Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The ZTE Blade A5 2020 and Huawei Y6s (2019) are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Y6s (2019) edges out the ZTE Blade A5 2020 thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Y6s provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more modern design.
| 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 - JAT-L29, JAT-LX1, JAT-LX1 NFC |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - JAT-L29 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 28, 66 - USA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41 - JAT-LX3 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 | 2020, January 30. Released 2020, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.7 x 72.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.86 x 0.31 in) | 156.3 x 73.5 x 8 mm (6.15 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0/ Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (JAT-LX1 NFC only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh | Li-Po 3020 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Orchid Blue, Starry Black |
| Models | - | JAT-LX3, JAT-L29, JAT-LX1, JAT-L41 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) | - |
ZTE Blade A5 2020
- Very affordable
- Decent display
- Sufficient storage (typically 32GB)
- Underpowered chipset
- Inconsistent camera performance
- Plastic build quality
Huawei Y6s (2019)
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly better battery life
- Improved color accuracy on display
- Modern design
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera struggles in low light
- Can be difficult to find in some regions due to Huawei restrictions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.21-inch HD+ display (720 x 1520 pixels). While the resolution is similar, the Huawei Y6s often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Huawei's display tuning. Viewing angles are acceptable on both, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei Y6s typically boasts a 13MP main camera with an f/2.2 aperture and a depth sensor, offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 usually has a similar 13MP main camera, but image processing can be inconsistent. Both phones struggle in low light. Front cameras are typically 8MP on both.
Performance
Here's where the Huawei Y6s pulls ahead. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) is significantly more efficient than the ZTE's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Y6s's Cortex-A53 cores generally outperform the A55 cores in the Blade A5 2020, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. Expect some lag on both devices with demanding games.
Battery Life
The Huawei Y6s (2019) generally has a slightly larger battery capacity (3,020 mAh) compared to the ZTE Blade A5 2020 (3,000 mAh). Coupled with its more efficient chipset, the Y6s typically offers slightly better battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is a good choice for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The Huawei Y6s (2019) is better suited for those needing a slightly more responsive device for social media, browsing, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Huawei Y6s (2019) is the better choice for light gaming due to its more powerful chipset. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones typically support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity.
❓ Are these phones 4G or 5G?
Both the ZTE Blade A5 2020 and Huawei Y6s (2019) are 4G phones. They do not support 5G connectivity.