Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The ZTE Blade A3 Plus and ZTE Cymbal 2 are both contenders in the budget market, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus edges out the Cymbal 2 thanks to its slightly faster chipset and potentially better display. However, the Cymbal 2 might offer better software support and a more refined user experience depending on carrier customizations. Both are entry-level devices with limitations.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2020, January. Released 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 109 x 56 x 19.5 mm (4.29 x 2.20 x 0.77 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~39.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| | - | Cover display:
TFT LCD, 1.77 inches |
| 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) | Linux 3.18.71 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | Z3353CA | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Potentially faster chipset
- Larger display
- Larger battery capacity (likely)
- More RAM (potentially)
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Build quality might be basic
- Camera performance is limited
ZTE Cymbal 2
- Potentially better software support (carrier-dependent)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Compact size (potentially)
- Slower chipset
- Smaller display
- Smaller battery capacity (likely)
- Limited storage
Display Comparison
The Blade A3 Plus typically features a larger 6.2-inch display compared to the Cymbal 2's likely 5.5-6.0 inch screen. Both will likely use IPS LCD panels with standard resolutions (720p). Expect similar viewing experiences, but the Blade A3 Plus's larger size might be preferable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both phones likely feature a single rear camera (8-13MP) and a front-facing camera (5-8MP). Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Cymbal 2 might have slightly better image processing due to Qualcomm's ISP.
Performance
The Blade A3 Plus boasts a Mediatek MT6739W clocked at 1.5 GHz, while the Cymbal 2 uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 at 1.3 GHz. While both are Cortex-A53 based, the slightly faster clock speed and potentially more efficient architecture of the MT6739W give the Blade A3 Plus a performance advantage in everyday tasks. Expect both to struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Blade A3 Plus generally has a larger battery capacity (4000-5000mAh) compared to the Cymbal 2 (3000-4000mAh). This translates to potentially longer battery life on the Blade A3 Plus, especially with its larger screen. Both should comfortably last a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power and a potentially larger screen. The ZTE Cymbal 2 is a good choice for those seeking a reliable, basic smartphone with potentially longer software updates and a focus on essential features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. Both have entry-level chipsets that will struggle with demanding titles. Simple games might be playable, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically offer limited internal storage (16GB - 32GB), expandable via microSD card. It's recommended to use a microSD card to store photos, videos, and apps.
