Looking for an affordable smartphone without breaking the bank? The ZTE Gabb Z2 and ZTE Blade A51 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. 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 A51 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 A51 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| 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) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 162 g (5.71 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% 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 11 (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, AF
2 MP |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2650 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 140 EUR | - |
ZTE Gabb Z2
- Excellent parental control features
- Simple and secure for children
- Durable design (likely)
- Affordable price
- Limited performance
- Basic display
- Fewer features compared to competitors
- Older chipset
ZTE Blade A51
- Better performance (octa-core processor)
- More versatile for general use
- Potentially slightly better camera
- More features and app compatibility
- Parental controls are less robust
- Basic display
- Budget-level build quality
- Unisoc chipset isn't top-tier
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively basic LCD displays, likely around 6.2-6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Blade A51 might have a slightly higher resolution, potentially offering a marginally sharper image, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP-16MP, potentially accompanied by a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Blade A51's more powerful processor *might* allow for slightly better image processing, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Performance
Here's where the Blade A51 takes a clear lead. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers significantly more processing power than the Gabb Z2's quad-core Mediatek Helio A22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Blade A51. The Gabb Z2 will likely struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely pack batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Battery life should be respectable, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. The Blade A51's more efficient processor could give it a slight edge in battery endurance.
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 A51 is a better choice for users wanting a more versatile smartphone with improved performance and a wider range of features for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the main difference between the Gabb Z2 and the Blade A51?
The Gabb Z2 focuses on parental controls and a simplified user experience for children, while the Blade A51 offers better overall performance and a wider range of features for general smartphone use.
❓ Can I play games on the ZTE Blade A51?
Yes, the Blade A51's octa-core processor will handle most casual games reasonably well. However, don't expect to play demanding, graphics-intensive games smoothly.