The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade V40s and the Honor X7a. Both promise solid features at an affordable price, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X7a edges out the ZTE Blade V40s thanks to its slightly better chipset and reverse charging capability. While both offer good value, the X7a's overall performance and added convenience make it the preferred choice for most users seeking a reliable budget device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 04 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 04 | Available. Released 2023, January 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.5 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.30 in) | 167.5 x 76.9 x 8.3 mm (6.59 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc UMS512T T618 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765H Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, MyOS 12 | Android 12, Magic UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | 22.5W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5330 or 6000 mAh (market/region dependent) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Titanium Silver, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black |
| Models | - | RKY-LX1, RKY-LX2, RKY-LX3 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 120 EUR |
ZTE Blade V40s
- Potentially better display color accuracy
- Clean software experience
- Higher resolution main camera (potentially)
- Weaker chipset compared to Honor X7a
- No reverse charging
- Unisoc chipset reputation for inconsistent performance
Honor X7a
- Slightly better chipset performance
- 5W reverse charging capability
- Generally more consistent performance
- Potentially slightly less vibrant display
- Camera performance may vary depending on software
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large 6.6-inch displays, likely with an LCD panel. The ZTE Blade V40s may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Resolution is likely FHD+ on both, providing a decent viewing experience for the price.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are crucial. The ZTE Blade V40s typically boasts a higher resolution main camera (often 64MP or higher), while the Honor X7a might have a more balanced multi-camera setup. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing and sensor size, requiring a detailed comparison to determine the winner.
Performance
The Honor X7a's MediaTek Helio G37 chipset holds a slight advantage over the ZTE Blade V40s' Unisoc T618. While both are entry-level processors, the Helio G37 generally offers better performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. The ZTE's Cortex-A75 cores *could* offer a slight boost in specific scenarios, but overall, the X7a is more consistent.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Honor X7a's inclusion of 5W reverse charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade V40s is ideal for users prioritizing a clean software experience and a potentially slightly better display (depending on specific panel details). The Honor X7a is a better fit for those needing a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and appreciate the added benefit of reverse charging for accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X7a is generally better for gaming due to its slightly more powerful chipset. However, both phones are entry-level and won't handle demanding games smoothly.
❓ Can the Honor X7a charge other devices?
Yes, the Honor X7a supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
