The ZTE Blade V20 and Google Pixel 4a 5G represent distinct approaches to the affordable 5G smartphone market. The Blade V20 aims for broad appeal with a focus on core functionality, while the Pixel 4a 5G leverages Google’s computational photography and a more refined chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your priorities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers significantly better performance and a smoother user experience, complemented by Google’s excellent camera software. While the ZTE Blade V20 offers a lower price point, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2020, November 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 153.9 x 74 x 8.2 mm (Sub-6) or 8.5 mm (Sub-6 and mmWave) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | - | 168 g (5G Sub-6); 171 g ( 5G Sub-6 and mmWave) (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~413 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 | 6.2 inches, 95.7 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | OLED, HDR |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), MiFavor 9.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 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 |
| Triple | 16 MP, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 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, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3885 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Just Black, Clearly White |
| Models | V1050 | GD1YQ, G025I, G025E, G025H, G6QU3 |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
ZTE Blade V20
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks.
- 18W wired charging is standard.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Pixel 4a 5G.
- Likely inferior camera quality.
- Limited software update support.
Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 765G.
- Excellent camera quality with Google’s computational photography.
- Guaranteed software updates and security patches.
- Higher price than the ZTE Blade V20.
- 18W charging isn't the fastest available.
- May be slightly larger and heavier.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both are likely to utilize IPS LCD panels, given their price points. However, the Pixel 4a 5G benefits from Google’s image processing, potentially offering more accurate color reproduction. The Blade V20’s display specifications are minimal, suggesting a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 4a 5G, while also 60Hz, benefits from the overall software optimization, leading to a perceived smoother experience. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 4a 5G’s camera system is a clear advantage. While specific sensor details are missing for the Blade V20, it’s likely to feature a lower-resolution main sensor and less sophisticated image processing. The Pixel 4a 5G leverages Google’s renowned computational photography algorithms, delivering excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, and impressive low-light performance. The Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) also contributes to faster image processing and improved video recording capabilities. The Blade V20 will likely rely more on hardware specifications, potentially struggling in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The ZTE Blade V20’s octa-core 2.0 GHz CPU is a generic configuration, likely based on a MediaTek or Unisoc chipset. In contrast, the Google Pixel 4a 5G’s Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a far more capable processor. The 7nm fabrication process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency. The Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo CPU architecture – with its Prime, Gold, and Silver cores – dynamically allocates tasks for optimal performance and power consumption. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Pixel 4a 5G. The 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, offering faster and more reliable 5G connectivity.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, but the Pixel 4a 5G adds support for USB Power Delivery 2.0 (PD2.0), offering potentially faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Blade V20, the Pixel 4a 5G’s battery size, combined with the Snapdragon 765G’s power efficiency, should result in longer real-world battery life. The PD2.0 support on the Pixel 4a 5G allows for more intelligent charging, optimizing battery health over time.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade V20 if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality, and are willing to compromise on performance and camera quality. It’s a suitable option for users who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G if you value a responsive user experience, a capable camera system, and guaranteed software updates. It’s ideal for users who enjoy photography, gaming, or rely on a smooth, reliable smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G in the Pixel 4a 5G powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running Genshin Impact, though you may need to lower graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The 765G’s Adreno 620 GPU provides sufficient graphical horsepower for most mobile games, and the optimized software on the Pixel 4a 5G helps maintain stable frame rates.
❓ How does the Pixel 4a 5G’s camera perform in low-light conditions compared to the ZTE Blade V20?
The Pixel 4a 5G excels in low-light photography thanks to Google’s Night Sight mode. It utilizes computational photography to capture more light and reduce noise, resulting in brighter and more detailed images. The ZTE Blade V20, lacking the same software enhancements, will likely produce noticeably darker and noisier photos in low-light environments.
❓ Will the Pixel 4a 5G receive long-term software and security updates?
Yes, the Google Pixel 4a 5G is guaranteed to receive regular software and security updates directly from Google for several years. This ensures your phone remains secure and benefits from the latest Android features, a significant advantage over the ZTE Blade V20, which typically receives less frequent and shorter-term support.
