The budget smartphone market is booming, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the ZTE Blade A72 5G and the Oppo A77. Both promise 5G connectivity and a decent experience, but which one truly delivers? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A77 edges out the ZTE Blade A72 5G thanks to its faster Dimensity 810 chipset, significantly quicker charging (33W), and generally more polished software experience. While the ZTE offers 5G, the Oppo provides a more well-rounded package for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 10 | 2022, June 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| 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) | 163.8 x 75.1 x 8 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | IPX4 water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 53% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | 7540N | CPH2339 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 149.90 / £ 159.00 |
ZTE Blade A72 5G
- Affordable 5G connectivity
- Decent display
- Large battery capacity
- Slower performance
- Slower charging
- Less refined software
- Potentially lower camera quality
Oppo A77
- Faster performance (Dimensity 810)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Better camera processing
- More polished software experience
- Slightly more expensive
- Design might be less distinctive
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.5 inches) and resolutions (likely FHD+). However, Oppo often has slightly better display calibration and brightness, potentially offering a more vibrant viewing experience. ZTE's display might be adequate but could lack the same level of color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable in terms of megapixel count (likely a 48MP main sensor on both). However, Oppo's image processing algorithms are generally superior, leading to better dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. The Oppo A77 likely has a more versatile camera system overall.
Performance
The Oppo A77's Dimensity 810 chipset (6nm) holds a clear advantage over the ZTE Blade A72 5G's Dimensity 700 (7nm). The Dimensity 810 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming capabilities. Expect the ZTE to feel slightly sluggish in comparison.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), the Oppo A77's 33W fast charging is a significant advantage. It can charge to 53% in just 30 minutes, while the ZTE Blade A72 5G likely supports slower charging speeds (potentially 18W or 22.5W). This translates to significantly less time spent tethered to a charger.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is a good option for users prioritizing 5G connectivity on a tight budget and are willing to compromise on performance and charging speed. The Oppo A77 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, faster charging, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A72 5G good for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A72 5G can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag and stuttering due to its less powerful chipset. The Oppo A77 is a better choice for gamers.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have similar battery capacities, but the Oppo A77's faster charging makes it more convenient to top up quickly.
❓ Does the Oppo A77 have NFC?
Yes, the Oppo A77 typically includes NFC for contactless payments. Check the specific regional variant for confirmation.
❓ What software do these phones run?
The ZTE Blade A72 5G likely runs a customized version of Android, while the Oppo A77 runs ColorOS, Oppo's proprietary Android skin. ColorOS is generally considered more polished and feature-rich.
