The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade A72 5G and the Samsung Galaxy A14. Both promise a lot, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 edges out the ZTE Blade A72 5G thanks to its generally better software support, more established brand reputation, and potentially superior camera performance. While the ZTE offers 5G, the A14's overall package is more compelling for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 10 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.5 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | 7540N | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A72 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- Competitive Price
- Less Established Brand
- Potentially Lower Camera Quality
- Software Support Concerns
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Reliable Brand Reputation
- Better Software Support
- Potentially Superior Camera
- Larger User Base
- Slower Processor (Helio G80/Exynos 850)
- 15W Charging
- No 5G (in some versions)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, but the Galaxy A14 typically boasts a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The ZTE Blade A72 5G's display is adequate, but may lack the vibrancy and sharpness of the A14. Expect both to be LCD panels.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a higher-resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. While the ZTE Blade A72 5G's camera is decent, the A14 is likely to produce more consistent and detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The ZTE Blade A72 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Helio G80 (Version A) or Exynos 850 (Version B) in the Galaxy A14. Expect smoother multitasking and better gaming performance on the ZTE. However, software optimization can play a significant role.
Battery Life
Battery life is expected to be comparable between the two devices, both offering all-day usage for moderate users. The Galaxy A14's 15W charging is a slight disadvantage compared to potentially faster charging speeds on the ZTE (though specifics are often unclear for ZTE). Both will likely have around 5000mAh batteries.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is a good choice for users prioritizing 5G connectivity on a tight budget and are comfortable with a less established brand. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is ideal for those seeking a reliable, well-supported device with a good camera and a familiar user experience, even if it lacks 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better 5G support?
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is specifically designed for 5G connectivity, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 may not have 5G in all versions.
❓ Which phone will receive longer software updates?
Samsung generally provides longer software update support than ZTE, making the Galaxy A14 a more future-proof choice.
