The ZTE Blade Max View and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Blade Max View aims for affordability, while the Pixel 4a 5G brings Google’s software and a more powerful processor to a relatively accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers significantly better performance, 5G connectivity, and a more refined software experience. While the ZTE Blade Max View offers a lower entry price, the performance compromises are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6, mmWave (market dependant) |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019. Released 2019 | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.1 x 74.9 x 8.1 mm (6.42 x 2.95 x 0.32 in) | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 160 g (5.64 oz) | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8940 Snapdragon 435 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 107˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | Z610DL | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 140 EUR |
ZTE Blade Max View
- Significantly lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding processor (dependent on battery capacity)
- Basic smartphone functionality is covered
- Outdated Snapdragon 435 processor
- No 5G connectivity
- Likely inferior camera performance
- Slower app loading and multitasking
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Powerful Snapdragon 765G processor
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Excellent camera performance with Google’s image processing
- Smooth and responsive user experience
- Higher price compared to the ZTE Blade Max View
- May require more frequent charging due to more powerful processor
- Not the absolute cheapest option available
Display Comparison
While specific display specs for the ZTE Blade Max View are unavailable, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The Pixel 4a 5G, however, benefits from a more modern manufacturing process reflected in its chipset. The Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process allows for more efficient power usage, potentially contributing to better display performance and longevity. The Pixel 4a 5G’s display is likely to have better color accuracy and viewing angles due to its higher-tier components, though detailed measurements would be needed for confirmation.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the Blade Max View, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Pixel 4a 5G is known for its excellent computational photography capabilities, powered by Google’s image processing algorithms. While the Blade Max View may have a higher megapixel count, the Pixel 4a 5G’s superior image sensor and software processing will likely result in better dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality. The Pixel 4a 5G’s image processing is optimized for speed and clarity, a benefit stemming from the more powerful Snapdragon 765G.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade Max View’s Snapdragon 435, built on a 28nm process, is a significantly older and less powerful processor. Its octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU is geared towards basic tasks. In contrast, the Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) boasts a tri-cluster architecture – a high-performance Kryo 475 Prime core, a Kryo 475 Gold core, and six Kryo 475 Silver cores – offering a substantial performance uplift. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the Blade Max View. The 7nm process also means better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity figures are unavailable for the Blade Max View. The Pixel 4a 5G supports 18W wired charging with PD2.0, allowing for faster charging speeds compared to what the Blade Max View likely offers. While a larger battery capacity doesn’t always equate to longer battery life (due to processor efficiency and display power draw), the Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process contributes to better power management, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. The Pixel 4a 5G’s charging standard also ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade Max View if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality, and 5G connectivity isn't a necessity. It's suitable for users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make calls. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you value a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, better camera performance, and future-proofing with 5G support. It’s ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, photography, and want a phone that will remain responsive for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 435 in the ZTE Blade Max View struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 435 is a relatively weak processor and will likely struggle with graphically demanding games. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly, and even then, expect frame rate drops and stuttering. The Pixel 4a 5G’s Snapdragon 765G is far better suited for gaming.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 5G connectivity on the Pixel 4a 5G make?
The benefit of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE. This is particularly noticeable when streaming high-resolution video, downloading large files, or playing online games. If 5G isn't available in your area, the Pixel 4a 5G will fall back to 4G LTE.
❓ Is the software experience on the ZTE Blade Max View likely to be as smooth as on the Pixel 4a 5G?
No. The Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google’s clean and optimized Android experience, with guaranteed software updates. ZTE’s software is often heavily customized and may include bloatware, leading to a less fluid and potentially slower user experience. The Snapdragon 765G’s processing power further enhances the Pixel’s software responsiveness.