The ZTE Blade A36 and Nokia C20 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches. The ZTE prioritizes processing power with a newer Unisoc chipset, while the Nokia focuses on a streamlined Android experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the ZTE Blade A36 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T7200 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Nokia C20 Plus’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The ZTE also boasts significantly longer battery endurance, making it ideal for users who prioritize all-day usability.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 29, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 18 | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June | Available. Released 2021, June 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 165.4 x 75.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 204.7 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7200 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Silver | Ocean Blue, Graphite black |
| Models | Z2472 | TA-1388, TA-1380 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 54:13h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class D (80 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
ZTE Blade A36
- Superior processing power thanks to the Unisoc T7200 chipset.
- Significantly longer battery life (54:13h endurance).
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Likely basic display quality.
Nokia C20 Plus
- Simple and streamlined Android experience.
- Potentially smoother operation with very basic tasks.
- Nokia’s brand reputation for software support.
- Significantly weaker performance due to the older Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Less efficient 28nm fabrication process.
- Shorter battery life.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels, though specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided. However, the focus here is on the underlying performance, not visual fidelity. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies is expected at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the processing capabilities of the Unisoc T7200 in the ZTE Blade A36 may offer slightly better image processing, potentially resulting in marginally improved photo quality. Expect both to perform adequately in good lighting conditions but struggle in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A36’s Unisoc T7200 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Nokia C20 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The T7200’s octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores alongside six A55 cores, provides a substantial performance boost over the C20 Plus’s four A55 cores and four slower A55 cores. The 12nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the ZTE. The Nokia C20 Plus, while functional, will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A36 shines in battery endurance, offering a remarkable 54:13h of usage. While both phones share 10W wired charging, the more efficient Unisoc T7200 chipset in the ZTE allows it to extract significantly more runtime from its battery. The 800 charge cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health. The Nokia C20 Plus, with its less efficient chipset, will likely require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A36 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like social media, light gaming, and multitasking without significant lag. It’s the better option for users who value performance and battery life. Buy the Nokia C20 Plus if you prioritize a very simple, uncluttered Android experience and are willing to sacrifice processing power for potentially smoother operation with basic tasks, or if you specifically prefer the Nokia brand’s software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A36 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the ZTE Blade A36 isn't a powerhouse, the Unisoc T7200 chipset is capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for basic social media usage, it should be adequate.
❓ Is the Nokia C20 Plus a good choice for someone who is not tech-savvy?
The Nokia C20 Plus, with its streamlined Android experience, is a good option for users who prefer simplicity. It’s less likely to overwhelm with features and settings, making it easier to navigate for those less familiar with smartphones. However, be aware that performance will be limited.
❓ How long will the ZTE Blade A36's battery last with moderate use (calls, texts, some browsing)?
With moderate use, the ZTE Blade A36’s 54:13h endurance translates to easily lasting a full day, and potentially two days, on a single charge. This makes it a great choice for users who don’t want to worry about constantly topping up their battery.
