Looking for an affordable smartphone or a feature-packed 5G device? The ZTE Blade A5 2020 and Huawei Nova 7 5G represent different ends of the spectrum. This comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Nova 7 5G is the clear winner, offering significantly better performance, a superior camera, and 5G connectivity. While the ZTE Blade A5 2020 is a budget-friendly option, the Nova 7 5G's advanced features and power justify its higher price for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 28, 66 - USA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 | 2020, April 23. Released 2020, April 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.7 x 72.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.86 x 0.31 in) | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~86.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76 & 3x2.40 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.84 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Kirin 985 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G77 (8-core) |
| OS | Android 9.0/ Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, Panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 40W wired, 75% in 30 min
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Red, Green |
| Models | - | JEF-TN00, JEF-AN00, JEF-NX9, JEF-AN20 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 390 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) | - |
ZTE Blade A5 2020
- Affordable
- Decent battery life for its price
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Low-resolution display
- No 5G
Huawei nova 7 5G
- Powerful Kirin 985 5G chipset
- Excellent camera system
- Vibrant OLED display with 120Hz
- Fast charging (40W)
- 5G connectivity
- Higher price
- Potential software limitations due to geopolitical factors
Display Comparison
The Huawei Nova 7 5G boasts a 6.53-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 has a smaller 6.5-inch IPS LCD display, which is adequate but lacks the premium feel and responsiveness of the OLED panel. The Nova 7 5G's higher refresh rate is a noticeable advantage for gaming and general use.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei Nova 7 5G's camera system is significantly more advanced, featuring a 64MP main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. It captures detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 has a basic 13MP main camera that produces acceptable results in good lighting conditions but struggles in low light.
Performance
The Kirin 985 5G chipset in the Huawei Nova 7 5G is a powerhouse compared to the Unisoc SC9863A in the ZTE Blade A5 2020. The Nova 7 5G handles demanding apps and games with ease, while the Blade A5 2020 can feel sluggish at times. The Nova 7 5G's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Huawei Nova 7 5G's 4000mAh battery, combined with its efficient chipset, provides all-day battery life. Its 40W fast charging is a major advantage, allowing for a quick top-up. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 has a smaller battery and slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and affordability. The Huawei Nova 7 5G is perfect for those seeking a fast, feature-rich 5G phone with a great camera and fast charging, willing to invest a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Nova 7 5G worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you value performance, camera quality, and 5G connectivity. The Nova 7 5G offers a significantly better user experience.
❓ Can the ZTE Blade A5 2020 handle everyday tasks?
Yes, it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, but it may struggle with more demanding apps or multitasking.