The ZTE Blade A3 Prime and Nokia C2 Tava represent the very bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing absolute affordability. Both devices rely on the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, but subtle differences in manufacturing process and features like charging could sway your decision. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Nokia C2 Tava edges out the ZTE Blade A3 Prime. The inclusion of 10W wired charging, while still slow, provides a more convenient experience than relying solely on potentially slower, unoptimized charging methods on the A3 Prime.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June. Released 2020, June | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, May 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 146 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.75 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163 g (5.75 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| 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 |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2660 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Tempered Blue |
| Models | Z5157V | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 100 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Prime
- Potentially slightly better thermal efficiency due to 12nm process.
- Likely more compact design due to minimal features.
- May be available at a lower price point.
- Lacks dedicated charging standard (likely slower charging).
- Limited feature set.
- Camera performance likely to be basic.
Nokia C2 Tava
- Includes 10W wired charging for convenience.
- Reliable brand reputation (Nokia).
- Android Go edition likely optimized for low-end hardware.
- 16nm process may result in slightly higher power consumption.
- May be slightly more expensive than the ZTE Blade A3 Prime.
- Camera performance likely to be basic.
Display Comparison
Both the ZTE Blade A3 Prime and Nokia C2 Tava likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and relatively low brightness. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature a basic rear camera setup, likely with a single main sensor and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to provide significant photographic value. Image processing will likely be minimal, resulting in images that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz using Cortex-A53 cores. However, the Nokia C2 Tava’s Helio A22 is manufactured on a 16nm process, while the ZTE Blade A3 Prime uses a more efficient 12nm process. This 4nm difference *should* translate to slightly better thermal efficiency and potentially marginally longer battery life for the A3 Prime, though the real-world impact will be minimal given the low power draw of the chipset. Both phones will handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, but will struggle with demanding applications or multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the power-efficient Helio A22 chipset and basic display technology, both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Nokia C2 Tava’s inclusion of 10W wired charging is a significant advantage. While still slow by modern standards, it provides a standardized and reliable charging method. The ZTE Blade A3 Prime likely relies on slower, less efficient charging, potentially requiring longer charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 Prime if you need a phone primarily for essential communication – calls and texts – and are comfortable with potentially slower charging speeds. Buy the Nokia C2 Tava if you prefer a slightly more refined experience with the convenience of 10W wired charging, making it a better choice for users who regularly use their phone throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While technically possible to launch these games, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset and limited RAM will result in a very poor gaming experience. Expect extremely low frame rates, significant lag, and frequent crashes. These phones are not designed for gaming.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging beyond 10W?
No. The Nokia C2 Tava supports 10W charging, which is the fastest charging speed available. The ZTE Blade A3 Prime likely supports even slower charging speeds, lacking a standardized charging protocol. Expect several hours to fully charge either device.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Nokia C2 Tava likely runs Android Go edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. The ZTE Blade A3 Prime may run a full version of Android, but performance will be similarly constrained.
❓ Is the camera quality good enough for social media posts?
The camera quality will be adequate for basic social media posts in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited detail, poor dynamic range, and significant noise in low-light environments. These phones are not designed for serious photography.
