The ZTE Blade A7s 2020 and Nokia 3.4 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The ZTE, released in 2020, aims for affordability with an older Unisoc chipset. The Nokia 3.4, arriving later, leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 460 for a more contemporary experience, albeit still within the entry-level segment. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 3.4 is the better choice. While both phones target the budget market, the Snapdragon 460’s superior architecture and manufacturing process (11nm vs 28nm) translate to noticeably smoother performance and better long-term software support. The ZTE A7s 2020 remains an option for those prioritizing absolute lowest cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 03 | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | A7020 | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A7s 2020
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May include features not found on the Nokia 3.4 (depending on regional variants)
- Outdated Unisoc chipset
- Likely poor performance in demanding apps
- Limited software support
- Less efficient power consumption
Nokia 3.4
- More powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Better performance and responsiveness
- More efficient power consumption
- Potential for future software updates
- Larger display
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance is still limited
- Only 10W charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the ZTE Blade A7s 2020's display, but given its price point, it likely features a 720p LCD panel. The Nokia 3.4 also utilizes a 720p LCD, but its focus is on a larger 6.39-inch size. The difference in panel technology is minimal, but the Nokia 3.4’s larger screen offers a more immersive viewing experience. Both will likely suffer from limited brightness outdoors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details on the ZTE Blade A7s 2020’s camera are scarce, but it likely features a primary sensor around 13MP. The Nokia 3.4 features a 13MP main sensor, accompanied by a 5MP ultrawide and a 2MP depth sensor. While the Nokia 3.4 offers more versatility with the ultrawide lens, the image quality will be limited by the sensor size and image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 460. The 2MP depth sensor is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal benefit. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade A7s 2020’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, features an octa-core configuration split between 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This older architecture and larger manufacturing node result in lower performance and higher power consumption. The Nokia 3.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) utilizes a more efficient design with 4x1.8GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A73 cores provide a significant performance boost in single-threaded tasks and gaming, making the Nokia 3.4 feel considerably snappier. The 11nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the ZTE Blade A7s 2020, but typical budget phones in this class feature around 3000-4000mAh. The Nokia 3.4 packs a 4000mAh battery. However, the Snapdragon 460’s superior efficiency offsets the similar battery capacity. The Nokia 3.4 also supports 10W wired charging, while the ZTE’s charging speed is unknown but likely similar. Real-world usage will see the Nokia 3.4 comfortably lasting a full day with moderate use, while the ZTE may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, better app compatibility, and the promise of future software updates, even if it means spending a little more upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 460 in the Nokia 3.4 powerful enough for casual gaming like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 460 can handle PUBG Mobile at low to medium settings with acceptable frame rates. However, don't expect a flagship-level gaming experience. The Unisoc SC9863A in the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 will struggle significantly with even lower settings, experiencing more frequent frame drops and stuttering.
❓ How long will the Nokia 3.4 receive Android updates?
Nokia is known for providing relatively good software support for its budget phones. The Nokia 3.4 launched with Android 10 and is confirmed to receive at least two major Android updates (up to Android 12). The ZTE Blade A7s 2020 is unlikely to receive any further updates beyond its initial Android 10 release.
❓ Does the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 support Google Pay or other NFC-based payment services?
NFC support is not confirmed for the ZTE Blade A7s 2020. Many ultra-budget phones omit NFC to reduce costs. The Nokia 3.4 *does* include NFC, allowing for contactless payments and other NFC-enabled features.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 and the Nokia 3.4 utilize a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is a common feature in budget smartphones, though USB-C is becoming increasingly prevalent even in this segment.
