rating of 2021 and which inexpensive but good smartphone to choose

Many users who want to choose a smartphone from a Chinese manufacturer at a reasonable price prefer ZTE products. The reason for the popularity of this brand lies in the recognizable style, which is extremely difficult to achieve in the modern market, as well as the low cost of its devices. Our rating of ZTE smartphones will help you choose the best device for your needs. For convenience, the entire TOP was divided into three categories: inexpensive models, phones with a capacious battery, and flagships with maximum capabilities.

Rating of the TOP 10 best ZTE smartphones of 2020-2021

The cheapest

Inexperienced users often think that you can buy a smartphone with the lowest cost, and then use its modest features to the maximum. In fact, cheap models, although they look no worse than flagships, are much inferior in technical terms. It is impossible to make high-quality frames on them, and the performance is not enough to run even a simple 3D game. On the other hand, these phones are great for calls and other work moments.

ZTE Blade A3 2021 NFC

The name itself contains the main feature of this model. The NFC module has a fairly low cost, but it is rarely installed in such ultra-state employees. The autonomy of the device is provided by a 2600 mAh lithium-ion battery. Despite such a low capacity, the device is enough for a whole day of full-fledged work. This is due to the economical and budget Unisoc SC9832E processor and 1 GB of RAM. Of course, even the installed outdated Android 9.0 Go edition OS on such hardware works with frequent freezes.

Advantages:

• autonomy;
• NFC
• price.

Flaws:

• performance.

Price: 5,000 rubles.

ZTE Blade 20 Smart

Next in line we have a model that is more than twice the cost of the previous one. Such changes are due to the installation of a borderless IPS-display with a diagonal of 6.49 inches and a pixel density of 265 ppi. Indeed, the screen is considered the main feature of this model. However, do not underestimate the 5000 mAh battery, which is enough for two days of work. Running demanding games will not work due to the average MediaTek Helio P60 processor and only 4 GB of RAM.

Advantages:

• the number of ROM — 128 GB;
• autonomy;
• screen.

Flaws:

• photo quality.

Price: 11,500 rubles.

ZTE Blade V2020

Our top is completed by another model with a borderless screen and a diagonal of 6.53 inches. Unlike previous smartphones, the front camera in this model is located in the corner, not in the center. This not only changes the angle, but also makes the design more enjoyable. The main feature of this model is a quad camera with a resolution of 48 MP. Users also appreciated the quality of communication, which is on top in this gadget.

Advantages:

• display;
• camera;
• connection quality.

Flaws:

Price: 12,500 rubles.

How to choose a ZTE smartphone?

When choosing, consider the following characteristics:

Minuses

• little internal memory (32 GB);
• The brightness of the screen is clearly not enough.

ZTE Blade A3 (2020) 1/32GB

This model is the youngest in the Blade line, but not with the worst technical equipment..

Quite the contrary: the built-in memory is enough for everyday tasks, the aspect ratio is good, as are the viewing angles, there is enough brightness and richness in the image.

Removable battery. The cover is removed, inside there are 3 slots: 2 for SIM cards and one for a memory card.

The body is assembled well, does not flex when pressed, glossy. The microUSB connector is removed from the bottom side.

There is a hole for connecting wired headphones. The sensor is sensitive, works without delay. The mode of operation of several SIM-cards is alternate. There is a flight mode and it is possible to connect voice control.

Specifications:

• processor: UNISOC SC9832E;
• dimensions: 70.9×146.1×9.5 mm;
• weight: 160 g;
• image size; 1440×720;
• support for LTE bands: bands 1/3/5/7/8/20;
• Bluetooth: 4.2;
• WiFi: 802.11n
• video processor: Mali-T820;
• battery ZTE Blade A3: 2600 mAh.

pros

• responsive sensor;
• Full HD video recording;
• cheap;
• interesting body colors;
• enough RAM.

Minuses

• problems with positioning accuracy come out;
• in bright light, it is difficult to make out anything on the screen.

TOP 4 best ZTE smartphones with a good camera

ZTE Blade 20 Smart

Interesting budget model Chinese production with a capacious battery and decent camera.

Material — plastic of bright colors (red-black) and green. The event indicator is bright LED: it is clearly visible on the right side of the device.

