The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the ZTE Blade V10 Vita and Coolpad Legacy 5G are two contenders vying for your attention. While both offer access to next-generation networks, they take drastically different approaches to achieving that connectivity. This comparison dissects the core hardware differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the ZTE Blade V10 Vita’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it better suited for demanding tasks and sustained use. However, the V10 Vita remains a viable option for basic users on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, March | 2020, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.1 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm (6.19 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 165 x 77 x 9.5 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (64/3GB model only) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3200 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | - | About 360 EUR |
ZTE Blade V10 Vita
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May offer longer standby time due to less demanding processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
- Likely lacks fast charging support
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support
- Better camera image processing
- Higher price than the ZTE Blade V10 Vita
- Battery life may be slightly lower under heavy load
- May still lack premium features found in higher-end phones
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. The ZTE Blade V10 Vita, with its Unisoc chipset, likely features a lower-quality panel with standard refresh rates. The Coolpad Legacy 5G, benefiting from the Snapdragon 765G’s ISP, may offer slightly better color reproduction and viewing angles. However, neither is expected to compete with higher-end OLED displays in terms of contrast or vibrancy. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Coolpad Legacy 5G’s Snapdragon 765G ISP will likely provide superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. While both may include multiple lenses, the quality of those lenses and sensors is likely to be modest. Expect the Coolpad to handle low-light conditions more effectively due to its superior image signal processing. The presence of a 5G modem also suggests a more modern ISP, capable of handling higher data throughput for image and video capture.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Coolpad Legacy 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the ZTE Blade V10 Vita’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 7nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to significantly better performance and reduced thermal throttling. The Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo CPU architecture (1x2.4 GHz Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Gold, 6x1.8 GHz Silver) is far more capable than the Unisoc’s octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This difference will be most noticeable in multitasking, app loading times, and gaming. The Snapdragon 765G also includes a more powerful Adreno GPU, enabling smoother graphics performance. The Coolpad Legacy 5G also supports Quick Charge 3.0, a benefit the ZTE Blade V10 Vita lacks.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the exact mAh capacities are unknown, the Coolpad Legacy 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the ZTE Blade V10 Vita. The 18W wired charging with QC3 support on the Coolpad is a significant advantage, allowing for faster charging times compared to the likely slower, non-QC charging on the ZTE. This means less downtime and more time using the device.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V10 Vita if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. You're accepting significant performance compromises. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and the benefits of a more powerful processor, even if it means spending a bit more. This is the choice for users who want a phone that won't feel sluggish after a few months of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Legacy 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 765G is a relatively efficient chipset, and the Coolpad Legacy 5G likely incorporates basic thermal management solutions. While some throttling is possible during prolonged, demanding gaming, it shouldn't be a major issue. The 7nm process node contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to the ZTE's 28nm chip.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Coolpad Legacy 5G truly useful, or will it drain the battery quickly?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. When 5G is available, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds. Battery drain will be higher when actively using 5G compared to 4G, but the Snapdragon 765G’s power efficiency helps mitigate this. You can always switch to 4G to conserve battery life when 5G isn't necessary.
❓ Can the ZTE Blade V10 Vita handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag?
The ZTE Blade V10 Vita can *run* these apps, but expect a less fluid experience. The Unisoc SC9863A struggles with multitasking and demanding applications. Scrolling through feeds and loading videos may be noticeably slower compared to the Coolpad Legacy 5G. It's suitable for light social media use, but not for heavy users.
