Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Gabb Z2 and ZTE Blade A5 2020 are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A5 2020 edges out the Gabb Z2 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While the Gabb Z2's focus on parental controls is a unique selling point, the Blade A5 2020 provides a more well-rounded experience for general use.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 28, 66 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 |
| 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) | 156.7 x 72.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.86 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0/ Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2650 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, Green |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.48 W/kg (head) |
ZTE Gabb Z2
- Excellent parental control features
- Simple and secure operating environment
- Durable design (often marketed towards children)
- Lower performance compared to competitors
- Smaller battery capacity
- Limited app selection
ZTE Blade A5 2020
- Better performance due to octa-core processor
- Larger battery capacity for longer battery life
- More versatile smartphone experience
- Fewer parental control features
- Older chipset (28nm process)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.2-inch HD+ display (720 x 1520 pixels). While the resolution is similar, the Blade A5 2020 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better panel technology, though detailed reviews are needed to confirm. Viewing angles are likely comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Gabb Z2 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The Blade A5 2020 usually has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor as well. Image quality will likely be similar, with both phones struggling in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are likely limited to 1080p on both devices.
Performance
Here's where the Blade A5 2020 takes a clear lead. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, while on a slightly older 28nm process, offers more cores and a more efficient architecture than the Gabb Z2's quad-core Mediatek Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Blade A5 2020. The Gabb Z2's 12nm process is more modern, but the core count difference is significant.
Battery Life
The Blade A5 2020 generally packs a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life for a full day of moderate use. The Gabb Z2 typically has a 3500mAh battery, which is adequate but will require more frequent charging, especially with heavier usage.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Gabb Z2 is ideal for parents seeking a phone with robust parental control features and limited app access for their children. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is a better choice for users wanting a more versatile smartphone with a faster processor and a wider range of features for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the main difference between the Gabb Z2 and the Blade A5 2020?
The Gabb Z2 focuses on parental controls and a simplified user experience, while the Blade A5 2020 offers better performance and a more standard smartphone experience.
❓ Is the Gabb Z2 good for gaming?
No, the Gabb Z2's processor is not powerful enough for demanding games. It's better suited for basic apps and communication.