Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A7P and A3 Plus are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A7P is the clear winner, boasting a significantly more powerful chipset, better performance, and likely a more modern software experience. While the A3 Plus might be slightly cheaper, the A7P's improved specs justify the price difference for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66, 71 | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December | 2022, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December | Available. Released 2022, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.50 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Black |
| Models | Z6252CA | Z3353CA |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 70 EUR |
ZTE Blade A7P
- More powerful chipset (Helio P22)
- Octa-core CPU for better performance
- Likely better camera quality
- Potentially better battery efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Charging is wired (no fast charging)
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Lower price point
- Compact size (potentially)
- Weaker chipset (MT6739W)
- Quad-core CPU - slower performance
- Likely inferior camera quality
- Older technology
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, both phones likely feature standard LCD displays. The A7P *may* have a slightly larger screen size or higher resolution, but this is not definitively confirmed. Expect adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited. However, the A7P likely has a more modern camera sensor and image processing capabilities due to its newer chipset. Expect slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, from the A7P. Both likely feature basic camera features.
Performance
The A7P's Mediatek Helio P22 chipset (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the A3 Plus's MT6739W (28nm). The octa-core CPU in the A7P offers significantly more processing power than the A3 Plus's quad-core, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better on the A7P.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar (around 3000-3500mAh for both). However, the A7P's more efficient 12nm chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life despite the potentially more demanding workload.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A7P is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is a viable option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and basic smartphone functionality, understanding it will have limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A7P worth the extra cost compared to the A3 Plus?
Yes, the A7P's significantly improved chipset and performance make it a worthwhile investment for most users. The A3 Plus is only recommended for those on the absolute tightest budget.
❓ What kind of games can I play on the ZTE Blade A7P?
The A7P can handle less demanding games smoothly. More graphically intensive games may require lower settings to maintain playable frame rates.