Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade V30 and A52 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, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade V30 is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera performance make it a better choice despite potentially a slightly higher price. The A52 remains a basic option for those on the tightest budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - Mexico | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 26, 28, 66 - Mexico | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 16 | 2022, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77.8 x 8.9 mm (6.53 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 214 g (7.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T618 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue |
| Models | 9030 | - |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 90 EUR |
ZTE Blade V30
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc Tiger T618)
- Faster 18W charging
- Likely better camera performance
- Improved multitasking
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May lack some of the ultra-budget features of the A52
ZTE Blade A52
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Weak chipset (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slow 10W charging
- Subpar camera performance
- Laggy performance with multiple apps
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature similar LCD displays (around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution), the V30 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset and potential software optimizations. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The V30 is expected to have a superior camera system. While specific megapixel counts are not confirmed, the more powerful chipset allows for better image processing, improved low-light performance, and potentially more advanced features like AI scene detection. The A52's camera will be adequate for basic snapshots but won't deliver exceptional results.
Performance
The Unisoc Tiger T618 in the V30 is a substantial upgrade over the SC9863A in the A52. The V30's Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in processing power, resulting in noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. The A52 will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh). However, the V30's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the A52's 10W charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade V30 is ideal for users who want a smoother experience, better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a more capable camera. The ZTE Blade A52 is best suited for users with extremely limited budgets who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and occasional social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade V30 worth the extra money compared to the A52?
Yes, the V30's improved performance and faster charging make it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows. The A52 is only recommended for those needing the absolute cheapest option.
❓ What kind of games can I play on the ZTE Blade V30?
The V30 can handle light to moderately demanding games at lower settings. Don't expect to play the latest AAA titles smoothly, but it's suitable for casual gaming.