The ZTE Blade A7 Vita and LG Stylo 5 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and feature sets. This comparison will dissect those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and display quality to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a more modern experience, the LG Stylo 5 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 450 chipset, with its octa-core configuration and 14nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s Snapdragon 425, despite the latter’s lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, December. Released 2018, December | 2019, June. Released 2019, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 147 x 69.5 x 7.9 mm (5.79 x 2.74 x 0.31 in) | 160 x 77.7 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 179 g (6.31 oz) |
| | - | Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
8 MP |
| Single | 8 MP or 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Blonde Rose, Platinum Gray |
| Models | A0722 | LM-Q720 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise-93.5dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 79h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1485 (nominal), 3.218 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 62dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 70dB
|
| Performance | - |
GeekBench: 4695 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Blade A7 Vita
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for first-time smartphone users
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient processor
- Likely inferior display quality
LG Stylo 5
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Excellent battery life (79h endurance)
- 20W fast charging support
- Better display contrast ratios
- Higher price than the ZTE Blade A7 Vita
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera quality likely average
Display Comparison
The LG Stylo 5 boasts a superior display experience, evidenced by its contrast ratios of 1485 (nominal) and 3.218 (sunlight). While the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s display specifications are unavailable, the Stylo 5’s higher contrast ratios suggest better visibility in both indoor and outdoor conditions. This is particularly important for users who spend significant time outdoors. The Stylo 5’s display is likely to offer a more vibrant and readable image, enhancing the overall user experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature cameras, but detailed specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both cameras prioritize affordability over image quality. The LG Stylo 5 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP) within the Snapdragon 450, potentially offering slightly better image processing and noise reduction compared to the Blade A7 Vita. The presence of a camera on both devices is more for basic documentation than serious photography.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The LG Stylo 5’s Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450, built on a 14nm process, features an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor running at 1.4 GHz and fabricated on a larger 28nm node. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 450 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing for sustained performance. The octa-core configuration further enhances multitasking capabilities and responsiveness compared to the quad-core setup in the Blade A7 Vita. Users will notice a significant difference in app launch times and overall system fluidity on the Stylo 5.
Battery Life
The LG Stylo 5’s endurance rating of 79 hours is a significant advantage. While the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s battery capacity is unknown, the Stylo 5’s rating suggests excellent battery life. Furthermore, the Stylo 5 supports 20W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment of the battery. This is a crucial feature for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day and need to quickly recharge. The Snapdragon 450’s 14nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, extending battery life further.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7 Vita if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and basic smartphone functionality is sufficient. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the LG Stylo 5 if you value a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and longer battery life. The 20W charging is a significant benefit for those who frequently need to top up their device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG Stylo 5 handle basic social media apps and web browsing without significant lag?
Yes, the Snapdragon 450 in the LG Stylo 5 is more than capable of handling everyday tasks like social media browsing, web surfing, and email. The octa-core processor and 14nm process provide a smoother and more responsive experience compared to the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s Snapdragon 425.
❓ Is the 20W charging on the LG Stylo 5 a significant improvement over standard charging?
Absolutely. 20W charging allows the LG Stylo 5 to charge considerably faster than devices with standard 5W or 10W charging. This means less time tethered to an outlet and more time using your phone, a crucial benefit for users on the go.
❓ Can the ZTE Blade A7 Vita run popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While technically possible, the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s Snapdragon 425 will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. Expect low frame rates, significant lag, and potentially overheating. The LG Stylo 5, while not a gaming powerhouse, will offer a slightly better experience due to its more powerful processor.
❓ How does the 28nm process of the Snapdragon 425 affect the ZTE Blade A7 Vita's battery life?
The 28nm process is less efficient than the 14nm process used in the Snapdragon 450. This means the Snapdragon 425 consumes more power for the same tasks, resulting in shorter battery life for the ZTE Blade A7 Vita. You'll likely need to charge it more frequently than the LG Stylo 5.