The fingerprint sensor is slightly recessed into the plastic, but it feels comfortable to the touch and is located away from other important buttons, so you won’t touch it once again.

The combo slot holds either one SIM card and one memory card or a pair of SIM cards.

Display matrix — S-IPS at 6.49 inches is quite bright and detailed, covered with an oleophobic composition, buyers also do not complain about flicker.

The installed cameras shoot well even in the twilight, the pictures taken can be saved in RAW format. Autofocus works flawlessly.

Specifications:

• parameters: 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm;
• weighs 193.8 grams;
• contrast: 1932:1;
• maximum white brightness: 427 nits;
• Processor: 8-core Helio P6;
• RAM: 4 GB;
• battery capacity: 5000 mAh.

pros

• «iron» copes with any heavy games;
• all unused applications are closed automatically;
• heats up barely;
• unnecessary software can be removed;
• capacious battery;
• instant recognition of the owner by fingerprint;
• there is a noise suppression function during a call.

Minuses

• poor quality plastic case;
• due to the overestimation of the color temperature, the screen is unnecessarily blue.

ZTE Blade A7 (2020) 3/64GB

Device from the middle price category with good cameras: there are as many as 3 of them. Outwardly he

meets all fashion trends: laconic design, pleasant, but standing out from the rest, colors, narrow frames, due to which almost 90% of the front panel is occupied by the display.

2.5D glass protects the monitor from damage. The speaker is installed at the bottom, the lenses are vertically behind.

The IPS-display has good brightness (with a margin), clear detail and is comfortable to read from it at any time of the day and in any weather.

Android 9.0 Pie is clean and free of unnecessary apps and ads. Users note the smoothness of scene changes in games, the absence of braking and freezes.

The VoLTE function allows you to communicate in a more comfortable environment. The charger charges quickly.

Specifications:

• RAM: 23 GB;
• built-in memory: 32/64 GB;
• battery capacity: 4000 mAh;
• weight: 164 g;
• dimensions: 72.7x155x8.95 mm;
• image size: 1560×720;
• video processor: PowerVR GE8320.

pros

• user face recognition;
• a large battery reserve;
• NFC for contactless payment;
• cute in appearance;
• powerful processor.

Minuses

• it is difficult to find a cover for such parameters;
• low network stability.

ZTE Blade V10 Vita 3/64GB

The operating system on which the smartphone runs (Android 9.0) is almost perfectly clean: you will not find any software functions, let alone advertising, in it.

The device does not overheat even after many hours of operation, and what overheats — it becomes barely warm.

The best device for communication in social networks, work through office applications and mail can not be found.

The battery lasts for two days of work. The front camera lens is hidden in a tiny waterdrop notch, the bezels around the screen are barely visible.

The LED indicator is bright, located next to the conversational speaker. Display — with IPS-matrix and a decent resolution.

You can manually adjust the color settings.

Specifications:

• weight: 150 g;
• dimensions: 75.8×157.1×8.1 mm;
• aspect ratio: 19:9;
• 4 GB RAM;
• built-in storage: 64 GB;
• battery: 3200 mAh;
• USB OTG;
• LTE Cat.4.

pros

• VoWiFi support;
• face recognition function;
• can be used as a USB drive;
• there is a light sensor;
• voice control function;
• NFC.

Minuses

• difficult to find a cover;
• incomprehensible optimization system.

ZTE Blade A7 (2020) 2/32GB

For 2021, this is one of the most frequently purchased models of ZTE Corporation.. And this

no wonder: the whole set of options and technologies at a low price — who would refuse such a gift?

The model has a contactless payment module installed, there is an excellent triple camera for capturing the beauties of the world and selfies.

Thanks to an additional tray, you can install a second SIM card in your smartphone or increase the memory using a special device..

The protective glass prevents the screen from scratching. S-IPS matrix and wide viewing angles give the image no worse. than on many more expensive smartphones from other brands.

Buyers note smooth, no freezes, system operation.

There are 2 memory modifications available: 3 and 64 GB, 2 and 32 GB. LTE is installed, the battery is able to work for almost two days on a single charge.

