Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The ZTE Blade A3 Plus and the Alcatel 1B (2020) are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus edges out the Alcatel 1B (2020) thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better camera performance. However, both are entry-level devices with limitations. Consider your priorities – speed or potentially longer battery life – when deciding.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2020, January. Released 2020, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 146.1 x 71.6 x 9.9 mm (5.75 x 2.82 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Prime Black, Pine Green |
| Models | Z3353CA | 5002A, 5002D, 5002F, 5002I, 5002M, 5002X, 5002S, 5002R, 5002D_EEA, 5002H_EEA, 5002H, 5002B, 5002C, 5002W, 5002H_TR |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Slightly faster processor
- Potentially better camera
- Larger screen size (likely)
- More readily available software updates (potentially)
- Limited storage
- Basic display quality
- Plastic build
- Camera struggles in low light
alcatel 1B (2020)
- Longer battery life (potentially)
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Android Go Edition (optimized for low-end hardware)
- Slower processor
- Lower camera quality
- Basic display
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, but basic, displays. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus likely has a slightly higher resolution, but both will offer adequate viewing for everyday use. Expect lower brightness and color accuracy compared to higher-end devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often limited on budget phones. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus likely has a slightly better camera sensor, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be a challenge for both.
Performance
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus holds a slight advantage here. Its 1.5 GHz CPU is marginally faster than the Alcatel 1B's 1.3 GHz CPU. While both are Cortex-A53 cores, the ZTE's slightly higher clock speed should translate to a snappier experience, especially when multitasking. Don't expect high-end performance from either.
Battery Life
The Alcatel 1B (2020) is expected to have a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life than the ZTE Blade A3 Plus. However, battery life also depends on software optimization and usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more processing power for basic multitasking and occasional gaming. The Alcatel 1B (2020) is a good choice for those primarily focused on essential communication, long battery life, and a very budget-friendly price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is slightly better for basic gaming due to its marginally faster processor, but neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
ZTE generally provides slightly better software support, but both phones will receive limited updates.
