The ZTE Blade A35 and Grand X View 2 represent different approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Grand X View 2, utilizing the older Snapdragon 210, aims for basic functionality at the lowest possible price. The Blade A35, with its Unisoc SC9863A1, attempts to offer a more modern experience, albeit still within a tight budget. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the ZTE Blade A35 is the better choice. While neither phone excels, the A35’s newer Unisoc chipset, built on a smaller 22nm process, provides a more responsive experience and a foundation for future software updates compared to the aging Snapdragon 210 in the Grand X View 2.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 25 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 09 | 2017, July. Released 2017, July |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.4 x 8.5 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 215 x 125 x 9.4 mm (8.46 x 4.92 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | - | 330 g (11.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 108.3 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-7 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210 (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 304 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (interpolated to 5 MP) | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4620 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Clover Green | Black |
| Models | Z2453 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 160 EUR |
ZTE Blade A35
- More modern processor architecture (Unisoc SC9863A1)
- Potentially better power efficiency (22nm process)
- Likely better software support
- Still an entry-level processor
- Limited RAM and storage (specifications unknown)
ZTE Grand X View 2
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward operation
- Acceptable for basic communication
- Outdated processor (Snapdragon 210)
- Poor performance with multitasking
- Limited software support and future compatibility
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE provides display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. However, given the target market, both likely utilize LCD panels. The age difference suggests the Blade A35 *may* benefit from slightly improved color reproduction, but this is speculative. The Grand X View 2’s older panel technology likely has narrower viewing angles and lower peak brightness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. Given their price points, both likely feature basic camera sensors. It’s safe to assume image quality will be limited in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely marketing fluff; its utility is minimal. The A35 *may* benefit from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to its newer chipset, but substantial differences are unlikely.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A35’s Unisoc SC9863A1 is an octa-core processor built on a 22nm process, featuring a mix of Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz. This contrasts sharply with the ZTE Grand X View 2’s Qualcomm MSM8909 Snapdragon 210, a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor fabricated on a less efficient 28nm node. The A55 cores in the A35 offer a significant architectural improvement over the A7 cores in the 210, resulting in better performance per clock cycle. The 28nm process of the Snapdragon 210 will also lead to higher power consumption for similar tasks. While the A35 isn’t a powerhouse, its architecture provides a more fluid experience for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Unisoc SC9863A1’s 22nm process offers better power efficiency than the Snapdragon 210’s 28nm process. This means the Blade A35 will likely achieve longer battery life on a single charge, even with a similar battery capacity. Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating relatively slow charging speeds. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A35 if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, potential for future software support, and a more modern processor architecture. You'll benefit from better multitasking and app loading times. Buy the ZTE Grand X View 2 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you only need a phone for basic calling, texting, and very light app usage. Be prepared for noticeable slowdowns and limited future compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A35 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
The Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Blade A35 should be capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag, but expect slower loading times compared to phones with more powerful processors. Heavy multitasking with these apps open alongside others may cause slowdowns.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 210 in the ZTE Grand X View 2 sufficient for basic web browsing?
The Snapdragon 210 can handle basic web browsing, but the experience will be noticeably slower than on more modern devices. Expect longer page loading times and potential difficulties with complex websites or websites with heavy multimedia content.
❓ Can I expect any software updates for the ZTE Grand X View 2?
Given the age of the Snapdragon 210 and the Grand X View 2’s position in the market, significant software updates are unlikely. It may receive security patches, but a major Android version upgrade is improbable.
❓ What type of storage does the ZTE Blade A35 use, and is it expandable?
Storage type and expandability are not specified. However, given the price point, it likely uses eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is probable, but not guaranteed.
