ZTE's Blade series consistently targets the ultra-budget segment, offering functional smartphones at incredibly competitive prices. The Blade A3 Plus and A52 Lite represent two distinct approaches within this space. The A3 Plus, utilizing a Mediatek MT6739W, prioritizes established, if older, architecture. The A52 Lite, with its octa-core CPU, aims for a performance uplift. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which device delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the ZTE Blade A52 Lite is the better choice. Its octa-core CPU provides a noticeable advantage over the A3 Plus's quad-core processor, despite the older manufacturing process of the A52 Lite's chipset being unknown. However, users on a very tight budget who primarily need basic functionality may find the A3 Plus sufficient.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2022, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2022, August |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Green |
| Models | Z3353CA | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Potentially better thermal management due to 28nm process
- Likely lower price point
- Simple and functional for basic tasks
- Quad-core processor limits multitasking
- Slower app loading times
- Older chipset architecture
ZTE Blade A52 Lite
- Octa-core CPU offers improved performance
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Potentially more responsive user interface
- Unknown chipset details hinder performance analysis
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are absent from the provided data. However, given the price point of both devices, it's reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The A52 Lite, being a slightly newer model, *may* benefit from improved color calibration or slightly narrower bezels, but this is speculative. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates prevents assessment of potential eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The provided data doesn't detail sensor sizes or lens apertures. It's highly probable that both phones include a primary camera alongside depth or macro sensors of limited utility. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over detail. The A52 Lite *might* benefit from slightly improved software algorithms, but a significant difference in image quality is unlikely.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU configuration. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus features a Mediatek MT6739W with a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor built on a 28nm process. The A52 Lite boasts an octa-core CPU, though the specific architecture and clock speed are unknown. While more cores don't automatically equate to faster performance, the A52 Lite should exhibit superior multitasking capabilities and quicker app launch times. The 28nm process of the MT6739W suggests it may run cooler under sustained load, but the A52 Lite's potentially more efficient core design could offset this. Without knowing the A52 Lite's chipset, a definitive thermal analysis is impossible.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the A3 Plus's older, less efficient chipset suggests it may require more frequent charging. The A52 Lite's octa-core CPU could consume more power under heavy load, but its potentially more advanced power management features could mitigate this. Charging wattage is also unknown, making it impossible to assess 0-100% charging times. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 Plus if you need a reliably basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and your budget is extremely limited. It's a functional device for those who don't demand multitasking or demanding applications. Buy the ZTE Blade A52 Lite if you prefer a smoother experience with more responsive app loading and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, even if it means potentially sacrificing some battery efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A52 Lite struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok or Instagram?
While the octa-core CPU should handle these apps, performance may not be as smooth as on higher-end devices. Expect some loading times and occasional stuttering, especially when multitasking. The A3 Plus will likely exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A3 Plus suitable for playing mobile games?
The A3 Plus is not ideal for gaming. The quad-core processor and limited GPU power will struggle with most modern games, even at low settings. Expect low frame rates and significant lag. The A52 Lite will offer a slightly better gaming experience, but it's still not a gaming phone.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically offer, and is it expandable?
While not specified, both devices likely come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Crucially, both models *typically* include a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing users to add up to 256GB or 512GB of additional space. Confirm this before purchase, as configurations can vary by region.
