Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A3 Prime and A3 Plus are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A3 Prime generally edges out the A3 Plus thanks to its more modern chipset and faster processor. While both are budget devices, the Prime offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and smoother multitasking, making it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June. Released 2020, June | 2022, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.75 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163 g (5.75 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 3 MP |
| 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 | No |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2660 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | Z5157V | Z3353CA |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 70 EUR |
ZTE Blade A3 Prime
- More powerful chipset
- Faster processor
- Potentially better image processing
- Slightly more modern design (likely)
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- Still a budget device with limitations
- May lack advanced features
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- More affordable
- Decent battery life (potentially)
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Slower performance
- Older chipset
- Limited camera capabilities
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 5.5-6 inches with a resolution of 720p (HD+). The A3 Prime *might* have slightly better color accuracy due to its newer chipset, but the difference will be minimal. Expect adequate viewing angles and brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones probably featuring a single rear camera around 8-13MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A3 Prime's newer chipset *could* offer slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
This is where the A3 Prime shines. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the A3 Plus's MT6739W (28nm). The A3 Prime's 2.0 GHz CPU offers a noticeable speed advantage over the A3 Plus's 1.5 GHz CPU, resulting in smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The A3 Plus likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 3000mAh) compared to the A3 Prime (around 2700mAh). However, the A3 Prime's more efficient chipset could result in comparable or even slightly better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is ideal for users prioritizing basic performance and a slightly more modern experience on a tight budget. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus might appeal to those seeking an even more budget-friendly option, understanding that performance will be more limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the two chipsets?
The ZTE Blade A3 Prime uses the Mediatek Helio A22, a newer and more efficient chipset compared to the MT6739W in the A3 Plus. This translates to better performance and potentially longer battery life.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is the better choice for gaming, although neither phone is designed for demanding games. The A3 Prime's more powerful chipset will provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
