Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A52 and A72 are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A72 is the clear winner. While both share a similar chipset in the initial version, the A72's later version with the Unisoc T606, faster charging, and potentially improved software make it a more compelling choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly device.
| 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 | 2022, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 214 g (7.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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) - version 1Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 2 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) - version 1Unisoc T606 (12 nm) - version 2 |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 - version 1Mali-G57 MP1 - version 2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue | Space Gray, Sky Blue |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
ZTE Blade A52
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality
- Limited performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
ZTE Blade A72
- Faster charging (version 2)
- Improved performance (version 2)
- Potentially better camera
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive
- Performance still limited compared to higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. The A72 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness, but this is often difficult to discern without specific testing data. Expect adequate viewing angles and sharpness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with a primary sensor around 13MP and potentially a depth sensor. The A72 might have slightly improved image processing due to its potentially more powerful chipset, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. Both will likely offer decent image quality for casual photography.
Performance
This is where the A72 shines, especially the version 2. The A52 uses a Unisoc SC9863A with Cortex-A55 cores across the board. The A72 (version 2) boasts a Unisoc T606 with a combination of Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores, offering a significant performance boost for multitasking and demanding apps. Version 1 of the A72 is comparable to the A52.
Battery Life
The A72 has a clear advantage with 22.5W fast charging compared to the A52's 10W charging. Both likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), meaning the A72 will charge significantly faster.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the ZTE Blade A52? Those on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and are comfortable with limited performance. Who should buy the ZTE Blade A72? Anyone seeking a slightly more powerful and feature-rich experience, including faster charging and potentially better performance, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A52 worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're on a very tight budget and need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing. Otherwise, the A72 offers better value.
❓ What is the difference between the two versions of the ZTE Blade A72?
Version 2 features a Unisoc T606 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores, offering significantly improved performance compared to the A52 and version 1 of the A72, which uses the same chipset as the A52.
