The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A52 and A51 are no exception. Both offer a compelling entry point into the smartphone world, but subtle differences might make one a better choice for you. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A52 edges out the A51 thanks to its inclusion of 10W wired charging, a small but significant upgrade. Both phones share the same core processor and offer similar performance, making the charging speed the deciding factor for most users seeking a budget-friendly option.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 10 | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 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 | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~78.8% 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 11 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 90 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A52
- Faster 10W wired charging
- Slightly improved image processing (potential)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Unisoc chipset limits performance
- HD+ display resolution
- Plastic build quality
ZTE Blade A51
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Slower charging speed
- Unisoc chipset limits performance
- HD+ display resolution
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both the ZTE Blade A52 and A51 likely feature a similar 6.5-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level visual fidelity. The A52 *might* have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance, but this is often unconfirmed.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear (typically a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor), the A52 *may* have slightly improved image processing algorithms. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average. The front-facing camera is likely a 5MP or 8MP sensor on both devices.
Performance
Powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and octa-core CPU, performance between the two phones will be very similar. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking might reveal limitations. Both phones will likely come with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A51 likely has a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. The A52 also likely has a 5000mAh battery, but the key difference is the charging speed. The A52 supports 10W wired charging, while the A51 lacks this feature, resulting in significantly longer charging times.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A52 is ideal for users who prioritize slightly faster charging and are looking for a basic, reliable smartphone. The ZTE Blade A51 remains a solid choice for those on an extremely tight budget and don't require faster charging speeds, offering excellent value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A52 worth the extra cost over the A51?
If faster charging is important to you, then yes. Otherwise, the A51 offers excellent value for money with similar performance.
❓ What kind of performance can I expect from these phones?
Both phones are suitable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calling. Don't expect high-end gaming performance.
