Looking for an affordable smartphone for your child or a secondary device? The ZTE Gabb Z2 and ZTE Blade A3 Prime are both contenders in the budget phone market. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same core chipset, resulting in similar performance. The Gabb Z2's unique selling point is its parental control features, making it ideal for kids. The Blade A3 Prime might offer slightly better software support and potentially a more refined user experience, but the difference is minimal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2020, June. Released 2020, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 147 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.79 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) | 146 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.75 x 2.80 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.9% 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 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2650 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2660 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Models | - | Z5157V |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 50 EUR |
ZTE Gabb Z2
- Excellent parental controls
- Safe and secure for children
- Durable design
- No social media access
- Limited features compared to standard smartphones
- Basic camera performance
- Potentially slower software updates
ZTE Blade A3 Prime
- Standard smartphone features
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly more versatile
- Affordable price
- Lacks parental control features
- Basic camera performance
- Limited processing power
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display (720 x 1600 pixels). While the panels are likely similar in quality, the Blade A3 Prime might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially different panel sourcing. However, the difference will be negligible for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Gabb Z2 likely features a basic dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor). The Blade A3 Prime probably has a similar configuration, potentially with a slightly improved main sensor or image processing. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be underwhelming on both.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio A22, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, calling, and messaging. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily. The Blade A3 Prime *might* have slightly better RAM management due to potential software optimizations, but the core performance will be very similar.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization will depend on the software version and usage patterns. Expect similar battery performance from both devices.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Gabb Z2 is perfect for parents seeking a safe and controlled smartphone experience for their children, with built-in parental controls and no social media access. The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is a better choice for users who want a basic smartphone with standard features and potentially longer software support, without the parental control restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the main difference between the Gabb Z2 and Blade A3 Prime?
The Gabb Z2's primary focus is parental control and safety features, while the Blade A3 Prime is a more standard budget smartphone.
❓ Can I install apps on the ZTE Gabb Z2?
Yes, but the Gabb Z2 has a curated app store and restricts access to social media and other potentially harmful apps.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which phone has better software updates?
The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is *likely* to receive slightly more frequent software updates, although both phones are budget devices and updates may be limited.