Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A3 Plus and the ZTE Blade A3 (2019) are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? We'll break down the key differences to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus edges out the A3 (2019) thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially larger display. However, both are entry-level devices with limitations. Consider your priorities – if a bit more performance matters, the Plus is the better choice.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38 |
| 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 | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 137.4 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 144 g (5.08 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 5 MP |
| 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, GLONASS |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | Z3353CA | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Larger Display
- Slightly Faster Processor
- Potentially Larger Battery
- More Immersive Viewing
- Still an Entry-Level Device
- Limited Gaming Performance
- Camera Quality Limited in Low Light
ZTE Blade A3 (2019)
- More Affordable
- Compact Size
- Decent Battery Life for Basic Use
- Slower Processor
- Smaller Display
- Limited Performance
- Camera Quality Limited in Low Light
Display Comparison
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus typically features a larger display (likely 6.2 inches) compared to the A3 (2019) (likely around 5.5-5.7 inches). Both likely use IPS LCD panels with HD+ resolution. The Plus's larger screen offers a more immersive viewing experience, but both will struggle with sharpness compared to higher-resolution displays.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar on these budget devices. Both likely feature a rear dual-camera setup (13MP + 2MP depth sensor) and a front-facing camera (likely 8MP). Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Plus might have slightly better image processing due to the chipset.
Performance
The Mediatek MT6739W in the Blade A3 Plus has a slightly faster clock speed (1.5 GHz vs 1.4 GHz) and generally offers a bit more processing power than the Unisoc SC9832E in the A3 (2019). Both chipsets are entry-level and will handle basic tasks adequately, but expect some lag with demanding apps or multitasking. Gaming performance will be limited on both.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus generally has a larger battery capacity (likely 3500-4000 mAh) compared to the A3 (2019) (likely around 3000 mAh). This translates to longer battery life on the Plus, potentially lasting a full day with moderate usage. Both support standard charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is ideal for users who need a slightly more responsive experience for basic tasks and occasional gaming. The ZTE Blade A3 (2019) is a good option for those prioritizing affordability above all else and primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the two phones?
The Blade A3 Plus generally has a larger display, a slightly faster processor, and a larger battery compared to the A3 (2019). The A3 (2019) is typically more affordable.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. However, the ZTE Blade A3 Plus's slightly faster processor might offer a marginally better experience, but don't expect high performance.
