The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade A71 and the Samsung Galaxy A04e. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the ZTE Blade A71 thanks to its more efficient chipset and generally better software support. While both offer decent value, the A04e's slightly superior performance and Samsung's brand reputation make it the preferred choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 07 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.2 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray, Green | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | A7030 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A71
- Large Display
- Affordable Price
- Decent Battery Life
- Less Powerful Chipset
- Potentially Lower Screen Resolution
- Limited Software Updates
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More Efficient Chipset
- Samsung's One UI
- Better Software Support
- Potentially Higher Screen Resolution
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance is still limited in low light
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.5 inches, but the A04e often boasts a slightly higher resolution (typically HD+ vs the A71's potentially lower resolution). Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average on both, typical for this price range. The A04e might have a slightly better viewing experience due to the potentially higher resolution.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar on these budget devices, typically featuring a main camera around 13-50MP and a depth sensor. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A04e's image processing might be slightly better due to Samsung's expertise.
Performance
Here's where the A04e takes a clear lead. The MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the A04e. The A71 might struggle with demanding apps or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer a large battery capacity (around 5000mAh). Battery life should be comparable, providing a full day of moderate use. However, the A04e's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A71 is a good option for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on a very tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is ideal for those seeking a more reliable and slightly faster experience with the added benefit of Samsung's One UI and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e has a more powerful and efficient chipset (MediaTek Helio P35) compared to the ZTE Blade A71's Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in better overall performance.
❓ How long will each phone receive software updates?
Samsung generally provides longer software support and updates for its devices compared to ZTE, making the Galaxy A04e a more future-proof option.
