The ZTE Blade 20 and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Blade 20, with its Mediatek Helio P60, aims for a balance of efficiency and power, while the A10e leverages Samsung’s Exynos 7884 for a more integrated software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the ZTE Blade 20 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P60 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the 14nm Exynos 7884 in the A10e, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - AT&T |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 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 / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 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, October. Released 2019, October | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 76.6 x 9 mm (6.41 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.49 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.83 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0
or
2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Turquoise, Magic red | Black |
| Models | V1050 | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade 20
- Faster processor (Helio P60)
- More efficient chipset (12nm process)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Less brand recognition
- Software updates may be less frequent
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially better software optimization
- Familiar user interface
- Wider availability in some regions
- Slower processor (Exynos 7884)
- Less efficient chipset (14nm process)
- Slower charging speeds
- Potentially more lag during multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on processing power as the primary differentiator. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit. The focus here is on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly, rather than visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, given the price bracket, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The A10e may benefit from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, but the Helio P60’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is capable and should deliver comparable results. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade 20’s Mediatek Helio P60 (MT6771) utilizes a 12nm fabrication process, offering improved power efficiency compared to the Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884, which is built on a 14nm process. The Helio P60’s CPU configuration – 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 – provides a more balanced approach than the A10e’s 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 and 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app launches and smoother multitasking on the Blade 20, particularly noticeable when switching between several applications. The A73 cores are present in both, but the higher clock speed and more balanced core count of the Helio P60 give it an advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The ZTE Blade 20’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the A10e, which likely supports slower charging speeds. This means the Blade 20 can be topped up much faster, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. The more efficient Helio P60 chipset may also contribute to slightly better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade 20 if you need a phone that can handle moderate multitasking and occasional gaming without significant slowdowns. Its 18W charging is also a plus for quicker top-ups. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially more refined software experience, accepting a slight performance trade-off. The A10e is a solid choice for basic communication and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e tend to overheat during prolonged use, like gaming?
The Exynos 7884, being built on a 14nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Blade 20’s Helio P60 (12nm). While it won’t reach critical temperatures, expect performance to dip slightly during extended gaming sessions or demanding tasks. The Blade 20 will likely maintain more consistent performance under load.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the ZTE Blade 20 a significant improvement over the A10e's charging speed?
Yes, it is. The A10e likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging. 18W charging on the Blade 20 will dramatically reduce charging times, potentially taking it from 0-100% in under 2 hours, compared to potentially 3-4 hours on the A10e. This is a substantial convenience factor.
❓ Will I notice a difference in app loading times between these two phones?
Absolutely. The Helio P60 in the Blade 20 has a performance advantage due to its CPU configuration and more efficient manufacturing process. Expect apps to launch noticeably faster on the Blade 20, and multitasking to feel smoother.
