The ZTE Blade A3 (2019) represented a baseline for affordable smartphones several years ago. Now, the Realme C33 (2023) enters the arena with a newer chipset and updated features. This comparison dissects whether the C33’s advancements justify its likely higher price point, or if the A3 still holds value for the ultra-budget conscious.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C33 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration, delivers significantly improved performance over the ZTE Blade A3’s quad-core Unisoc SC9832E. While both phones target the entry-level market, the C33 offers a more responsive and future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 137.4 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | - | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 110 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 (2019)
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Potentially longer standby time due to less demanding hardware
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset and architecture
- Likely poor camera quality
Realme C33 2023
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset
- 10W charging for quicker top-ups
- Higher price than the ZTE Blade A3
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- 10W charging is still relatively slow
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Given the market segment, both likely utilize LCD panels. However, specifics are missing. The Realme C33 benefits from being a newer device, potentially offering slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles due to advancements in LCD technology over the intervening years. Bezels are likely substantial on both, but the C33 may have marginally slimmer ones due to design trends.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Realme C33, being newer, likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The A3’s camera will likely produce noticeably softer images, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the C33 is largely a marketing gimmick and won’t significantly improve image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612, fabricated on a 12nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the ZTE Blade A3’s 28nm Unisoc SC9832E. The T612’s octa-core CPU (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the A3’s quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU. The Cortex-A75 cores in the C33 are notably more powerful than the cores found in the SC9832E, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life under load. The A3 will struggle with demanding applications, while the C33 offers a more usable experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Realme C33’s 10W wired charging is a key differentiator. While not fast charging by modern standards, it’s a step up from what the A3 likely offers (potentially 5W or even slower). The T612’s 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, meaning the C33 could achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A3. The C33’s charging speed will allow for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 (2019) if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Realme C33 (2023) if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a more modern user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, is significantly more capable of handling the demands of social media apps compared to the ZTE Blade A3’s older processor. You should experience smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and fewer instances of lag.
❓ Is the Realme C33 a good option for playing mobile games?
While the Realme C33 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it’s a much better option for mobile gaming than the ZTE Blade A3. The T612 chipset can handle less demanding games at medium settings. However, graphically intensive titles may require lower settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The A3 will struggle with most modern mobile games.
❓ How much faster is the Realme C33 compared to the ZTE Blade A3 in real-world usage?
The Realme C33 will feel noticeably faster in almost all tasks. App launch times will be quicker, multitasking will be smoother, and web browsing will be more responsive. The difference is primarily due to the T612’s octa-core CPU and more efficient 12nm manufacturing process compared to the A3’s quad-core processor and 28nm process.
❓ Does the Realme C33 support software updates, and for how long?
Realme generally provides at least one major Android update and several security patches for its devices. While the exact update schedule for the C33 isn't guaranteed, it will likely receive updates for at least a year or two after its release, offering a longer software support lifespan than the ZTE Blade A3, which is likely no longer receiving updates.
