Looking for an affordable Android phone? The ZTE Blade III Pro and L3 Plus were popular budget options. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade L3 Plus generally wins due to its quad-core processor and larger battery. While the Blade III Pro has a slightly better chipset, the L3 Plus's performance and battery life provide a more modern and usable experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, April. Released 2013, May | 2015, March. Released 2015, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 139.8 x 71 x 9 mm (5.50 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Yes | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | - | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~69.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A5 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 203 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 5 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Yellow, Blue |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
ZTE Blade III Pro
- Compact size
- Slightly more advanced chipset architecture (Snapdragon)
- Dual-core processor limits performance
- Smaller battery
- Older software
ZTE Blade L3 Plus
- Quad-core processor for smoother performance
- Larger battery for longer life
- Larger display for better media consumption
- Lower pixel density on the larger display
- Potentially less premium build quality
Display Comparison
The Blade L3 Plus typically features a larger 5.5-inch display compared to the Blade III Pro's likely 5-inch screen. Resolution is likely similar (around 720p), but the larger size of the L3 Plus offers a more immersive viewing experience. Expect slightly lower pixel density on the L3 Plus due to the larger screen.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, both featuring around 8MP main cameras. Image quality will depend heavily on software optimization. Expect similar performance in good lighting conditions, but the L3 Plus's potentially more modern software might offer slightly better results. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
This is where the L3 Plus shines. Its quad-core Cortex-A7 processor offers a significant advantage over the Blade III Pro's dual-core Cortex-A5. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the L3 Plus. The Snapdragon S4 Play in the Blade III Pro, while a slightly more advanced architecture, is hampered by the dual-core limitation.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade L3 Plus boasts a significantly larger battery (likely 3000mAh) compared to the Blade III Pro (likely around 2000mAh). This translates to noticeably longer battery life on the L3 Plus, easily lasting a full day with moderate use, while the Blade III Pro might require charging before the end of the day.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade III Pro might appeal to users seeking a compact device and a slightly more premium (though still basic) chipset. The ZTE Blade L3 Plus is a better choice for those prioritizing battery life, smoother multitasking, and a larger display for media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade L3 Plus is significantly better for gaming due to its quad-core processor and more RAM (likely 2GB vs 1GB on the Blade III Pro). However, neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in [current year]?
Given their age, neither phone is recommended for new purchases. Newer budget phones offer significantly better performance, features, and software support. Consider exploring more recent models.
