The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and ZTE consistently offers compelling options. Today, we're pitting two of their popular contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade A3 Prime and the ZTE Blade A5 2020. Let's see which phone offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A5 2020 edges out the A3 Prime thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget devices, the A5 2020 provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 28, 66 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June. Released 2020, June | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.75 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) | 156.7 x 72.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.86 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163 g (5.75 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0/ Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | - | 1080p@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 | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2660 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | Z5157V | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.48 W/kg (head) |
ZTE Blade A3 Prime
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and easy to use
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Lower screen quality compared to some competitors
ZTE Blade A5 2020
- Better performance than A3 Prime
- Improved camera quality
- Slightly larger battery
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Screen quality is adequate but not exceptional
- Unisoc chipset may not be as widely supported with updates
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.08-inch HD+ display (720 x 1560 pixels). While the resolution is similar, the A5 2020 might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potential panel differences. Expect adequate, but not exceptional, visual quality on both.
Camera Comparison
The A3 Prime typically features an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera. The A5 2020 usually boasts a 13MP main camera and an 8MP front camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the A5 2020's higher resolution sensors and potentially better image processing algorithms should result in slightly better photo quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will likely be similar on both.
Performance
This is where the A5 2020 takes a clear lead. The A3 Prime's Mediatek Helio A22 quad-core processor is adequate for basic tasks, but the A5 2020's Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides noticeably better performance. Expect smoother app switching and slightly better responsiveness on the A5 2020. Gaming performance will be better on the A5 2020, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
The A3 Prime generally has a 3000mAh battery, while the A5 2020 typically features a 3100mAh battery. The difference is minimal, and real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is a better fit for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is significantly better for gaming due to its octa-core processor. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. RAM varies, but expect 2GB or 3GB on both models.
