The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A5 2020 and A51 are no exception. Both offer budget-friendly options, but subtle differences might make one a better fit for your needs. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Ultimately, the ZTE Blade A51 likely edges out the A5 2020 due to potentially improved software support and minor design refinements. However, both share the same core chipset, so performance will be very similar. The best choice depends on price and availability.
| 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, 38 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.7 x 72.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.86 x 0.31 in) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0/ Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP |
| Video | 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 |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) | - |
ZTE Blade A5 2020
- Extremely affordable
- Large battery
- Decent display for the price
- Basic performance
- Limited camera capabilities
- Potentially shorter software support
ZTE Blade A51
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially longer software support
- Marginally improved camera
- Still basic performance
- Limited camera capabilities
- Price slightly higher than A5 2020
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display (720 x 1600 pixels). While the panels are likely similar in resolution, the A51 might have slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to potential software optimizations or minor hardware differences. Expect adequate viewing angles and decent outdoor visibility, but don't expect flagship-level display quality.
Camera Comparison
The A51 likely features a slightly improved camera setup, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor or additional features like AI scene detection. Both phones probably include a basic front-facing camera suitable for video calls and selfies. Image quality in both will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light are expected.
Performance
Sharing the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and CPU configuration, performance will be nearly identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games or multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds from either device.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. Expect a full day of moderate usage from either device. Charging speeds are likely standard, not fast charging, so be prepared for longer charging times.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is ideal for users seeking the absolute lowest price point and basic smartphone functionality. The ZTE Blade A51 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more modern design, potentially longer software updates, and a marginally improved user experience, if the price difference isn't significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both phones have basic cameras suitable for casual photography in good lighting. Don't expect exceptional image quality or low-light performance.
❓ How long will the battery last?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
❓ Which phone will receive software updates for longer?
The ZTE Blade A51 is likely to receive software updates for a slightly longer period, although both phones are unlikely to receive major Android version upgrades.
