ZTE Blade A76 vs OnePlus Nord N20 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Reigns Supreme?

The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE Blade A76 and OnePlus Nord N20 5G represent compelling options, but cater to different priorities. The Blade A76 emphasizes longevity with a massive battery, while the Nord N20 5G focuses on a more polished user experience with a brighter display and faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day (and then some) battery life, the ZTE Blade A76 is the clear winner. Its exceptional 47:24h endurance significantly outpaces the OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s 129h rating. However, the Nord N20 5G offers a more vibrant viewing experience and quicker top-ups, making it a better choice for media consumers.

PHONES
Phone Names ZTE Blade A76 OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat15 800/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, June 032022, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, JuneAvailable. Released 2022, April 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 in)159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight-173 g (6.10 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4Schott Xensation Up
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.75 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~89.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzAMOLED
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetUnisoc T8300 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP2Adreno 619
OSAndroidAndroid 11, OxygenOS 11
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 -UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.4, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsYesFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-33W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, BlueBlue
ModelsZ2469NGN2200, CPH2459
Price£ 150.97 / € 116.90About 120 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 129h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 316974 (v8), 380672 (v9) GeekBench: 1945 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
EU LABEL
Battery47:24h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass D (45 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

ZTE Blade A76

  • Exceptional battery life (47:24h endurance)
  • High charge cycle count (800 cycles)
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Likely lower display brightness and quality
  • Unisoc chipset may offer less consistent performance

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

  • Brighter display (647 nits)
  • Faster 33W charging
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset

  • Significantly shorter battery life (129h endurance)
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G boasts a significant advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 647 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a scenario where the ZTE Blade A76’s unspecified brightness will likely struggle. While the Nord N20 5G’s contrast ratio is listed as ‘Infinite (nominal)’ – typical for OLED panels – the Blade A76’s panel type is unknown, suggesting it’s likely an IPS LCD, which generally offers lower contrast. The lack of refresh rate information for the Blade A76 further solidifies the Nord N20 5G’s display superiority for smoother scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are limited, but we can infer some differences. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), known for its strong image processing algorithms. While neither phone is expected to compete with flagship camera systems, the Nord N20 5G’s ISP will likely deliver more consistent and refined images. The ZTE Blade A76’s camera performance is less predictable, relying heavily on the capabilities of the Unisoc T8300’s ISP. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Nord N20 5G’s likely superior image processing gives it an edge.

Performance

Both phones utilize 6nm process nodes, indicating similar efficiency. However, the chipsets differ significantly. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G features Kryo 660 Gold and Silver cores, designed for a balance of performance and power efficiency. The ZTE Blade A76 employs the Unisoc T8300, utilizing Cortex-A78 and A55 cores. While both CPUs have a 2x2.2 GHz peak clock speed, the architectural differences suggest the Snapdragon 695 may offer slightly better sustained performance and GPU capabilities. The Nord N20 5G’s potential for LPDDR5 RAM (typical for Snapdragon 695 devices) would also contribute to faster app loading and multitasking compared to the Blade A76’s likely LPDDR4X configuration.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A76 dominates in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 47:24h rating based on testing. This is a substantial improvement over the OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s 129h rating. While the Nord N20 5G compensates with 33W wired charging, allowing for quicker top-ups, the Blade A76’s longevity minimizes the need for frequent charging. The Blade A76 also claims 800 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation. The Nord N20 5G’s charging speed is a definite advantage, but the Blade A76’s sheer endurance is a game-changer for power users.

Buying Guide

Buy the ZTE Blade A76 if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a charger. Buy the OnePlus Nord N20 5G if you prioritize a brighter, more visually appealing display, faster 33W charging, and a generally smoother software experience, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Unisoc T8300 in the ZTE Blade A76 capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T8300 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to make compromises on graphics settings. The Snapdragon 695 in the Nord N20 5G is likely to offer a smoother experience at higher settings, but both phones are targeting the budget segment and won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance. Thermal throttling could also become a factor during extended gaming sessions on either device.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the OnePlus Nord N20 5G with the 33W charger?
OnePlus claims the Nord N20 5G can charge from 0-100% in approximately 56 minutes with the included 33W charger. However, real-world charging times can vary depending on factors like battery temperature and background app activity. Expect a full charge to take closer to 60-70 minutes in typical usage.
❓ Does the ZTE Blade A76 support VoLTE and 5G on all carriers?
Compatibility with VoLTE and 5G bands varies by carrier and region. It's crucial to check with your specific carrier to ensure the ZTE Blade A76 is fully compatible before purchasing. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G generally has broader carrier support in North America, but this can still vary.
❓ What type of display technology does the ZTE Blade A76 use?
The display technology of the ZTE Blade A76 is not explicitly stated in the provided specifications. However, given its price point and the lack of mention of OLED, it is highly probable that it utilizes an IPS LCD panel. This typically results in lower contrast ratios and less vibrant colors compared to OLED displays like the one found in the OnePlus Nord N20 5G.