The ZTE Blade A7 Vita and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the lower end of the smartphone market, often serving as first phones or reliable backups. Both aim for affordability, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving it, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing essential smartphone functions.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A10e is the better choice. Its Exynos 7884 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s quad-core Snapdragon 425. While battery life may be comparable, the A10e’s processing power justifies the slight price difference.
| 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 / 2100 - AT&T |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 - AT&T |
| 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - Metro PCS, T-Mobile |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, December. Released 2018, December | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| 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) | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 135 g (4.76 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.83 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB 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 | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP or 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0
or
2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black |
| Models | A0722 | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A7 Vita
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient processor
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer significantly better camera quality
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the A10e benefits from a more modern manufacturing process, which *could* translate to slightly better color accuracy. The resolution is likely 720p on both, adequate for the screen sizes, but neither will deliver a particularly sharp image. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. While both likely feature a primary rear camera, details are scarce. The A10e *may* have a slightly more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the Exynos 7884, potentially leading to better image quality in good lighting conditions. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro or depth sensors) on either device are unlikely to provide significant value. Expect limited low-light performance and a lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884, built on a 14nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53). This contrasts sharply with the ZTE Blade A7 Vita’s Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53. The A73 cores in the A10e are architecturally superior to the A53 cores in both phones, offering a substantial performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks. The 14nm process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 425’s 28nm node, potentially mitigating throttling under sustained load. Users who intend to run more than a few apps or play even casual games will find the A10e far more capable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Exynos 7884’s 14nm process *could* offer better power efficiency, but the A10e’s more powerful CPU will also draw more power under load. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow, with neither device supporting fast charging technologies. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should provide a full day of light use.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7 Vita if you need an extremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and your budget is severely constrained. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prefer a more responsive user experience, occasionally play mobile games, or anticipate using multiple apps simultaneously. The A10e offers a noticeable performance boost for a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 7884 is more powerful than the Snapdragon 425, it's still an entry-level chip. Expect some degree of warming during prolonged gaming, but it's unlikely to reach critical temperatures that cause significant performance throttling. The 14nm process helps manage heat better than the Snapdragon 425's 28nm node.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 425 in the ZTE Blade A7 Vita sufficient for running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
Yes, the Snapdragon 425 is capable of running basic social media apps without major issues. However, expect slower loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps or scrolling through content-heavy feeds. It's adequate for light social media use, but not ideal for a smooth, responsive experience.
❓ Can either phone handle playing PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
PUBG Mobile is likely playable on both, but with significant compromises. The ZTE Blade A7 Vita will struggle even at the lowest settings, likely resulting in a choppy and frustrating experience. The Samsung Galaxy A10e can handle PUBG Mobile at low settings with a reduced frame rate (likely below 30fps). Don't expect a smooth or visually impressive gaming experience on either device.
