The ZTE Blade L9 and Nokia C20 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices rely on Unisoc chipsets, but employ different architectures and core counts. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the most compelling experience for basic smartphone tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Nokia C20 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Blade L9’s quad-core SC7731e, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive, despite the slower 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 29, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 10 | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 10 | Available. Released 2021, June 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 in) | 165.4 x 75.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 204.7 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 4950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Ocean Blue, Graphite black |
| Models | - | TA-1388, TA-1380 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
ZTE Blade L9
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Likely lightweight design
- Significantly slower processor
- Outdated processor architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Nokia C20 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Larger 4000mAh battery
- More modern processor architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the Blade L9's display, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a basic IPS LCD panel with a modest resolution. The Nokia C20 Plus also features an IPS LCD, but its focus is on size (6.5 inches) rather than resolution or brightness. Both will struggle in direct sunlight, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a strength. The absence of any mention of higher refresh rates or protective glass on either device is typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are sparse, but both likely feature basic sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading at this price point. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and low-light performance will be poor. The Nokia C20 Plus may have a slight edge due to potentially better software optimization, but don't expect flagship-level results from either.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The ZTE Blade L9’s Unisoc SC7731e is a quad-core processor based on Cortex-A7 cores, an older architecture designed for efficiency rather than speed. The Nokia C20 Plus, however, utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks and overall responsiveness. While neither chip is a powerhouse, the A55 cores represent a more modern and efficient architecture than the A7, translating to a smoother user experience on the Nokia C20 Plus. The 28nm process node of the SC9863A is less efficient than more modern nodes, but the core count advantage outweighs this.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the ZTE Blade L9, but it's reasonable to assume a capacity around 3000-4000mAh, typical for this segment. The Nokia C20 Plus features a 4000mAh battery, offering a decent runtime for basic usage. However, the Nokia C20 Plus is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Blade L9’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns, but the Nokia C20 Plus’s larger capacity provides a buffer.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade L9 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to tolerate slower performance for basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Nokia C20 Plus if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for simple apps, and appreciate the benefits of an octa-core processor for multitasking and future-proofing within this ultra-budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C20 Plus struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Nokia C20 Plus won't offer a blazing-fast experience, its octa-core processor and 2GB of RAM should handle basic usage of Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. However, running multiple apps simultaneously may cause slowdowns. The ZTE Blade L9 will likely struggle more with these apps due to its quad-core processor.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chip known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chip designed for efficiency, not high performance. Overheating is unlikely during typical usage scenarios like calls, messaging, and light web browsing. However, extended gaming or demanding tasks could lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly. The 28nm process node isn't the most efficient, but the chip's low clock speeds mitigate this.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps at the same time without slowing down?
Multitasking is a weakness for both phones, but the Nokia C20 Plus handles it better. The octa-core processor allows for smoother switching between apps compared to the ZTE Blade L9’s quad-core chip. However, don't expect to run many demanding apps simultaneously on either device.
