The ZTE Avid 559 and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the lower end of the smartphone market, often serving as first phones or reliable backups. While both aim for affordability, they take drastically different approaches to internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A10e is the superior choice. Its Exynos 7884 chipset, built on a 14nm process, delivers significantly better CPU performance than the ZTE Avid 559’s Snapdragon 210. While both phones are limited in overall capability, the A10e offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - AT&T |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 - AT&T |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Metro PCS, T-Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, March. Released 2019, March | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71.9 x 9.4 mm (5.79 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 5.00, 68.9 cm2 (~65.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.83 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 304 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0
or
2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM Radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Avid 559
- Potentially lower price point
- Snapdragon 210 is power efficient
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker CPU performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Outdated chipset architecture
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Much faster octa-core processor
- More responsive user interface
- Better multitasking performance
- Potentially higher price
- Exynos 7884 may generate more heat under load
- Battery life could be slightly lower with heavy use
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics like brightness nits and color accuracy are unavailable, but given their market segment, expectations should be tempered. The A10e likely benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color reproduction. However, both will likely feature TN panels with limited viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are missing, but it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors. The A10e *may* have a slight edge due to Samsung’s image processing algorithms, but don’t expect flagship-level results. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device are likely to offer minimal practical benefit, serving primarily as marketing features. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is key, and the A10e’s more powerful processor will likely aid in faster image processing.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884, with its octa-core configuration (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53), is a substantial upgrade over the ZTE Avid 559’s quad-core 1.1 GHz Snapdragon 210 (Cortex-A7). The 14nm fabrication process of the Exynos chip also contributes to better efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Snapdragon 210’s 28nm process. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A10e. The A10e is far more likely to handle modern app requirements.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, the Snapdragon 210’s lower power consumption *could* offset the A10e’s more demanding processor. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns. The A10e’s faster processor might drain the battery quicker during intensive tasks, but the 14nm process could offer better efficiency during lighter use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Avid 559 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are primarily using the phone for basic communication – calls and texts – with minimal app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you want a more capable device for light multitasking, social media browsing, and occasional gaming, even if it means spending a bit more. The A10e’s octa-core processor provides a noticeable advantage for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e overheat during prolonged use, like gaming?
While the Exynos 7884 is a significant step up in performance, it's still an entry-level chip. It *may* experience some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, leading to reduced performance. However, the 14nm process is more efficient than the Snapdragon 210’s 28nm, so overheating is less likely to be a severe issue compared to more powerful chips.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Snapdragon 210 and Exynos 7884 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Exynos 7884’s octa-core architecture and higher clock speeds result in significantly faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience when browsing the web or using social media apps. The Avid 559 will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns during these tasks.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A10e run popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Galaxy A10e can *run* these games, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Snapdragon 210 in the Avid 559 will struggle significantly with these titles, likely resulting in unplayable frame rates.
