ZTE Axon 30S vs ZTE Blade A72: A Clash of Titans (and Budget Phones)

ZTE offers a range of smartphones catering to different budgets and needs. The Axon 30S represents a more premium offering, while the Blade A72 targets the budget-conscious consumer. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone comes out on top.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The ZTE Axon 30S is the clear winner, boasting a significantly more powerful processor, better camera capabilities, and faster charging. The Blade A72 offers a more affordable entry point, but sacrifices performance and features. If budget allows, the Axon 30S is the superior choice.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Axon 30S	ZTE Blade A72

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2022, September 26	2022, June 10
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 26	Available. Released 2022, June 10

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame	-
Dimensions	170.2 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm (6.70 x 3.06 x 0.31 in)	168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	214 g (7.55 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass	-
Resolution	1080 x 2460 pixels (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size	6.92 inches, 107.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz	IPS LCD, 90Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)	Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 1Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 2
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)	Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) - version 1Unisoc T606 (12 nm) - version 2
GPU	Adreno 650	IMG8322 - version 1Mali-G57 MP1 - version 2
OS	Android 12, MyOS 12	Android 11

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, HDR
Quad	64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	-	5 MP
Triple	-	13 MP, AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS, HDR, 10‑bit video	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), under display	5 MP
Video	1080p@30fps	720p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	Yes
NFC	Yes	No
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS
Radio	No	Unspecified
USB	USB Type-C 3.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	Yes

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity

Battery
Charging	55W wired, PD, QC4	22.5W wired
Type	Li-Ion 4200 mAh	Li-Ion 6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Blue	Space Gray, Sky Blue
Models	A2322	-
Price	About 250 EUR	About 110 EUR

ZTE Axon 30S

Powerful Snapdragon 870 processor
Fast 55W charging
Likely better display quality (AMOLED, 120Hz)
Superior camera performance
Premium build quality (likely)

Higher price point
Potentially larger size and weight

ZTE Blade A72

Affordable price
Decent battery life
Lightweight and compact (likely)

Underpowered chipset
Slow 22.5W charging
Lower quality display (LCD)
Basic camera performance
Less premium build quality

Display Comparison

The Axon 30S likely features a higher resolution AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The Blade A72 probably has an LCD display with a standard refresh rate, resulting in less vibrant colors and potentially more noticeable motion blur. Expect the Axon 30S to have better outdoor visibility too.

Camera Comparison

The Axon 30S is expected to have a more advanced camera system with better image processing, resulting in sharper, more detailed photos and videos. It likely supports features like optical image stabilization (OIS) and 4K video recording. The Blade A72's camera will be adequate for basic photography but won't match the Axon 30S's capabilities.

Performance

The Snapdragon 870 in the Axon 30S is a powerhouse, easily handling demanding games and multitasking. The Unisoc chipsets in the Blade A72, even the version 2, are significantly less powerful, resulting in noticeable lag and slower app loading times. The Axon 30S will provide a much smoother and responsive user experience.

Battery Life

While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 4000-5000mAh), the Axon 30S's 55W fast charging will allow it to charge much faster than the Blade A72's 22.5W charging. Battery life will be comparable under moderate usage, but the Axon 30S offers quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the ZTE Axon 30S? Users seeking a smooth, fast experience for gaming, photography, and everyday tasks. Those who value a premium feel and fast charging. Who should buy the ZTE Blade A72? Budget-minded users who prioritize affordability over high-end performance. Ideal for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use.