Zte Blade A3 Prime Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is an affordable budget smartphone that offers a decent balance of features and performance for its price. With a price tag under $100, it is one of the better options in its price range. While it may not compete with high-end flagship phones, it provides adequate performance and solid connectivity. However, it does have some drawbacks in terms of battery life and sporadic Android security patch updates.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the ZTE Blade A3 Prime is reminiscent of older budget phones with its candy bar shape and plastic back. It has a compact form factor, measuring 5.8 by 2.8 by 0.4 inches and weighing 5.7 ounces, making it comfortable to hold in one hand. The 5.45-inch LCD display has thick bezels, and while the resolution is relatively low at 720p, it still offers a crisp display with decent color accuracy. The back of the phone is textured gray plastic, which can be removed to access the removable battery and insert SIM and microSD cards. The placement of the buttons is convenient, although there is a slight lag in response.

Display

The ZTE Blade A3 Prime features a 5.45-inch LCD display with a resolution of 720 by 1440 pixels. While the resolution may not be the highest, the display still offers a decent level of clarity and sharpness. Color accuracy is decent, but it tends to skew towards cooler tones. Visibility in direct sunlight can be a bit challenging due to the screen's reflective nature.

Performance

The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 processor and 2GB of RAM, which provides adequate performance for basic tasks. It can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming with relative ease. However, there may be some noticeable lag when running more demanding apps or multitasking. The device also comes with 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card.

Software and User Interface

The phone runs on Android 10, which provides a clean and user-friendly interface. However, one drawback is the sporadic Android security patch updates, which may be a concern for some users. It is important to note that the phone does not come with any bloatware, offering a near-stock Android experience.

Camera

The Blade A3 Prime is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with dual-LED flash and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. The camera performance is mediocre, with average image quality and limited dynamic range. It is suitable for basic photography needs, but don't expect professional-level shots. The camera app offers a few basic modes and settings, but it lacks advanced features found in higher-end smartphones.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A3 Prime is powered by a removable 2,660mAh battery. Unfortunately, the battery life is below average, lasting around 6 hours and 3 minutes in PCMag's battery test. This means that heavy users may need to charge the device multiple times throughout the day. However, the advantage of having a removable battery is the ability to easily swap it out for a fully charged one.

Connectivity and Networking

The phone offers solid connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS for positioning, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, it does not support NFC or FM radio. The call quality is good, with clear audio and minimal distortion. The device also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

In comparison to other budget smartphones, the ZTE Blade A3 Prime offers a competitive set of features. However, if you are willing to spend a little more and shop around for discounts, there are better options available in the $130 to $180 price range. Phones such as the Motorola Moto E and Moto G Power offer superior performance, camera quality, and battery life at a slightly higher price point.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Overall, the ZTE Blade A3 Prime is a decent budget smartphone that offers a good balance of features and performance for its price. It provides adequate performance for basic tasks, solid connectivity, and good call quality. However, it falls short in terms of battery life and camera performance. The sporadic Android security patch updates may also be a concern for some users. If you are on a tight budget and need a simple smartphone for everyday use, the Blade A3 Prime is worth considering. However, if you can stretch your budget a little, there are better options available in the market.