ZTE Blade A3 Plus Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Blade A3 Plus features a compact and lightweight design, measuring 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm and weighing 188 grams. Its small form factor makes it easy to hold and operate with one hand, catering especially to users who prefer a more traditional phone size. The device is made from a durable plastic body that offers a sturdy feel, resistant to everyday wear and tear. Available in a simple black color, it provides a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

Display

Equipped with a 5.0-inch TFT LCD, the ZTE Blade A3 Plus offers a display resolution of 480 x 960 pixels, reaching a density of approximately 215 ppi. While it doesn't match the vivid color and sharpness of higher-end panels, it is sufficient for basic tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos. The screen-to-body ratio stands at around 69.3%, offering a reasonable viewing experience for its size.

Performance

The ZTE Blade A3 Plus runs on the Mediatek MT6739W chipset, built on a 28nm process. It houses a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU with a clock speed of 1.5 GHz and a PowerVR GE8100 GPU. These components offer enough power for everyday smartphone activities such as social media, light gaming, and multimedia playback. However, the device is not suited for resource-intensive applications due to its entry-level hardware.

Software

Operating on Android 11 (Go edition), the ZTE Blade A3 Plus is designed to deliver a smooth experience on low-spec hardware. Android Go is optimized for efficient app management, improved data management, and longer battery life. It comes with Go-optimized versions of Google apps, which are lighter and consume less data and processing power.

Camera

The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera featuring an LED flash, capable of capturing decent images under well-lit conditions. It supports video recording at 720p@30fps, which is sufficient for basic video needs. On the front, there is a 3 MP camera suitable for selfies and video calls, though limited in terms of advanced features and low-light performance.

Storage and Memory

The device comes with 16 GB of internal storage, which can be considered limited by today's standards. However, it includes a microSDHC slot for expandable storage, allowing users to add more space for apps, photos, and media. With 2 GB of RAM, the device can handle basic multitasking but may struggle with more demanding apps or tasks.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A3 Plus houses a removable 2050 mAh Li-Ion battery. While relatively modest, it is sufficient for the device's low-power components. Users can expect a full day of moderate use, with tasks such as calling, texting, and occasional internet browsing. The removable battery feature allows users to carry a spare for extended usage without the need to recharge.

Network and Connectivity

The device supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, providing sufficient network coverage and speed for most regions. It covers 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, including bands 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, and 66 for 4G. Connectivity options are covered with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS, although it lacks NFC and radio. It features a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Sound

The ZTE Blade A3 Plus includes both a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatile audio output options. Users can enjoy music, videos, and calls either through external audio devices or directly from the phone.

Additional Features

The device lacks some modern sensors and features such as a fingerprint sensor, however, it covers the essentials needed for everyday use. The affordability of the phone makes it accessible to users looking for a budget-friendly option without the need for additional bells and whistles.

Pricing and Availability

Announced in January 2022 and released in the same month, the ZTE Blade A3 Plus remains available on the market. Priced at approximately 70 EUR, it is positioned as an entry-level smartphone targeting budget-conscious consumers looking for basic functionality at a low cost.