Both the ZTE Anthem 4G and the ZTE Grand X View 2 represent ZTE’s efforts in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they differ significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in their processors. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the ZTE Grand X View 2 is the better choice. Its quad-core 1.3 GHz processor, built on a more efficient 28nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Anthem 4G’s dual-core 1.2 GHz chip. While both are entry-level devices, the View 2 offers a smoother experience for multitasking and app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 25 |
| Speed | EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | CDMA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, September. Released 2012, September | 2017, July. Released 2017, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 130.1 x 68.1 x 13.7 mm (5.12 x 2.68 x 0.54 in) | 215 x 125 x 9.4 mm (8.46 x 4.92 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 189.9 g (6.67 oz) | 330 g (11.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB (2.3GB user available), 512MB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | HDMI port
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Photo viewer/editor | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 244 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 4 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1780 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4620 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
ZTE Anthem 4G
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset
- Dual-core processor limits performance
- Likely older and less efficient chipset architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
ZTE Grand X View 2
- Quad-core processor for improved performance
- More efficient 28nm manufacturing process
- Better multitasking and app responsiveness
- May be slightly more expensive
- Snapdragon 210 is still an entry-level processor
- Camera quality likely similar to Anthem 4G
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given their price points, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with resolutions likely around 720p. The absence of information regarding panel technology (IPS vs. TN) or brightness levels suggests neither device will excel in outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a meaningful comparison. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to deliver significant image quality improvements, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical benefit. Image processing will likely be minimal on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Anthem 4G utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon, but lacks specific model details beyond its dual-core 1.2 GHz CPU. The ZTE Grand X View 2, however, features the Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor fabricated on a 28nm process. This represents a significant architectural advantage. The four cores of the Snapdragon 210 allow for better multitasking and smoother performance in applications optimized for multi-threading. The 28nm process node also contributes to improved power efficiency compared to potentially older, larger-node Snapdragon used in the Anthem 4G, meaning less heat and potentially longer battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their similar target markets, battery sizes are likely comparable, potentially in the 2000-2500 mAh range. The Snapdragon 210’s 28nm process in the Grand X View 2 offers a potential advantage in battery life due to its improved power efficiency. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both devices likely support standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Anthem 4G if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the ZTE Grand X View 2 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for moderately demanding apps, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern, quad-core processor and a more efficient manufacturing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Grand X View 2 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant lag?
Yes, the quad-core Snapdragon 210 in the Grand X View 2 is sufficiently capable of running less demanding games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers. While it won’t deliver a high-end gaming experience, it should provide a playable experience without excessive lag or stuttering, unlike the Anthem 4G which may struggle more.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed (1.2 GHz vs 1.3 GHz) really noticeable in everyday use?
While a 0.1 GHz difference might seem small, the architectural difference – dual-core versus quad-core – is far more significant. The Grand X View 2’s four cores allow it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously more efficiently, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience when switching between apps or browsing the web. The Anthem 4G’s dual-core processor will likely show its limitations when multitasking.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
For basic communication, both phones are adequate. However, the ZTE Grand X View 2 offers a slightly better experience even for these tasks due to its more responsive processor. The smoother interface will make navigating menus and using apps like WhatsApp feel more fluid.
