The ZTE Blade A7 and BLU G5 Plus represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, a significant difference lies under the hood: the ZTE utilizes a Mediatek Helio P60, a chip known for its performance in its class, while the BLU G5 Plus employs an octa-core Cortex-A55 processor. This comparison dissects these core differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a phone capable of handling moderate multitasking and occasional gaming, the ZTE Blade A7 is the superior choice. Its Helio P60 chipset, with its Cortex-A73 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU G5 Plus’s Cortex-A55, making it a better all-rounder despite potential battery life trade-offs.
| 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 - G0190UU |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - G0190LL, G0190VV |
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 - G0190UU |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 154 x 72.8 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.8% 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 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MiFavor 9.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 575 h (2G) / Up to 525 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Black/blue | Black, Red, Twilight, Chameleon Blue |
| Models | A7000, Z6201V | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A7
- More powerful CPU for smoother performance
- Helio P60 offers better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially better image processing
- Potentially shorter battery life due to more powerful CPU
- Likely similar display quality to the BLU G5 Plus
BLU G5 Plus
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient Cortex-A55 CPU
- Lower price point (likely)
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly slower CPU performance
- Struggles with demanding apps and multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given their price points, both likely feature 720p LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both operate at the standard 60Hz. The user experience will likely be similar, with the quality dictated more by color calibration and viewing angles than inherent panel technology.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information suggests neither phone boasts advanced features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or large sensor sizes. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with the Helio P60 potentially offering slightly better image signal processing capabilities due to its more powerful CPU.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The ZTE Blade A7’s Mediatek Helio P60 features a heterogeneous architecture with four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores, also at 2.0 GHz. This configuration provides a significant performance uplift compared to the BLU G5 Plus’s octa-core Cortex-A55 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz. The Cortex-A73 cores in the Helio P60 are substantially more powerful than the Cortex-A55, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 12nm process node of the Helio P60 also contributes to better efficiency compared to potentially older manufacturing processes used for the Cortex-A55.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Cortex-A55 in the BLU G5 Plus is generally more power-efficient than the Cortex-A73 cores in the Helio P60. This suggests the BLU G5 Plus *could* offer longer battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Helio P60’s faster processing could also complete tasks quicker, potentially offsetting some of the power consumption difference. Without mAh figures, it’s difficult to definitively state which phone offers superior battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7 if you need a phone that can handle more demanding apps, light gaming, and smoother multitasking. Its Helio P60 chipset offers a tangible performance boost. Buy the BLU G5 Plus if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize potential battery efficiency over raw processing power. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A7 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio P60 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect some frame drops during intense action. The BLU G5 Plus will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in CPU performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The ZTE Blade A7 will load web pages and apps faster, and scrolling through social media feeds will be smoother. The BLU G5 Plus will feel sluggish in comparison, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
The BLU G5 Plus is perfectly adequate for basic communication. Its Cortex-A55 processor is sufficient for calls and texts, and its potential battery efficiency could be beneficial for all-day use. The ZTE Blade A7’s extra performance is unnecessary for these tasks.
❓ Does the ZTE Blade A7 support software updates?
ZTE’s update track record is inconsistent. While the Helio P60 is a capable chip, long-term software support is not guaranteed. Expect limited updates, potentially only security patches.
