ZTE Blade A52 Lite vs Xiaomi Redmi 9A: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The ZTE Blade A52 Lite and Xiaomi Redmi 9A 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 to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Redmi 9A edges out the ZTE Blade A52 Lite thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and generally better overall value. While both are budget options, the Redmi 9A provides a more polished experience for the price.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Blade A52 Lite Xiaomi Redmi 9A
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India
Launch
Announced2022, August 202020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, AugustDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight188 g (6.63 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-coreOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR
Single13 MP, AF13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBYesmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, GreenCarbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green)
Models-M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L
Price-€ 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56
SAR-0.90 W/kg (head)     0.65 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.40 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)

ZTE Blade A52 Lite

  • Simple and easy to use
  • Large display
  • Decent battery life

  • Underpowered processor
  • Slow charging
  • Basic camera

Xiaomi Redmi 9A

  • Better performance than ZTE
  • Faster charging
  • Slightly better camera
  • Good value for money

  • Still an entry-level phone
  • Limited gaming capabilities
  • Basic display

Display Comparison

Both phones feature large 6.53-inch displays, likely with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high brightness. The Redmi 9A might have a slightly better panel due to Xiaomi's generally more refined display technology, but the difference will be minimal.

Camera Comparison

The Redmi 9A typically features a 13MP main camera, often accompanied by a depth sensor. The ZTE Blade A52 Lite likely has a similar setup. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Redmi 9A's image processing might be slightly better.

Performance

The Redmi 9A's Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A52 Lite's generic octa-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the Redmi 9A. Gaming performance will be limited on both, but the Redmi 9A will handle basic games better.

Battery Life

Both phones boast large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 9A's 10W wired charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the ZTE Blade A52 Lite, which likely lacks fast charging capabilities.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Blade A52 Lite is a good choice for users prioritizing a simple, straightforward phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is ideal for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, slightly better camera capabilities, and faster charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. Expect a full day of use on either device.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
Both are suitable for basic games. The Redmi 9A handles slightly more demanding titles better due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone is easier to use for seniors?
The ZTE Blade A52 Lite's simplicity might appeal to some seniors, but both phones offer user-friendly interfaces.