The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE Blade A7s 2020, while an older model, remains available and represents a very low entry point. The Realme C33 2023 is a more recent offering aiming to deliver a modern experience at a still-affordable price. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two Unisoc-powered devices to determine which offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C33 2023 is the better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the ZTE Blade A7s’ older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While the A7s is cheaper, the C33’s improved processing power and modern features justify the price premium.
| 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 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% 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 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | A7020 | RMX3627 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
ZTE Blade A7s 2020
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Potentially longer battery life with minimal use
- Outdated and slow processor
- Poor performance with modern apps
- Likely limited software support
Realme C33 2023
- Significantly faster processor
- More responsive user experience
- Better camera image processing
- More modern features
- Slower 10W charging
- Higher price than the ZTE Blade A7s
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for both, but given their price points, IPS is likely on the C33. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display. The Realme C33’s more capable chipset can likely handle smoother animations and faster refresh rates (if supported, which is not specified) compared to the A7s. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme C33’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the T612 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The A7s’ older chipset will struggle to deliver the same level of detail and dynamic range. Expect both to have a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor, but image quality will be limited by the hardware and software.
Performance
The Realme C33’s Unisoc Tiger T612 is the clear winner here. Built on a 12nm process versus the A7s’ 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, the T612 offers significantly improved power efficiency and performance. The CPU configuration further highlights this: the C33 features 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, providing a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the A7s’ 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The A7s will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the ZTE Blade A7s, but the Realme C33’s battery life will likely be superior due to the more efficient Unisoc T612 chipset. While the C33 only supports 10W wired charging, the improved efficiency means it won’t need to be charged as frequently. The A7s, with its older, less efficient chipset, will likely drain the battery faster under similar usage conditions. The 10W charging on the C33 is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 if your absolute priority is minimizing cost and you only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday use, including social media, streaming, and casual gaming, and are willing to spend a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Unisoc Tiger T612 in the Realme C33 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly better than the ZTE Blade A7s for gaming. The A7s will likely struggle to provide a playable experience.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage details are not provided in the context data. However, budget phones typically offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Both devices likely support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. Check the product specifications for the maximum supported microSD card capacity.
❓ What Android version do these phones run, and will they receive software updates?
The ZTE Blade A7s 2020 likely runs an older version of Android (potentially Android 10 or 11). The Realme C33 2023 will run a more recent version (likely Android 13). Realme generally provides better software support than ZTE, but don't expect extensive updates on either device. Expect at least one major Android update for the C33.
