The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE Blade A55 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 the Galaxy A14 offering chipset variations and a more established brand reputation, while the Blade A55 focuses on a streamlined experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (especially the Exynos 850 variant) is the better choice. Its more powerful chipset, faster charging, and Samsung’s software support outweigh the Blade A55’s slightly lower price. However, the Blade A55 remains a viable option for those prioritizing extreme affordability and minimal software overhead.
| 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 | 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 | 2024, January | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.4 x 8.5 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.33 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 (~260 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 8 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Starry Black, Sunset Orange | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | Z2450 | 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 A55
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Minimal software bloat offers a cleaner Android experience.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset (depending on battery capacity).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Galaxy A14.
- Slower charging speed (10W) is inconvenient.
- Limited software update support.
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful chipset (Helio G80 or Exynos 850) delivers a smoother experience.
- Faster 15W charging reduces downtime.
- Samsung’s brand reputation and software support are advantages.
- Higher price compared to the ZTE Blade A55.
- May include more pre-installed apps (bloatware).
- Performance can vary significantly between Helio G80 and Exynos 850 variants.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Galaxy A14 benefits from the more capable GPU in its chipset, potentially leading to smoother scrolling and slightly better image rendering. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be limited on both devices. The focus should be on realistic expectations. While both likely feature a primary camera, details are scarce. The Galaxy A14’s potential for better image processing, thanks to its more powerful chipset, gives it an edge. The Blade A55’s camera system is likely to be more basic, relying heavily on software enhancements. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) on either device are unlikely to offer significant value and should be considered marketing features rather than genuine photographic tools. Sensor size is the critical missing piece of information; larger sensors generally capture more light and produce better images.
Performance
The performance gap is significant. The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly with the Exynos 850 (8nm) variant, holds a clear advantage. The 8nm process node is substantially more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A1’s 22nm node in the Blade A55, translating to better performance and thermal management. The A14’s CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 (Helio G80) or 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 (Exynos 850) – is demonstrably more powerful than the Blade A55’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Galaxy A14. The Helio G80 also includes a more capable GPU, beneficial for light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily influenced by usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, the Galaxy A14’s 15W charging is a notable advantage over the Blade A55’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times. The more efficient chipset in the A14 also contributes to better battery life, even with similar capacity batteries. The 15W charging on the A14 will allow users to quickly replenish the battery during short breaks, while the Blade A55 will require longer charging periods.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A55 if you need a truly basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and prioritize minimizing software bloat. You're willing to accept slower performance and limited future updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy a larger ecosystem of apps and services, and value faster charging and the potential for longer software support, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, which is relatively efficient. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. Expect some throttling after extended periods, but it shouldn't lead to complete shutdowns. The Blade A55's Unisoc chip will likely throttle even more quickly due to its less efficient 22nm process.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are often more of a marketing gimmick than a genuinely useful feature. The low resolution and small sensor size result in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are best avoided and the main camera should be used instead.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A14 (especially the Exynos 850 variant) can likely run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, achieving a consistently smooth frame rate will depend on the specific game settings and background processes. The Blade A55 will struggle to maintain a stable 60fps, even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long is Samsung likely to provide software updates for the Galaxy A14?
Samsung typically provides at least two major Android OS updates and three years of security patches for its A-series devices. This is a significant advantage over the ZTE Blade A55, which is likely to receive limited or no software updates beyond the initial Android version.
