ZTE Blade A5 2020 vs Samsung Galaxy A10: A Budget Showdown

The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the ZTE Blade A5 2020 and the Samsung Galaxy A10. But which one delivers the best experience for your hard-earned cash? Let's dive in.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A10 edges out the ZTE Blade A5 2020 thanks to its superior chipset, slightly better performance, and the Samsung brand reputation. While both are budget options, the A10 offers a more polished and reliable experience overall, justifying its slightly higher price.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Blade A5 2020	Samsung Galaxy A10

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 - International
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - International	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - International
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	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	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - LATAM

Launch
Announced	2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16	2019, February 28. Released 2019, March 19
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)	155.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm (6.13 x 2.98 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	155 g (5.47 oz)	168 g (5.93 oz)

Display
Resolution	720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)	720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density)
Size	6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)	6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.6% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)	Exynos 7884 (14 nm)
GPU	IMG8322	Mali-G71 MP2
OS	Android 9.0/ Android 10 (Go edition)	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM	32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 4GB 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, panorama, HDR
Single	8 MP, f/2.4	13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.4	5 MP, f/2.0
Video	1080p@30fps	-

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Unspecified	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Accelerometer, proximity

Battery
Type	Li-Ion 3200 mAh	Li-Ion 3400 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Black, Blue, Green	Blue, Black, Red, Gold
Models	-	SM-A105F, SM-A105G, SM-A105M, SM-A105FN
Price	About 120 EUR	About 160 EUR
SAR	-	0.19 W/kg (head) 1.20 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.48 W/kg (head)	0.32 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body)

Pricing
32GB 2GB RAM	-	$ 122.17

ZTE Blade A5 2020

Extremely affordable
Decent battery life
Sufficient storage (expandable)

Slow performance
Mediocre display
Basic camera quality
Less polished software

Samsung Galaxy A10

Better performance
Improved camera
Samsung brand reliability
Slightly better display

Slightly more expensive
Limited RAM (2GB)
Plastic build

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.2-inch HD+ display (720 x 1520 pixels). While the resolution is similar, the Samsung Galaxy A10's display often exhibits slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to Samsung's display technology. The ZTE Blade A5 2020's display is adequate but can appear a bit washed out in certain lighting conditions.

Camera Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A10 typically features a 13MP main camera, while the ZTE Blade A5 2020 has a 13MP main camera as well. However, Samsung's image processing algorithms generally produce better results, with more vibrant colors and better dynamic range. The A10 also often includes a depth sensor for improved portrait mode shots. Front cameras are both 5MP.

Performance

Here's where the Samsung Galaxy A10 truly shines. Its Exynos 7884 chipset (14nm) is significantly more powerful than the ZTE Blade A5 2020's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The A10's Cortex-A73 cores provide a noticeable boost in responsiveness and multitasking capabilities. The Blade A5 2020 can feel sluggish, especially when running multiple apps or demanding games.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 4000mAh battery. Battery life is generally comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. However, the Samsung Galaxy A10's more efficient chipset can sometimes provide slightly longer battery life under heavy load.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is a good choice for users prioritizing an extremely low price point and basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy A10 is ideal for those seeking a more reliable and slightly faster phone with a better camera and the benefits of the Samsung ecosystem.