The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A3 Plus and the Xiaomi Redmi 10A aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of those choices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A is the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE Blade A3 Plus’s older 28nm MT6739W. While neither phone excels in any single area, the Redmi 10A offers a more future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 3 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@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 | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | Z3353CA | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple, uncluttered software experience
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated and inefficient chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely shorter battery life
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More powerful and efficient chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Better gaming performance (for casual games)
- 10W charging support
- May be slightly more expensive
- MIUI software can be resource-intensive
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE nor Xiaomi provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The Redmi 10A benefits from a more modern chipset that *could* support slightly better image processing for color accuracy. However, the real difference lies in potential software optimizations; Xiaomi’s MIUI often includes display calibration options absent on ZTE’s simpler interfaces. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Detailed sensor information is scarce, but it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively low-resolution primary sensors. The Redmi 10A *may* benefit from slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities integrated into the Helio G25 chipset, potentially resulting in marginally improved image quality in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect flagship-level performance from either camera. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Redmi 10A is largely marketing fluff; its utility is limited by the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core difference here is the chipset. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G) is a significant upgrade over the ZTE Blade A3 Plus’s MT6739W. The G25 features an octa-core CPU (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) compared to the A3 Plus’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Crucially, the G25 is fabricated on a 12nm process, offering improved power efficiency compared to the A3 Plus’s 28nm chip. This means less heat generation and potentially longer sustained performance. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the G25 will handle less demanding titles with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their similar form factors and target markets, they likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Redmi 10A’s more efficient 12nm chipset will contribute to longer battery life under typical usage. The Redmi 10A also supports 10W wired charging, while the ZTE Blade A3 Plus’s charging speed is unknown but likely similar. Expect a full charge to take several hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 Plus if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and you are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a slightly more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Redmi 10A can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops. The Helio G25 is not a gaming-focused chipset, and the phone's thermal management is likely limited. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding titles.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A3 Plus a good option for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes calls?
Yes, the ZTE Blade A3 Plus is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like WhatsApp and phone calls. Its older chipset is sufficient for these simple functions, and its potentially lower price makes it a viable option for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi 10A support software updates?
Xiaomi typically provides software updates for its Redmi series, but the frequency and duration of support can vary. Expect at least a few Android version updates and security patches, but don't anticipate the same level of long-term support as flagship devices.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Redmi 10A likely ships with Android 11 or 12 with Xiaomi's MIUI skin. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus may ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end hardware. This means a streamlined interface and fewer pre-installed apps.
