The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A3 Joy and the BLU G52L aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily in their processor choices. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which device offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G52L is the better choice. Its octa-core CPU provides a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A3 Joy’s quad-core processor, leading to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones are entry-level, the G52L offers a more future-proofed platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 41, 66, 71 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June. Released 2020, June | 2023, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 142.2 x 63.2 x 7.9 mm (5.60 x 2.49 x 0.31 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP
0.3 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2650 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Grey, Blue, Burgundy, Mint Blue |
| Models | Z5156CC | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 90 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Joy
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer software support due to simpler hardware
- Underpowered processor for modern apps
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely to struggle with demanding games
BLU G52L
- Octa-core processor offers better performance
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for multitasking and casual gaming
- May have slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Price is slightly higher than the ZTE Blade A3 Joy
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE nor BLU provide detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of information makes a direct comparison difficult, but it’s safe to assume both displays are adequate for basic viewing, though not exceptional in terms of color accuracy or brightness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, budget phones in this price range typically feature basic camera setups. It’s reasonable to expect a primary camera on both, potentially accompanied by a depth sensor or a low-resolution macro lens on the BLU G52L. Image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but both phones will struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain on both models. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; image processing and sensor size are more critical, and data is lacking for both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The ZTE Blade A3 Joy features the Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20, a quad-core processor based on the Cortex-A53 architecture. The BLU G52L, however, boasts an octa-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz, utilizing the more modern Cortex-A55 architecture. The Cortex-A55 offers improved performance and efficiency compared to the A53. While clock speed isn’t everything, the doubling of cores and architectural improvements give the BLU G52L a clear advantage in multitasking and handling demanding applications. The A20 is geared towards extremely basic tasks, while the G52L can handle more without significant lag.
Battery Life
Again, specific battery capacities are not provided. However, given the processors and display technologies, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The more efficient Cortex-A55 architecture in the BLU G52L may translate to slightly better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the ZTE Blade A3 Joy. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with standard 5W or 10W charging being the most probable scenario. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 Joy if you prioritize simplicity and are primarily looking for a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light web browsing. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a very simple backup device. Buy the BLU G52L if you want a more capable device for everyday tasks like social media, streaming video, and casual gaming. The octa-core processor provides a significantly better experience for users who demand more from their smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G52L be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the BLU G52L’s octa-core processor and Cortex-A55 architecture are significantly better equipped to handle the demands of social media apps like TikTok and Instagram compared to the ZTE Blade A3 Joy. You should experience smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and fewer instances of lag.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A3 Joy a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The ZTE Blade A3 Joy is a perfectly adequate device for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. If your smartphone needs are minimal, the A3 Joy offers a very affordable solution.
❓ Can I expect to play demanding mobile games on either of these phones?
While both phones can technically *run* some mobile games, the experience will be limited. The ZTE Blade A3 Joy will struggle with most modern titles, even on low settings. The BLU G52L will offer a slightly better experience, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. These phones are not designed for serious gaming.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
Both phones likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Software update support is typically limited on budget phones like these. While you may receive security patches, major Android version updates are unlikely.
