The ZTE Blade A7 and Samsung Galaxy A10e represent the lower end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability. Both devices aim to deliver a functional Android experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset design and core configuration. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks, the ZTE Blade A7 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Helio P60, built on a smaller 12nm process, offers a more balanced CPU configuration and generally smoother operation compared to the Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884.
| 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, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 29, 30, 66 - AT&T |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 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 | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2019, July. Released 2019, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 72.8 x 7.9 mm (6.06 x 2.87 x 0.31 in) | 147.3 x 69.6 x 8.4 mm (5.80 x 2.74 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 141 g (4.97 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.83 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MiFavor 9.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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 | 16 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/1.9, AF
or
5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 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 | FM radio | No |
| 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/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Black/blue | Black |
| Models | A7000, Z6201V | SM-A102U, SM-S102DL, SM-A102U1, SM-A102W, SM-A102N |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A7
- More powerful CPU configuration for better multitasking.
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process.
- Potentially smoother gaming experience.
- ZTE brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
- Software update support may be less consistent.
Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Stronger brand recognition and wider availability.
- Potentially more readily available accessories.
- Samsung’s One UI offers a familiar Android experience.
- Less powerful CPU configuration.
- Less efficient 14nm fabrication process.
- May exhibit more thermal throttling under load.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood: the A7’s chipset will have to drive the display, and the 12nm process *may* offer slightly better efficiency. However, without knowing the exact panel specifications (resolution, brightness), it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Expect similar viewing experiences in typical indoor conditions, but neither will excel in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is missing. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both rely heavily on software processing. The A7’s more powerful chipset *could* allow for slightly faster image processing, but the quality will ultimately depend on the sensor and lens quality, which are unknown. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core architectural difference is significant. The ZTE Blade A7’s Mediatek Helio P60 features a more robust CPU configuration with four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with four Cortex-A53 cores also at 2.0 GHz. The Samsung Galaxy A10e’s Exynos 7884 uses only two Cortex-A73 cores at 1.6 GHz, supplemented by six Cortex-A53 cores at 1.35 GHz. This means the A7 has a higher peak CPU performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio P60 further contributes to better power efficiency compared to the Exynos 7884’s 14nm process, potentially leading to less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This translates to a smoother experience when running multiple apps or playing games.
Battery Life
Without knowing the battery capacities, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Helio P60’s 12nm process offers a potential advantage in power efficiency. This means the ZTE Blade A7 could achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity than the Samsung Galaxy A10e. Charging wattage is also unknown, but faster charging would be a significant benefit for either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7 if you need a phone that feels more responsive during multitasking and app switching, and if you occasionally play less demanding mobile games. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10e if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially wider availability of accessories, and if your usage is primarily limited to basic communication and light web browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 7884, built on a 14nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Helio P60. While it won’t likely reach dangerously high temperatures, expect performance to dip after 20-30 minutes of demanding games like PUBG. The A7’s 12nm process offers better thermal management.
❓ Is the difference in CPU core count between the Helio P60 and Exynos 7884 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the four Cortex-A73 cores in the Helio P60 provide a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app switching. The A10e’s two Cortex-A73 cores can feel sluggish when handling multiple apps simultaneously. This difference is most apparent when quickly switching between apps or browsing the web with many tabs open.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in gaming performance between these two phones?
The ZTE Blade A7 will generally offer a smoother gaming experience, particularly in less optimized titles. The Helio P60’s CPU and GPU combination provides more headroom for handling graphics and processing game logic. However, neither phone is a dedicated gaming device, and demanding games will require reduced settings.
