ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G vs Nokia 8.3 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Two 5G Contenders

The ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G and Nokia 8.3 5G represent a sweet spot in the market – affordable access to 5G connectivity. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, but subtle differences in charging implementation and brand philosophies create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those nuances to determine which phone delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balance of features and affordability, the Nokia 8.3 5G edges out the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G. While both share the same chipset, Nokia’s established software support and potentially more refined camera processing give it a slight advantage. However, the ZTE offers a compelling alternative for those seeking maximum value.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G Nokia 8.3 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 2.4/1.2 Gbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA 800 -
Launch
Announced2020, November 30. Released 2021, January 042020, March 19. Released 2020, September 15
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions159.2 x 73.4 x 7.9 mm (6.27 x 2.89 x 0.31 in)171.9 x 78.6 x 9 mm (6.77 x 3.09 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight168 g (5.93 oz)220 g (7.76 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)
Size6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLEDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, MiFavor 10Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Android One
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 64GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRZeiss optics, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.43", 1.4µm, AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRZeiss optics, HDR
Single20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm24 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC418W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBluePolar Night
Models-TA-1243, TA-1251
PriceAbout 350 EURAbout 470 EUR
SAR-0.96 W/kg (head)     1.41 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.96 W/kg (head)     1.41 W/kg (body)

ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G

  • Highly competitive price point
  • Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset offers solid performance
  • QC4 fast charging support

  • Potentially less refined software experience
  • Uncertainty regarding long-term software support

Nokia 8.3 5G

  • Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
  • Nokia’s reputation for durability
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Slightly higher price compared to ZTE
  • 18W charging is relatively slow

Display Comparison

Both the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G and Nokia 8.3 5G lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price points, we can infer both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates (60Hz is probable for both) or peak brightness suggests neither prioritizes a premium visual experience. The Nokia 8.3 5G, historically, has focused on larger displays, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience, but this is speculative without concrete data.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Nokia 8.3 5G likely prioritizes image processing and software features more than the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G. While both may feature a multi-camera setup, the Nokia’s brand reputation leans towards more consistent and natural-looking photos. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone excels in low-light photography without significant software intervention. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered supplementary features, offering limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) chipset, featuring an identical CPU configuration: Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver). This means CPU performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. Real-world performance will likely hinge on RAM management and thermal throttling, areas where Nokia’s software optimization *could* provide a slight edge. The 7nm process node ensures reasonable efficiency, but sustained heavy workloads will still generate heat.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support. While the wattage is identical, the actual 0-100% charging time can vary based on battery capacity and charging circuitry efficiency. Without knowing the battery capacity of each device, it’s impossible to definitively say which charges faster. However, 18W is relatively slow by modern standards, meaning both phones will require over an hour to fully charge. The Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process contributes to reasonable power efficiency, but heavy 5G usage will still impact battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G if you need a highly affordable 5G phone and are comfortable with a potentially less polished software experience. It’s ideal for users who prioritize raw connectivity and aren’t heavily invested in a specific ecosystem. Buy the Nokia 8.3 5G if you prefer a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed software updates, and value a brand known for durability and long-term support, even if it means paying a slight premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. Thermal throttling could also become a factor during extended gaming sessions, potentially impacting performance over time. Both phones share the same chipset, so the gaming experience will be similar.
❓ How reliable is the software update support for the ZTE Blade 20 Pro 5G?
ZTE’s software update track record is less consistent than Nokia’s. While the Blade 20 Pro 5G likely launched with a recent version of Android, the frequency and duration of security and feature updates are uncertain. Users prioritizing long-term software support should strongly consider the Nokia 8.3 5G.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones compatible with all 5G networks?
Both phones support 5G, but compatibility can vary depending on your carrier and region. The Snapdragon 765G supports a wide range of 5G bands, but it’s crucial to verify compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing. Check your carrier’s website for a list of supported devices.