Zte Blade A52 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 A52 is a budget-friendly smartphone that was announced in June 2022 and released on the same day. This device is equipped with a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display, an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset, and a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 13 MP main sensor, a 2 MP macro lens, and a 2 MP depth sensor. On the front, there is a 5 MP selfie camera. The Blade A52 runs on Android 11 and comes with 2GB or 4GB of RAM, as well as 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Other notable features include a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, NFC support, and a 5000 mAh battery with 10W wired charging.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the ZTE Blade A52 certainly doesn't disappoint. The phone boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a slim profile and curved edges that make it comfortable to hold and use. Its dimensions of 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) and weight of 214 g (7.55 oz) make it a bit larger and heavier than some other devices in its class, but it's still manageable for most users.

The materials used in the phone's construction are of good quality, with a sturdy plastic frame and a glass front that's resistant to scratches and other damage. The back panel has a matte finish that's easy to grip and provides some additional protection against drops and impacts. While the phone doesn't offer any water or dust resistance, it's still a reliable and durable device that can withstand daily wear and tear.

In terms of ergonomics and comfort, the ZTE Blade A52 scores high marks. The placement of the buttons and ports is intuitive, and the fingerprint sensor on the back is easy to reach and use. The phone's overall weight and size make it a bit unwieldy for one-handed use, but that's to be expected with a device of this size.

Overall, the ZTE Blade A52 is a well-designed and well-built phone that offers a premium feel at an affordable price point. It's not the most rugged or feature-packed device on the market, but it's certainly a solid choice for anyone in the market for a reliable and functional smartphone.

Display

The ZTE Blade A52 boasts a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio. This translates to a pixel density of around 269 pixels per inch. While this may not be the highest resolution out there, it is still able to deliver clear and sharp visuals that are good enough for most everyday usage.

The display technology used on the ZTE Blade A52 is IPS LCD. This type of display is known for its wide viewing angles and good color accuracy. The colors on the ZTE Blade A52 are vibrant and punchy, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. The brightness levels on this device are also decent, making it easy to view the display even under bright sunlight.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness on the ZTE Blade A52's display are also noteworthy. The device's display is highly responsive to touch, making it easy to navigate around the device's user interface and use apps.

Overall, while the ZTE Blade A52 may not have the highest resolution display out there, it is still a good enough display for most everyday usage. Users can expect to enjoy clear and sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and good touch sensitivity and responsiveness from this device.

Performance

The ZTE Blade A52 is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, which is a decent mid-range processor. It is an octa-core processor, with four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.2 GHz. This processor is paired with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the variant you choose.

In terms of performance, the ZTE Blade A52 is capable of handling day-to-day tasks with ease. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is smooth. However, it is not the most powerful phone out there, and it struggles with more demanding tasks like gaming. It is still possible to play games on this device, but you will need to lower the graphics settings to get a smooth gameplay experience.

In benchmark tests, the ZTE Blade A52 performs reasonably well. It scored around 80,000 in AnTuTu, which is in line with other mid-range devices. In Geekbench, it scored around 160 in the single-core test and around 850 in the multi-core test.

Overall, the ZTE Blade A52 offers decent performance for its price point. It is not the most powerful phone out there, but it is more than capable of handling day-to-day tasks. If you are looking for a budget phone that can handle basic tasks and light gaming, then the ZTE Blade A52 is a solid choice.

Software and User Interface

V. Software and User Interface

The ZTE Blade A52 runs on Android 11 with ZTE's custom UI skin on top. The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, with customization options that allow you to tailor the phone's appearance to your liking.

There are a few pre-installed apps and bloatware, but most of them can be uninstalled or disabled to free up storage space. The phone also supports gesture navigation, which can make using the device more intuitive and efficient.

In terms of updates, ZTE has a decent track record of providing software support for its devices. However, it's unclear how long the Blade A52 will receive updates, so it's worth keeping in mind if you're someone who values long-term software support.

Overall, the Blade A52's software and user interface are solid, but not particularly noteworthy. If you're looking for a phone with a clean, stock Android experience, this might not be the device for you. However, if you're okay with a few pre-installed apps and some UI customization, the Blade A52 should be more than sufficient.

Camera

The ZTE Blade A52 boasts a triple rear camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor, 2 MP macro sensor, and 2 MP depth sensor. The camera app is user-friendly and offers a range of features such as HDR mode and LED flash.

The image quality is decent with good color reproduction and sharpness in well-lit conditions. However, the camera struggles in low-light conditions and the images tend to appear grainy and washed out. The macro sensor is a nice addition and allows for detailed close-up shots.

Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps which is expected at this price range. The lack of stabilization results in shaky footage while moving but overall, the video quality is satisfactory.

