ZTE's Blade series consistently targets the ultra-budget smartphone market. The A3 Plus, while older, remains available, presenting a compelling question: does the newer A53 Pro, with its updated chipset, justify the potential price difference? This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the ZTE Blade A53 Pro is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significant performance uplift over the A3 Plus’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739W. While both phones are firmly in the entry-level category, the A53 Pro offers a smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2023, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2023, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 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 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Dark Blue, Green |
| Models | Z3353CA | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be readily available in some markets
- Significantly slower processor
- Less efficient chipset
- Outdated architecture
ZTE Blade A53 Pro
- Faster octa-core processor
- More efficient chipset (22nm)
- Improved multitasking capabilities
- 10W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE provides detailed display specifications beyond size. However, given their market positioning, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power available to drive the display; the A53 Pro’s more capable chipset will likely result in smoother animations and faster app loading times. We can assume both displays target a similar 720p resolution, common in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given their price points, we can expect basic camera setups. The A53 Pro likely benefits from the improved image signal processing (ISP) capabilities integrated within the Unisoc SC9863A1, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. It's unlikely either phone will excel in photography, but the A53 Pro has a marginal advantage.
Performance
The core difference between these devices is the chipset. The ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1, built on a 22nm process, boasts an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This is a substantial upgrade over the A3 Plus’s Mediatek MT6739W, a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a larger 28nm node. The Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient and offers improved performance per clock cycle compared to the older Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A53 Pro. The 22nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the A53 Pro’s more efficient chipset and 22nm fabrication process likely contribute to better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A3 Plus. The A53 Pro also supports 10W wired charging, a standard offering in this segment, while the A3 Plus’s charging capabilities are unknown but likely similar or slower.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the ZTE Blade A53 Pro if you prioritize a more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A53 Pro handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core CPU and improved architecture of the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the A53 Pro will provide a significantly smoother experience when using social media apps compared to the A3 Plus. Expect faster loading times and less lag when scrolling through feeds.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A53 Pro suitable for playing mobile games?
The A53 Pro is suitable for *casual* mobile gaming. While it won't handle graphically demanding titles at high settings, it will be able to run less intensive games without significant issues. The A3 Plus will struggle with even basic games.
❓ How much faster is the ZTE Blade A53 Pro in real-world usage compared to the A3 Plus?
The A53 Pro will feel noticeably faster in everyday tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and switching between applications. The octa-core processor provides a substantial performance boost over the A3 Plus’s quad-core processor, resulting in a more responsive user experience.