Specifications:

• weight: 164 g;
• dimensions: 155 x 72.7 x 8.95 mm;
• Bluetooth: 4.2 with A2DP;
• battery capacity: 4000 mAh;
• video processor: PowerVR GE8320;
• WiFi: 802.11n
• number of pixels per inch (PPI): 282.

pros

• responsive sensor;
• uniform illumination;
• neat appearance;
• affordable price;
• saturated colors;
• weighs little.

Minuses

• there is no fixed data transfer mode;
• body gets dirty quickly.

The most expensive

Even though the above models meet the expectations of most users, they are still not perfect. For the most sophisticated technologists, avid gamers and connoisseurs of high-quality photos, manufacturers release premium-class novelties or full-fledged flagships.

ZTE Nubia Red Magic 5S

And next in line is a memorable gaming flagship with an extremely unusual case design. The gadget is equipped with a bright AMOLED screen with a diagonal of 6.65 inches and a pixel density of 388 ppi. Externally, in addition to the case with a cyberpunk design, the phone is distinguished by the location of the camera, which does not go beyond the frame. This option is more convenient when compared with the «bangs» or «drop». And finally, here is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor. If not for Android 10, then this smartphone would become the dream of all gamers. However, this problem is solved with the appropriate skills.

Advantages:

• performance;
• optimized OS;
• frequency — 144 Hz.

Flaws:

• no memory card slot.

Price: 45,000 rubles.

ZTE Axon 30 Ultra

Manufacturers decided not to set hard limits in the budget, and therefore supplied this model with the most modern components. This is especially noticeable in the high performance, which is achieved by the most powerful (except for the A15 Bionic) to date, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor and 8 GB of RAM. Finally, the current Android 11.0 was chosen as the system.

Advantages:

• the size;
• CPU;
• Android 11.0.

Flaws:

Price: 90,000 rubles.

ZTE Blade V10 Vita 3/64 GB

Not a particularly remarkable budget model with the makings of a flagship. The first thing that catches your eye is the presence of a fingerprint scanner. This module rarely appears in state employees, and therefore causes some surprise and delight. The Spreadtrum SC9863A processor in conjunction with 3 GB of RAM does an excellent job with routine tasks, but not games. In general, an excellent choice for those who need «all» for «nothing».

Advantages:

• price;
• fingerprint scanner;
• optimized OS.

Flaws:

ZTE Blade A7 (2020) 3/64 GB

One of the best examples of the combination of price and quality in our rating. For example, for $ 140, the buyer receives a gadget with an installed MediaTek Helio P22 processor and 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM. This is quite enough for work and light leisure activities in social networks. In addition, the screen with a diagonal of 6 inches is quite easy to control even with one hand.

Advantages:

• the size;
• value for money;
• CPU.

Flaws:

Price: 10,000 rubles.

ZTE Blade A7 (2020) 2/32 GB

In fact, this model is no different from the phone above, except for the amount of internal memory and the final cost. It is noteworthy that this sales package of the model is not inferior to the 3 GB version. It is not clear what caused this phenomenon, because the difference between these models is only 2000 rubles.

Advantages:

• price;
• the size;
• color rendering quality.

Flaws:

Price: 8,000 rubles.

TOP 3 Best Inexpensive ZTE Smartphones

ZTE Blade A5 (2019) 2/32GB

Inexpensive smart phone with high performance. Don’t expect any surprises from him

an ordinary working gadget that will help you in your daily activities.

With moderate use, the battery will last for a day.

The screen is bright and vibrant. It is possible to combine the phone’s memory with the card’s memory: not every gadget can boast of such an ability.

There are no pre-installed intrusive programs or proprietary shells in the system.

There are 2 body colors on sale: black and bright blue. Material — polycarbonate, control is via touch buttons.

You can use 2 SIM cards alternately. There is a 3.5 mm audio jack, GLONASS, GPS, G-sensor, proximity sensor.

The warranty period is 12 months.

Specifications:

• weight: 157 g;
• dimensions: 70.6×146.3×9.55 mm;
• diagonal: 5.45 inch;
• rear camera: 13 MP f/2;
• Processor: ZTE Blade A5 (2019) 2/32GB.

pros

• performance;
• price tag;
• weighs little;
• cute design;
• nice colors.

Minuses

• the game does not pull;
• cameras are blurry.