The front-facing camera is a 5 MP sensor that is suitable for basic selfies and video calls. It supports 720p video recording at 30fps.

Overall, the camera performance of the ZTE Blade A52 is average for a budget smartphone. It is a suitable choice for casual photography and social media use but doesn't match up to the camera performance of higher-end devices.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity and networking, the ZTE Blade A52 definitely holds its own. It’s a dual SIM device that can accommodate two nano-SIM cards and supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. This means that users can enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds and uninterrupted communication no matter where they are.

The phone also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing users to connect to wireless networks and other devices with ease. There’s even NFC support, which means that the phone can be used for contactless payments and other transactions. GPS and GLONASS are also available for accurate navigation and location tracking.

In terms of sensors, the ZTE Blade A52 has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner that ensures secure and easy access to the phone. There’s also an accelerometer and proximity sensor that enhances the phone’s functionality and user experience.

The phone also boasts a USB Type-C 2.0 port, which enables fast data transfer and charging. It supports OTG as well, which is useful for connecting external storage devices and other peripherals.

All in all, the ZTE Blade A52 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to connectivity and networking. It’s a well-rounded device that offers seamless communication and connectivity options for users on the go.

Additional Features

The ZTE Blade A52 is a budget phone that packs some impressive additional features. Firstly, it comes with a water and dust resistant design, which is not common in phones in this price range. This means that accidental splashes of water or dust won't damage the phone.

Secondly, the phone has expandable storage options with a microSDXC card slot, which allows users to store more photos, videos, and music on their device.

The audio quality of the phone is impressive, with a loudspeaker that produces clear and loud sound. Additionally, the phone comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming a rare feature in modern phones.

The speaker performance of the phone is also worth mentioning. The sound quality is decent, and the volume is sufficient for watching videos or listening to music without needing external speakers.

Lastly, the phone features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for added security and convenience. The sensor is fast and accurate, allowing users to unlock their phone with just a touch of their finger.

Overall, the ZTE Blade A52 offers some impressive additional features that are not commonly found in phones in this price range. From water and dust resistance to expandable storage options and a reliable fingerprint sensor, this phone is a great value for its price.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the ZTE Blade A52 with other related phones, it becomes apparent that it competes in the budget smartphone market. Two other phones that come to mind in this category are the Nokia 2.4 and the Samsung Galaxy A02s.

In terms of design and build quality, the Nokia 2.4 and Samsung Galaxy A02s are similar to the ZTE Blade A52, with plastic construction and similar dimensions. However, the ZTE Blade A52 has a slightly larger screen with a higher screen-to-body ratio compared to the Nokia 2.4.

In terms of performance, the ZTE Blade A52 has an octa-core processor and a Unisoc chipset, while the Nokia 2.4 has a MediaTek Helio P22 processor and the Samsung Galaxy A02s has a Snapdragon 450 processor. The ZTE Blade A52 and Samsung Galaxy A02s both have 2GB of RAM, while the Nokia 2.4 has 3GB of RAM.

When it comes to the camera, the ZTE Blade A52 has a triple rear camera setup with a 13MP main sensor, while the Nokia 2.4 and Samsung Galaxy A02s have dual rear cameras with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. All three phones have a 5MP front-facing camera.

In terms of battery life, the ZTE Blade A52 has a 5000mAh battery, which is larger than the Nokia 2.4's 4500mAh battery and the Samsung Galaxy A02s's 5000mAh battery. However, the Nokia 2.4 and Samsung Galaxy A02s both have faster charging capabilities with 10W and 15W charging respectively, compared to the ZTE Blade A52's 10W charging capability.

Overall, while the ZTE Blade A52 competes in the budget smartphone market, it has some advantages over the Nokia 2.4 and Samsung Galaxy A02s in terms of screen size and camera capabilities. However, the Nokia 2.4 and Samsung Galaxy A02s both have faster charging capabilities, making them more convenient for users who need to charge their phone quickly on-the-go.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ZTE Blade A52 is a budget-friendly phone with impressive features and capabilities. Its sleek and modern design, combined with a large and vibrant display, makes it an attractive option for those looking for a phone with a large screen. The phone's performance is on par with other phones in its price range, thanks to its octa-core processor and ample RAM. The camera setup is decent and capable of capturing good quality photos and videos. The battery life is impressive, and the phone supports fast charging, making it a great option for those who are always on the go.

While it does have some limitations, like the lack of water and dust resistance, the ZTE Blade A52 is still a great value for its price. It is an excellent choice for individuals who want a budget-friendly phone without compromising on performance or features. Overall, we highly recommend the ZTE Blade A52 to anyone in the market for an affordable smartphone that can deliver excellent performance.