The ZTE Blade A7 Vita and Nokia 3.2 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection. This comparison dissects the core differences between the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 powering the A7 Vita and the Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3.2, revealing which device offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Nokia 3.2 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 429, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s older 28nm Snapdragon 425, despite both utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. While neither phone excels, the Nokia 3.2 offers a smoother 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA, APAC, MENA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, December. Released 2018, December | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, May 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147 x 69.5 x 7.9 mm (5.79 x 2.74 x 0.31 in) | 159.4 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Adreno 504 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP or 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 32/3GB only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Steel |
| Models | A0722 | TA-1156, TA-1159, TA-1164 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A7 Vita
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple Android experience
- Older, less efficient chipset
- Slower performance
- Likely limited software updates
Nokia 3.2
- More efficient Snapdragon 429
- Faster performance
- 10W charging support
- Android One program (clean software, timely updates)
- Slightly higher price
- Still an entry-level device
- Display quality is basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s panel, but given its price point, it’s likely a lower-resolution IPS LCD. The Nokia 3.2 also features an IPS LCD, but its quality is likely similar. The key difference isn’t display *quality* but the processing power needed to drive it. The more efficient Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3.2 will likely contribute to slightly better battery life when displaying similar content.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the market segment, expect similar image quality – adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The Nokia 3.2’s slightly more powerful processor *could* translate to faster image processing, but this is unlikely to be a significant differentiator. Focusing on the chipset, the Nokia 3.2's ISP will likely be more capable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A7 Vita utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, a 28nm chip with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The Nokia 3.2 steps up to the Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process and clocked slightly higher at 1.8 GHz. While both CPUs use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the 12nm process allows the Snapdragon 429 to deliver more performance per watt, resulting in a snappier user experience and potentially better thermal management. The Nokia 3.2 will handle multitasking and app loading more efficiently.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia 3.2 benefits from 10W wired charging, a feature absent from the ZTE Blade A7 Vita (charging speed is unknown). More importantly, the Snapdragon 429’s 12nm process contributes to improved power efficiency. This means the Nokia 3.2 will likely achieve longer battery life on a single charge, even with a similar battery capacity, and the 10W charging will replenish it faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7 Vita if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance and long-term software support. It’s a functional device for basic tasks. Buy the Nokia 3.2 if you value a slightly more responsive user experience, a more modern chipset, and the promise of timely Android updates (through Nokia’s clean Android One program). The Nokia 3.2 is the better all-rounder for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 3.2 run demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 429 can *run* PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops. It’s not designed for intensive gaming. The ZTE Blade A7 Vita will struggle even more with this title.
❓ How long will software updates be available for the Nokia 3.2?
The Nokia 3.2 is part of the Android One program, guaranteeing at least two years of Android version updates and three years of security patches from the time of release. The ZTE Blade A7 Vita is unlikely to receive the same level of long-term software support.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 425 and 429 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 429’s more efficient architecture and higher clock speed result in smoother app launching, faster multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. The ZTE Blade A7 Vita will exhibit more lag and slowdowns.
