The ZTE Blade A7 and Alcatel 3v (2019) represent a segment of the smartphone market focused on affordability. Both devices utilize Mediatek Helio chipsets, but a key difference in their processing power – the Helio P60 in the ZTE versus the Helio P22 in the Alcatel – dictates their overall performance and suitability for different users. This comparison will dissect these differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the ZTE Blade A7 is the superior choice. Its Helio P60 chipset, featuring Cortex-A73 cores, delivers a noticeable performance boost over the Alcatel 3v’s Helio P22, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the Alcatel 3v’s 15W charging offers a slight convenience advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2019, Q2. Released 2019, Q4 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (DragonTrail Pro glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 72.8 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) | 174.5 x 83.3 x 8.4 mm (6.87 x 3.28 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 197.9 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | DragonTrail Pro |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~240 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 115.8 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MiFavor 9.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Black/blue | Elegant Black |
| Models | A7000, Z6201V | 5032W |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 170 EUR |
ZTE Blade A7
- Superior CPU performance with Cortex-A73 cores
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming
- Battery capacity and charging speed are unknown
- Likely similar display quality to the Alcatel 3v
alcatel 3v (2019)
- 15W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially lower price point
- Significantly weaker CPU performance
- Struggles with demanding apps and multitasking
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a meaningful comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. It’s reasonable to assume both will include a primary sensor and potentially depth or macro sensors. Given the market segment, image quality will likely be acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely solely on software, which is less effective.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A7’s Mediatek Helio P60 (12nm) utilizes a more sophisticated CPU architecture: octa-core with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is a significant advantage over the Alcatel 3v’s Helio P22 (12nm), which features only 8x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A73 cores in the P60 offer substantially higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother overall system responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural difference means the P60 will handle more complex tasks with greater ease. The Alcatel 3v will be adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for the ZTE Blade A7, but the Alcatel 3v (2019) offers 15W wired charging. This faster charging speed is a tangible benefit, allowing for quicker top-ups. However, without knowing the Blade A7’s battery capacity, it’s impossible to determine which phone offers better overall battery life. A larger capacity on the ZTE could offset the Alcatel’s faster charging, while a smaller capacity would make the 15W charging more impactful. Real-world usage will be the deciding factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, smoother multitasking, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want the best possible performance within a tight budget. Buy the Alcatel 3v (2019) if you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media, and are less concerned with raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A7 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P60 in the ZTE Blade A7 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The Alcatel 3v’s Helio P22 would struggle significantly with PUBG, resulting in noticeable lag and stuttering.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P60 and P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P60’s Cortex-A73 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, making app launches faster, scrolling smoother, and multitasking more responsive. The Alcatel 3v will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Does the Alcatel 3v's 15W charging make a significant difference compared to standard 10W charging?
Yes, 15W charging will noticeably reduce charging times compared to a standard 10W charger. While a precise 0-100% time isn't available, you can expect a faster top-up, which is convenient for users who need to quickly recharge their phone.
