Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The ZTE Blade L9 and Samsung Galaxy A04e are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e takes the win. While the ZTE Blade L9 is incredibly affordable, the A04e's superior chipset, octa-core processor, and generally better camera performance make it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a reliable budget device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 10 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 10 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 70 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade L9
- Extremely affordable
- Compact size
- Decent basic functionality
- Weak performance
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Better performance
- Larger display
- Improved camera
- More modern chipset
- Samsung brand reliability
- Slightly more expensive than Blade L9
- LCD display (not OLED)
- Basic features overall
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04e typically features a larger display (around 6.5 inches) with a slightly higher resolution than the Blade L9 (around 6.1 inches). Both likely use LCD panels, so don't expect vibrant colors or exceptional brightness, but the A04e's larger size offers a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A04e generally boasts a more versatile camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens. While both phones offer basic camera capabilities, the A04e is likely to produce better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
This is where the A04e shines. The Mediatek Helio P35 chipset and octa-core processor significantly outperform the Blade L9's Unisoc SC7731e and quad-core Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the A04e.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the A04e's more efficient chipset might translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the ZTE Blade L9? Users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e? Those seeking a smoother experience, better performance for everyday tasks, and a slightly more capable camera, even within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and GPU. The ZTE Blade L9 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically have?
Both phones usually come with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The A04e's more efficient chipset will make the RAM feel more usable.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally provides better software updates and security patches compared to ZTE, giving the Galaxy A04e a longevity advantage.
