The ZTE Blade Vantage 2 and Nokia C100 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver a functional Android experience at a price point that makes smartphone ownership accessible to a wider audience. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic, functional smartphone, the Nokia C100 edges out the ZTE Blade Vantage 2. While both share identical core hardware, Nokia’s brand reputation for software support and potential for longer-term updates provides a slight advantage in longevity, despite the minimal price difference.
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 13 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2022, January 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 149.6 x 71.9 x 9.7 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue |
| Models | - | TA-1484, TA-1520, N152DL |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade Vantage 2
- Potentially lowest price point available.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Mediatek Helio A22 offers decent efficiency.
- Likely limited software updates.
- Camera performance will be subpar.
Nokia C100
- Nokia's reputation for software support.
- Clean Android experience (potentially Android Go).
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Camera performance will be subpar.
- Price may be slightly higher than ZTE.
Display Comparison
Both the ZTE Blade Vantage 2 and Nokia C100 utilize unspecified display technologies, but given their price point, it’s safe to assume they are IPS LCD panels. Without knowing the resolution or brightness levels, it’s difficult to assess display quality. However, the shared chipset suggests similar graphical capabilities, meaning neither device will excel in demanding visual tasks. Expect basic readability in indoor environments, but potential struggles in direct sunlight. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both the ZTE Blade Vantage 2 and Nokia C100 is expected to be minimal. Details regarding camera sensors are unavailable, but given the price point, they likely feature low-resolution sensors. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but will suffer significantly in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) further limits their photographic capabilities. Any marketing emphasizing camera features should be viewed with skepticism; these phones are not designed for serious photography.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) chipset paired with a Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration delivers adequate performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, web browsing, and light social media use. The 12nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency for this class of processor. However, users should expect noticeable lag when multitasking or running more demanding applications. The identical hardware means performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two devices, making RAM and storage speed (which are unspecified) potential differentiating factors.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are unspecified for both devices. However, the power-efficient Helio A22 chipset suggests reasonable battery life for light usage. Expect a full charge to last a full day with moderate use, primarily consisting of calls, texts, and occasional web browsing. Faster charging is unlikely to be a feature on either device, meaning a full charge will likely take several hours using a standard charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade Vantage 2 if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest price possible and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates. Buy the Nokia C100 if you value a more established brand with a history of providing Android updates, even on entry-level devices, and appreciate a slightly cleaner software experience. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones receive Android updates beyond their initial release version?
Software update support is limited on both devices. Nokia has a slightly better track record of providing at least one major Android update on their entry-level phones, but it's not guaranteed. The ZTE Blade Vantage 2 is less likely to receive any significant updates. Expect both to eventually reach their end-of-life software support.
❓ Can these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While technically capable of *running* these games, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset and limited RAM will result in a very poor gaming experience. Expect low frame rates, significant lag, and graphical settings limited to the lowest possible options. These phones are not designed for gaming.
❓ Do these phones support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for basic internet access and data speeds. However, speeds will vary depending on network coverage and congestion.
