The ZTE Blade A7s 2020 and TCL 10 SE represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the TCL 10 SE is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A7s 2020’s Unisoc SC9863A. While neither phone excels, the TCL 10 SE offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a faster 15W charging capability.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 400/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 03 | 2020, July 09. Released 2020, July 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.48 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) | 164.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.49 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, TCL UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
or
13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Violet |
| Models | A7020 | T766H_EEA, T766U, T766H, T766A, T766J |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A7s 2020
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Slow processor performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower charging speeds
TCL 10 SE
- Faster processor performance
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Faster 15W charging
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited performance overall
- Likely similar camera quality to ZTE
Display Comparison
Neither ZTE nor TCL provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The TCL 10 SE’s chipset, being slightly more powerful, *could* support a higher refresh rate, though this is unlikely. The real difference lies in the underlying processing power needed to drive the display, favoring the TCL 10 SE. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the TCL 10 SE’s more capable chipset could potentially handle more complex image processing algorithms, resulting in slightly better image quality. The presence of a 15W charger suggests TCL invested slightly more in the overall user experience, which *could* extend to camera software optimization. Expect both phones to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The TCL 10 SE’s Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, is the clear winner in this category. Its octa-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 2.0 GHz offer a significant performance boost compared to the ZTE Blade A7s 2020’s Unisoc SC9863A. The Unisoc chip, fabricated on a larger 28nm node, is less power-efficient and delivers lower peak performance. The Cortex-A53 architecture in the Helio P22 is also more mature and optimized than the Cortex-A55 cores found in the ZTE device. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the TCL 10 SE.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the TCL 10 SE’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage. The ZTE Blade A7s 2020 likely charges at a slower rate, potentially around 10W. This means the TCL 10 SE will reach a full charge much faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the ZTE device *could* offset the slower charging, the more efficient Helio P22 chipset in the TCL 10 SE likely results in comparable or even better real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 if your primary need is a functional, extremely affordable device for basic communication and light tasks, and you're willing to accept slower performance. Buy the TCL 10 SE if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 10 SE handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P22 chipset in the TCL 10 SE provides enough processing power for smooth operation of most social media apps. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it should handle scrolling, photo uploads, and video playback without significant lag, unlike the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 which may struggle with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the ZTE Blade A7s 2020 sufficient for playing basic mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A can handle very basic 2D games, but it will struggle with more demanding 3D titles. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering. The TCL 10 SE’s Helio P22 offers a slightly better gaming experience, but neither phone is designed for serious mobile gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 10 SE with the 15W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time depends on battery capacity (which isn't specified), the 15W charger should fully charge the TCL 10 SE in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is significantly faster than the ZTE Blade A7s 2020, which likely takes 4+ hours with its slower charging.
