The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE Blade A53 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with varying chipset choices and feature sets. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 (or Exynos 850 variant) provides a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The slightly faster 15W charging is a bonus, making it the more practical all-rounder.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Green | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | - | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A53 Pro
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic communication
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly underpowered processor
- Slow charging speed (10W)
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Noticeably faster processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Potentially better camera performance
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited for demanding games
- Software updates may be infrequent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified resolution or refresh rates suggests both are 720p+ displays. However, the Galaxy A14’s larger screen size (typically 6.6 inches vs the A53 Pro’s 6.52 inches) offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience. The absence of high peak brightness specifications on both suggests neither will excel in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Both will likely feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. However, the A14’s potential for a higher resolution main sensor (often 50MP in this class) compared to the A53 Pro’s likely 13MP sensor gives it an edge in detail capture. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely marketing filler and offer limited practical value. Image processing will likely favor Samsung’s more refined algorithms, resulting in more pleasing images in various lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14, depending on the region, features either the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) or the Exynos 850 (8nm). Both represent a substantial upgrade over the ZTE Blade A53 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Exynos 850, built on a smaller 8nm process, offers even better efficiency and sustained performance. The A53 Pro’s Cortex-A55 cores, while efficient, lack the processing power for demanding tasks. This translates to noticeable lag and stuttering when multitasking or running heavier applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature adequate battery capacities for all-day use with moderate usage. The A53 Pro’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the A14’s 15W charging. While neither offers rapid charging, the A14’s faster charging speed will reduce downtime, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day. The more efficient chipsets in the A14 variants also contribute to better battery life under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A53 Pro if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize absolute minimum cost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you want a more capable device for everyday use, including moderate gaming, streaming, and photography, and are willing to spend a little more for a smoother experience and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in some Galaxy A14 models overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is generally well-regarded for its thermal efficiency. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to experience significant throttling like more powerful, less efficient chips. The 8nm process node contributes to better heat dissipation compared to the 22nm Unisoc SC9863A1 in the ZTE Blade A53 Pro.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, no. 2MP macro cameras are typically included for marketing purposes but offer limited practical value. The low resolution results in blurry and lacking detail in close-up shots. You're better off using the main camera and cropping if you need a close-up image.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A14, particularly the Helio G80 variant, can run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, expect some occasional frame drops during intense action. The Exynos 850 variant will offer a slightly smoother experience. The ZTE Blade A53 Pro will struggle to maintain a stable 30fps even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the ZTE Blade A53 Pro compared to the Samsung Galaxy A14?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices than ZTE. The Galaxy A14 is likely to receive at least one major Android update and several years of security patches, while the Blade A53 Pro may receive limited or no updates beyond its initial software version.