ZTE Blade A5 (2020) 2/32GB

In this budget device, the emphasis was placed on high-quality communication and a good screen.. BUT

also for compactness: such a light, comfortable device lying in the hand is still to be looked for.

The glossy cover is very pleasant to the touch. Display with an IPS matrix and comfortable viewing angles, sufficient image clarity, almost reference color reproduction and white point.

The processor for everyday tasks is great, runs smoothly and quickly.

Autonomy is decent: if the backlight is reduced by half, the battery will last for almost 10 hours.

Photos are good, there is a function «shooting against the sun» and HDR mode. The speaker for talking is located on the back of the gadget. Instead of USB-C, there is a microUSB connector.

Specifications:

• processor: SoC Spreadtrum SC9863A;
• weight: 155 g;
• dimensions: 156.7×72.6×8.0 mm;
• Bluetooth: 4.2;
• front camera: 8 MP (f / 2.4);
• battery: 3200 mAh.

pros

• 4G LTE communication;
• dual camera module;
• biometric unlock;
• clear and large display;
• good network reception quality;
• small dimensions.

Minuses

• at high power, the speaker starts to wheeze;
• small amount of internal storage.

ZTE Blade A7 2019

A super-budget device that can act as both the main and additional means of communication.

It is praised for autonomy and compactness, for power saving mode and low weight. Instead of a fingerprint sensor, a program is installed that allows you to unlock your smartphone by bringing it to your face.

With the most active use of the battery, its charge is enough for a day of work. The screen is bright and detailed, with 16.78 million colors, with a good balance of white and black colors, the frames are almost invisible — they are so thin.

The camera is solid. Runs on Android 9.0.

The body is made of polycarbonate and comes in two colors: black and blue. Management goes through touch buttons.

There is an automatic screen rotation, as well as a light indicator, USB-host, light sensor and proximity.

Can be used as a USB drive.

Specifications:

• weight: 146 g;
• dimensions: 72.8x154x7.9 mm;
• image size: 1560×720;
• Li-Ion: 3200 mAh;
• processor: Unisoc SC9863A (1600 MHz).

pros

• multifunctional display;
• convenient screen;
• VoWIFI support;
• smooth interface;
• the case in the hand lies like a glove.

Minuses

• weak speaker sound;
• In modern games, it barely pulls at maximum settings.

The best price up to 35,000 rubles.

State employees are good only if the buyer needs a simple device for communications with support for accessing the Internet. If you need a gadget with more advanced features and an affordable price, then we recommend choosing phones from the middle price segment.

ZTE Axon 11 5G

At the start of sales, this phone cost only $ 382, ​​but at the same time it was barely inferior to premium flagships. Let’s start with the still curiosity of the built-in curved screen technology, which allows you to minimize the width of the frames and make a completely borderless screen. The diagonal of the installed AMOLED-matrix is ​​6.47 inches. Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G octa-core processor is responsible for high performance in this phone. The 64 MP quad camera also does its job well. The only drawback of the model is a weak 4000 mAh battery.

Advantages:

• performance;
• matrix type;
• photo quality.

Flaws:

Price: 28,000 rubles.

ZTE Axon 20 5G

As you can see, this and previous models have the word «5G» at the beginning. Indeed, these smartphones are adapted to the fifth generation communication standard, which is still poorly developed in the CIS. However, 4G and 3G continue to operate as normal. The phone runs on Android 10.0 and almost never freezes due to the built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor. The main difference from the previous model is the 4220 mAh battery and 30 W fast charging.

Advantages:

• autonomy;
• CPU;
• camera.

Flaws:

Price: 29,500 rubles.

ZTE Axon 10 Pro

Perhaps this is the most powerful representative of the middle class from ZTE. It’s all about the premium Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor and 6 GB of RAM. The phone can handle even the most demanding 3D games, which makes it particularly attractive to gamers. But photographers will be a little disappointed, because the gadget is equipped with only a 48 MP triple camera. The display uses a saturated AMOLED with a diagonal of 6.47 inches. Unfortunately, the device is based on the outdated Android 9.0, and therefore does not support some modern features.

Advantages:

• performance;
• battery;
• display.

Flaws:

Price: 30,000 rubles.