The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A53 and the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, relying on distinct chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A53’s Unisoc SC9863A, particularly in multitasking and light gaming. While both offer basic functionality, the Infinix delivers a smoother user experience.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April | 2022, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76.4 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Green | Tranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black |
| Models | - | X6823C, X6823 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
ZTE Blade A53
- Potentially lower initial purchase price.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Functional for basic communication tasks.
- Less efficient Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset.
- Slower performance compared to the Infinix.
- Limited charging speed (10W).
Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
- More efficient Mediatek Helio G25 chipset.
- Better performance for multitasking and light gaming.
- Potentially longer battery life due to chipset efficiency.
- May be slightly more expensive than the ZTE.
- Basic camera system.
- Likely limited software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for panel type or resolution, but given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The key difference lies under the hood: the manufacturing process of the chipsets powering them. A more efficient chipset means less strain on the battery when rendering the display. While we lack specific brightness data, the focus here is on the chipset's impact on display responsiveness, favoring the Infinix.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the market segment, both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with depth or macro sensors of limited utility. Image processing will likely be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The absence of OIS on either device suggests low-light performance will be similar – adequate for social media sharing but lacking in detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus utilizes the Mediatek Helio G25, built on a 12nm process, featuring an octa-core CPU with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The ZTE Blade A53, conversely, employs the Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm) with an octa-core CPU comprised of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm process of the Helio G25 is significantly more efficient than the 22nm process of the Unisoc chip, translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. The Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio G25, while older architecture, are clocked higher than the A55 cores in the ZTE, providing a tangible boost in responsiveness. Users engaging in multitasking or light gaming will experience fewer stutters on the Infinix.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price point. The ZTE Blade A53 is limited to 10W wired charging, suggesting a longer charge time. The Infinix Smart 6 Plus’s charging speed is also likely to be 10W, but the more efficient Helio G25 chipset will result in slightly lower power consumption during typical usage, potentially extending battery life between charges. The efficiency gain of the 12nm process is the key differentiator here.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A53 if your primary need is a simple, functional device for basic communication and minimal app usage, and you prioritize a potentially lower initial cost. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if you want a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process, offering better efficiency and performance for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G25 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Low or Medium) and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of handling less demanding titles without significant issues.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 known for overheating during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A1, being built on a 22nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than more modern chipsets. While it won't likely overheat to the point of being unusable, you may experience performance slowdowns during extended gaming sessions or demanding tasks.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and is it expandable?
While not specified in the provided data, both devices likely offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is standard for phones in this price range, and the ability to expand storage is crucial for users who plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive software updates?
Both devices likely ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Software update support is typically limited on phones in this price segment, so don't expect frequent or long-term updates.
