ZTE Blade A2 Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of ZTE Blade A2

The ZTE Blade A2 is a compact and efficient smartphone that was announced and released in June 2016. Although it has been discontinued, it remains a notable device in the ZTE lineup for its combination of affordability and balanced features. Its sleek design, suitable hardware configuration, and essential functionalities make it an interesting choice for users looking for a budget-friendly device.

Body and Design

The design of the ZTE Blade A2 is minimalistic and practical, encapsulated within dimensions of 143.8 x 70.2 x 7.9 mm and weighing just 135 grams. Its slim profile complements its portability, making it easy to handle and carry. The device supports a hybrid dual SIM configuration, allowing users to either use two SIM cards or one SIM card with a microSD card for extra storage. Its silver color adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.

Display

The Blade A2 features a 5.0-inch IPS LCD display, delivering clear and vibrant visuals with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 68.3%, allowing for a satisfactory viewing experience. With a pixel density of around 294 ppi, the display is suited for everyday tasks like browsing, reading, and watching videos, ensuring that images and text appear sharp and detailed.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the ZTE Blade A2 is powered by the MediaTek MT6750 chipset. This 28nm processor houses an octa-core CPU, consisting of four cores clocked at 1.5 GHz for performance-intensive tasks and four cores at 1.0 GHz for efficiency. The Mali-T860MP2 GPU supports graphics processing, making it adequate for general multimedia activities and light gaming.

Initially launched with Android 5.1 (Lollipop), the device is upgradable to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), skinned with ZTE's MiFavor 3.2 UI. This provides users with options for customizations and an overall user-friendly experience.

Memory and Storage

The device is equipped with 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic multitasking and day-to-day applications. With an internal storage capacity of 16GB, users have access to moderate space for apps, media, and other data. For those in need of additional storage, the presence of a microSDXC card slot, shared with one of the SIM slots, enables expansion of storage capacity.

Camera Capabilities

The photography aspect of the ZTE Blade A2 is managed by a 13MP main camera equipped with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. This camera setup allows for capturing decent quality images and videos at 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing 5MP camera, also featuring an LED flash, is designed for selfies and video calls, meeting the basic needs of photography and video recording.

Battery Life

This smartphone is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 2500 mAh battery. Its capacity is adequate for a moderate day of usage, providing sufficient power for daily tasks such as calling, messaging, browsing the internet, and consuming media. Although not the largest in terms of capacity, the battery ensures that the device remains lightweight.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE Blade A2 supports multiple network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, CDMA2000, and LTE, ensuring versatile connectivity options. Its support for 2G, 3G, and 4G bands means users can connect over a wide range of networks. In terms of data speeds, the device is capable of achieving HSPA speeds of up to 42.2/5.76 Mbps and LTE speeds of up to 300/50 Mbps.

Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0 with support for A2DP, GPS for navigation, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support. However, it lacks NFC technology.

Audio and Additional Features

Audio features of the ZTE Blade A2 include a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to traditional audio needs. It also includes an FM radio for on-the-go entertainment and information.

Additional sensors integrated into the device include a fingerprint sensor, located on the rear for convenient unlocking, along with an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass.

Pricing and Availability

Initially launched at an approximate price of 130 EUR, the ZTE Blade A2 was positioned as an affordable smartphone option, offering a balance of essential features and performance. Although now discontinued, it provided a viable option for users seeking budget-friendly devices during its time of availability.