Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone? The ZTE Blade A72 5G and Nokia G21 are both contenders, offering compelling features at affordable prices. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A72 5G takes the lead with its 5G connectivity and significantly faster processor. However, the Nokia G21 boasts exceptional battery life and a potentially more refined user experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: speed and future-proofing vs. endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 10 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.5 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 190 g (6.70 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 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | 7540N | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.7 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 171299 (v9)
GeekBench: 1193 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
ZTE Blade A72 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- More future-proof
- Likely lower battery life
- Camera performance unknown
- May have a less refined UI
Nokia G21
- Exceptional Battery Life (126h endurance)
- Clean Android Experience
- Reliable Performance for everyday tasks
- Good Outdoor Visibility (500 nits)
- Slower Processor (Unisoc T606)
- Less powerful for gaming
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays with impressive contrast ratios (1631:1). However, the Nokia G21's measured 500 nits brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility. The Blade A72 5G likely has a standard HD+ resolution, while the G21 probably has an equivalent resolution. Color accuracy and overall display quality are likely comparable, leaning towards the Nokia due to the brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are not detailed, but both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities. The Nokia G21 likely benefits from Nokia's reputation for reliable camera software and image processing. The ZTE Blade A72 5G might offer slightly higher resolution sensors, but overall camera performance will depend on software optimization and image processing algorithms. Expect decent results from both, but not flagship-level quality.
Performance
Here's where the ZTE Blade A72 5G shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the ZTE. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency despite the increased performance.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21 is the clear winner in this category. Its endurance rating of 126 hours is exceptional, suggesting it can easily last for multiple days on a single charge. The ZTE Blade A72 5G, while likely having a decent battery capacity, will struggle to match the G21's longevity due to its more power-hungry processor.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother, faster experience for gaming and multitasking. The Nokia G21 is perfect for those prioritizing long battery life, a clean Android experience, and reliable performance for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A72 5G worth it for gaming?
Yes, the Blade A72 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset offers significantly better gaming performance than the Nokia G21's Unisoc T606. However, don't expect flagship-level gaming experiences.
❓ How long will the Nokia G21's battery last?
The Nokia G21 boasts an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours, meaning it can easily last for 2-3 days on a single charge with moderate usage.
