Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade L9 and A3 Plus are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus edges out the L9 thanks to its superior chipset (MediaTek MT6739W) and slightly faster processor. While both are budget phones, the A3 Plus delivers a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 10 | 2022, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 10 | Available. Released 2022, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 in) | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) |
| 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) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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) | 3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black |
| Models | - | Z3353CA |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
ZTE Blade L9
- Very affordable
- Compact design
- Basic functionality
- Weak processor
- Limited storage
- Basic camera
- Lower battery life
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Better performance
- Slightly better battery life
- More responsive UI
- More modern chipset
- Still a budget phone
- Camera quality is average
- Design is basic
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively basic LCD displays, likely around 5.5-6 inches. The A3 Plus might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset, but don't expect flagship-level visuals. Resolution is likely to be HD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a rear dual-camera setup (likely 13MP + 2MP depth sensor) and a front-facing camera (likely 8MP). Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A3 Plus's better processor *might* allow for slightly improved image processing.
Performance
This is where the A3 Plus shines. The MediaTek MT6739W is significantly more powerful than the Unisoc SC7731e. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the A3 Plus. The L9 will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The A3 Plus likely has a larger battery capacity (around 3000mAh) compared to the L9 (around 2800mAh). This, combined with its more efficient chipset, should translate to slightly better battery life on the A3 Plus.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade L9 is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is ideal for those seeking a slightly better performance and a more responsive user experience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC7731e and the MediaTek MT6739W?
The MediaTek MT6739W is a significantly more powerful chipset than the Unisoc SC7731e, offering better performance and efficiency.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
Both phones are capable of running basic games, but the ZTE Blade A3 Plus will handle them better. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly on either device.
