The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A72 is no exception. But with two versions – the standard A72 and the 5G-enabled A72 5G – choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset and 5G connectivity. While the standard A72 offers a slightly faster charging speed, the A72 5G's performance boost makes it the better overall choice 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 / 1900 / 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 | 2022, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.5 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 214 g (7.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 1Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - version 2 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) - version 1Unisoc T606 (12 nm) - version 2 |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 - version 1Mali-G57 MP1 - version 2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 22.5W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Space Gray, Sky Blue |
| Models | 7540N | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 110 EUR |
ZTE Blade A72 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- Better Performance
- Improved Image Processing
- Slower Charging (15W)
- Potentially Slightly Higher Price
ZTE Blade A72
- Lower Price
- Faster Charging (22.5W)
- Compact Design (potentially)
- Slower Processor (Unisoc SC9863A/T606)
- No 5G
- Less Smooth Performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). The A72 5G might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better display processing, but this is not definitively confirmed. Screen size is likely to be around 6.5 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar on both devices, potentially featuring a 48MP main sensor and a depth sensor. However, the A72 5G's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Video recording capabilities are likely to be similar, around 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
This is where the A72 5G shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc SC9863A/T606. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the A72 5G. The A72's performance will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. The A72 has a slight edge with 22.5W wired charging, while the A72 5G likely supports standard 15W charging. Battery life should be comparable in real-world usage, lasting a full day for moderate users.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is ideal for users who want 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience, especially for multitasking and gaming. The ZTE Blade A72 is a good option for those on a tighter budget who prioritize slightly faster charging and don't need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A72 5G worth the extra cost?
If 5G connectivity and a smoother user experience are important to you, then yes, the A72 5G is worth the extra cost. The performance difference is significant.
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the Unisoc T606 in the ZTE Blade A72?
The Unisoc T606 is a slightly newer and more powerful chipset than the SC9863A, offering a modest performance improvement. However, both are significantly slower than the Dimensity 700 in the A72 5G.
