeable performance advantage in multitasking and demanding applications, justifying the trade-off in potential battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013. Released 2013 | 2013, June. Released 2013, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 130 x 66 x 10.5 mm (5.12 x 2.60 x 0.41 in) | 141 x 70 x 8.9 mm (5.55 x 2.76 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Dual SIM (Dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~65.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6577T (40 nm) | Mediatek MT6589 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX531u | PowerVR SGX544 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 20 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 203 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | - |
| Type | Li-Po 1800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | White |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Prestigio MultiPhone 4505 Duo
- Potentially better battery life due to 40nm process.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Likely more affordable at launch.
- Slower performance in multitasking and demanding apps.
- Less responsive overall user interface.
- Limited future-proofing.
ZTE Grand X Quad V987
- Faster performance thanks to the quad-core processor.
- Smoother multitasking and app loading times.
- More responsive user interface.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
- May experience more thermal throttling under heavy load.
- Likely more expensive at launch.
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given their market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilized LCD panels with resolutions around 480x800. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of brightness, color accuracy, or viewing angles. Bezels were likely substantial on both devices, typical for the era. The absence of features like LTPO or high refresh rates is expected.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both devices likely featured basic rear cameras, potentially around 5-8 megapixels. Image quality would have been heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. The presence of a front-facing camera for video calls was standard. It’s safe to assume neither device offered advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS) or high-resolution sensors. Any 2MP macro cameras included would have offered minimal benefit due to the low sensor resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Grand X Quad V987’s Mediatek MT6589, featuring a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, offers a significant theoretical advantage over the Prestigio’s dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 based MT6577T. While the Cortex-A9 is architecturally more advanced *per core*, the sheer number of cores on the MT6589 provides superior multitasking capabilities. Crucially, the MT6589 is fabricated on a 28nm process, compared to the 40nm process of the MT6577T. This smaller node size translates to lower power consumption *per core*, but the increased core count of the ZTE chip will likely offset this advantage. Users will experience faster app launches and smoother transitions on the ZTE, especially when running multiple applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is unspecified for both devices. However, the Prestigio MultiPhone 4505 Duo, with its more efficient 40nm chipset, likely offered slightly better battery life under light usage. The ZTE Grand X Quad V987’s quad-core processor and 28nm process, while more efficient per core, will draw more power overall. Charging times would have been slow by modern standards, likely taking several hours to fully charge via micro-USB. The difference in battery life would be most noticeable during sustained use, such as gaming or video playback.
Buying Guide
Buy the Prestigio MultiPhone 4505 Duo if you prioritize maximum battery life and a simpler, less demanding user experience. It’s ideal for users primarily focused on calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the ZTE Grand X Quad V987 if you value smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience, even if it means slightly shorter battery endurance. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy social media, basic gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Grand X Quad V987 struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the ZTE Grand X Quad V987, while superior to the Prestigio, is still a very old device. Modern apps are significantly more demanding. Expect slow performance, crashes, and incompatibility with many newer applications. It's best suited for basic tasks and older apps.
❓ Is the difference between dual-core and quad-core noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. While both phones could handle basic tasks like calls and texts, the ZTE’s quad-core processor would provide a much smoother experience when switching between apps, browsing the web with multiple tabs open, or playing simple games. The Prestigio would likely exhibit noticeable lag in these scenarios.
❓ Which phone is better for playing older Android games?
The ZTE Grand X Quad V987 is the better choice for playing older Android games. The quad-core processor and potentially better GPU performance will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience compared to the Prestigio’s dual-core setup.
❓ Does the 28nm process of the MT6589 significantly impact battery life?
While the 28nm process is more efficient *per core*, the MT6589 has four cores compared to the MT6577T’s two. This means the ZTE will likely consume more power overall, potentially resulting in shorter battery life, especially during intensive tasks. The benefit of the 28nm process is partially offset by the increased core count.