The ZTE Blade A3 Prime and TCL A30 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they differ significantly under the hood. The core distinction lies in their chipsets: the Mediatek Helio A22 in the ZTE versus the Helio P22 in the TCL. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the TCL A30 emerges as the better choice. While both phones are firmly in the entry-level category, the Helio P22’s octa-core configuration provides a noticeable performance boost over the Helio A22’s quad-core setup, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. This advantage justifies the potentially slight price premium.
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June. Released 2020, June | 2021, October 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.75 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) | 145.8 x 71.1 x 9.9 mm (5.74 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163 g (5.75 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Asahi Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8 MP, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 5 MP, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2660 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | Z5157V | 5102, 5102L |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 90 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Prime
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance than the TCL A30
- Struggles with multitasking
- Limited gaming capabilities
TCL A30
- Noticeably faster performance due to the octa-core CPU
- Smoother multitasking and app switching
- Better suited for light gaming
- May be slightly more expensive than the ZTE Blade A3 Prime
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- Likely similar display quality to the ZTE
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE nor TCL provide detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on cost reduction. Expect similar viewing experiences in typical indoor lighting conditions, but neither will excel in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their respective form factors.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P22 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities than the A22’s ISP. Expect similar results in well-lit conditions, but the TCL A30 may exhibit better low-light performance due to the more capable chipset. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality; these sensors are often included for marketing purposes rather than practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones is the chipset. The TCL A30’s Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. This contrasts with the ZTE Blade A3 Prime’s Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761), which employs a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The P22’s octa-core design allows for more efficient multitasking and better handling of background processes. While both chips are built on a 12nm process, the additional cores in the P22 translate to a more responsive user interface and improved performance in applications. The P22 will handle light gaming better, while the A22 will struggle with more demanding titles. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely feature 2GB or 3GB, further emphasizing the importance of the CPU advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their budget nature, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown. The Helio P22’s more efficient octa-core architecture *could* translate to slightly better battery life under moderate usage, but this will depend heavily on software optimization and user habits. Without specific charging wattage information, it’s impossible to determine 0-100% charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A3 Prime if you need a truly minimal smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and are operating on an extremely tight budget. It’s a functional device for those prioritizing cost above all else. Buy the TCL A30 if you prefer a more fluid experience with slightly more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and a generally more responsive interface. The extra cores offer a tangible improvement in usability for a small increase in price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL A30 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the TCL A30’s Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, is sufficiently powerful to run social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for everyday social media browsing.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
While both phones *can* technically run PUBG Mobile, the experience will be significantly better on the TCL A30. The Helio P22 will allow for lower graphics settings and potentially lower frame rates, but it will be playable. The ZTE Blade A3 Prime’s Helio A22 will struggle to provide a smooth gaming experience, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
These phones typically come with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Fortunately, both the ZTE Blade A3 Prime and TCL A30 usually include a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity to accommodate more apps, photos, and videos. Check the specific model you are purchasing to confirm microSD card support.
