The ZTE Avid 579 and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the lower end of the smartphone market, often serving as first phones or reliable backups. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers a better user experience. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A10e is the better choice. Its Exynos 7884 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Avid 579’s quad-core Helio A20, despite the A10e’s less efficient 14nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 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, 41, 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 | 2020, June 24. Released 2020, June 24 | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71 x 9.6 mm (5.79 x 2.80 x 0.38 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 | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 5.45, 76.7 cm2 (~73.4% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | - | 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 | microUSB | 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 2660 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 20 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Avid 579
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 12nm process.
- Likely the more affordable option.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Significantly weaker processor performance.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Faster and more responsive processor.
- Better multitasking performance.
- More capable of handling modern apps.
- Less power-efficient chipset.
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load.
- Slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The A10e’s display resolution is likely higher, contributing to a sharper image, but neither manufacturer provides detailed specifications on brightness or color accuracy. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The A10e likely has a higher resolution primary sensor, offering more detail in good lighting conditions. Image processing will be basic on both, with limited low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff; its utility is minimal due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884 is an octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A53 cores at 1.35 GHz. This configuration allows for better multitasking and handling of more demanding applications compared to the ZTE Avid 579’s MediaTek Helio A20, which utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A53 setup clocked at 1.8 GHz. While the A20’s higher clock speed *appears* advantageous, the A73 cores in the A10e offer significantly greater individual performance. The A10e’s chipset, built on a 14nm process, is less efficient than the A20’s 12nm process, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption, but the performance gains outweigh this concern for most users. The A10e will handle app switching and basic games with more fluidity.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities aren’t provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The A10e’s more powerful processor will consume more power, but its optimized software and potentially more efficient display management could offset this. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB connectivity and limited wattage adapters. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Avid 579 if you need a supremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional gaming. The A10e’s more powerful processor justifies a slight price premium for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 7884 isn't a high-end gaming chip, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. The device's plastic construction aids in heat dissipation. Expect some performance throttling after extended periods, but it shouldn't lead to complete shutdowns.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
No, the 2MP macro cameras on both the ZTE Avid 579 and Samsung Galaxy A10e are largely marketing features. The low resolution results in blurry and lacking detail. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A10e handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Galaxy A10e can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and the frame rate to 30fps for a smooth experience. Don't expect to max out the settings.
❓ Does the ZTE Avid 579 support software updates?
Software update support for the ZTE Avid 579 is likely limited. As a budget device, it may only receive essential security patches, if any. Don't expect major Android version updates.
