The smartphone landscape is littered with budget options, but finding one that balances performance, battery life, and value can be challenging. We pit the ZTE Blade A56, a relatively recent entrant powered by a Unisoc chipset, against the LG K10 (2018), a veteran offering from a once-dominant player, to determine which provides the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the ZTE Blade A56 is the clear winner. Its modern Unisoc T7200 chipset and exceptional 56-hour battery endurance significantly outperform the LG K10 (2018)'s aging Mediatek MT6750. While the LG K10 may appeal to brand loyalists, the A56 delivers superior performance and longevity.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 11 | 2018, February. Released 2018, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.6 x 77.4 x 8.3 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 148.7 x 75.3 x 8.7 mm (5.85 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7200 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6750 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-T860MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lenses | 13 MP or 8 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP or 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Yellow | Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue, Terra Gold |
| Models | Z2473 | - |
| Price | € 69.00 / $ 87.12 / £ 66.75 | About 150 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 56:03h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class D (80 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
ZTE Blade A56
- Exceptional battery life (56+ hours)
- Modern and efficient Unisoc T7200 chipset
- More responsive user experience
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely basic camera system
LG K10 (2018)
- Familiar LG user interface
- Potentially lower price point (depending on availability)
- Established brand recognition
- Outdated Mediatek MT6750 chipset
- Poor battery life compared to A56
- Less efficient power consumption
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internals, we can infer both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The LG K10 (2018) likely has a 720p resolution, typical for its era, while the ZTE Blade A56’s resolution is unknown but likely similar. The key difference lies in the underlying technology; the A56 benefits from newer display driver ICs, potentially offering slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be larger on the K10 due to its 2018 design.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, given the market segment, both phones likely feature modest camera setups. The LG K10 (2018) may have a slightly higher megapixel count on its main sensor, but the Unisoc T7200’s image signal processor (ISP) in the A56 likely offers superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the K10 is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant value.
Performance
The performance gap between these two is substantial. The ZTE Blade A56’s Unisoc T7200, built on a 12nm process, features a modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A75 and A55 cores – offering significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance compared to the LG K10 (2018)’s Mediatek MT6750. The MT6750, fabricated on a larger 28nm node, utilizes older Cortex-A53 cores in a less efficient configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the A56. The A56’s chipset also benefits from newer GPU architecture, providing a better gaming experience, even if not at high settings.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the ZTE Blade A56 truly shines. Its reported 56:03h endurance is exceptional for a budget smartphone, and the 800 charge cycles suggest a durable battery. The LG K10 (2018) likely offers significantly less endurance, typical for phones of its age and chipset. The A56’s 10W charging is slow by modern standards, but the long battery life mitigates this. The MT6750’s less efficient architecture in the K10 means it will require more frequent charging, even with a comparable battery capacity (which is unlikely).
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A56 if you prioritize long battery life, smoother application performance, and a more modern chipset for everyday tasks. This phone is ideal for users who stream videos, browse the web, and rely on their phone throughout the day. Buy the LG K10 (2018) if you are specifically seeking a familiar LG interface and are on an extremely tight budget, accepting compromises in performance and battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T7200 chipset in the ZTE Blade A56 capable of handling popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T7200 isn't a high-end gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights, but it's a playable experience, a significant improvement over the MT6750.
❓ How does the 800 charge cycle rating of the ZTE Blade A56 impact its long-term usability?
The 800 charge cycle rating indicates the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity after 800 full charge-discharge cycles. This suggests the ZTE Blade A56 will maintain good battery health for a longer period compared to phones with lower-rated batteries, offering greater longevity.
❓ Does the LG K10 (2018) still receive software updates?
It is highly unlikely that the LG K10 (2018) receives any further software updates. LG has exited the smartphone market, and support for older devices has been discontinued. This poses a security risk, as the phone will no longer receive critical security patches.
