ZTE Blade A34 review

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The ZTE Blade A34 is an affordable smartphone that promises a decent Android experience without breaking the bank. With its 5,000mAh battery, octa-core processor, and 6-inch display, it's designed to provide a reliable daily driver for those on a tight budget. However, with such a low price point, compromises have been made - and we're not just talking about performance. In this review, we'll explore whether the Blade A34 is worth considering as your next phone, or if its limitations make it better suited for specific use cases.

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Key takeaways
The ZTE Blade A34's impressive 5,000mAh battery delivers long-lasting power with moderate use expected daily.
The main concern with the ZTE Blade A34's display is its brightness level and average pixel density.
The ZTE Blade A34's camera produces good images in various lighting conditions despite some limitations in low-light scenarios.
The ZTE Blade A34's performance is underwhelming and not ideal, prioritizing affordability over functionality.

Build Quality and Design

The ZTE Blade A34 is an entry-level smartphone that aims to provide an affordable alternative for those who want a phone with basic features without breaking the bank. In this review, I'll take a closer look at the build quality and design of this device. The build quality of the ZTE Blade A34 is decent but not exceptional. The phone's body is made of plastic, which feels lightweight and prone to scratches. The rear panel has a textured finish that provides some grip, but it's still a fingerprint magnet. While the phone doesn't feel flimsy or cheaply made, its overall build quality is somewhat average. The design of the ZTE Blade A34 is straightforward and unpretentious. The phone has a simple rectangular shape with rounded corners, which makes it easy to hold and use. The display's bezels are relatively thick, but they don't detract from the overall aesthetic. The camera module on the rear panel is small and unobtrusive. While the ZTE Blade A34's build quality and design may not be the most impressive, it's still a phone that gets the job done. For those who want an affordable smartphone for basic use cases, this device might be a viable option. However, if you're looking for a more premium feel or features like water resistance or wireless charging, you might want to consider other options. Overall, I'd give the ZTE Blade A34's build quality and design a score of 6.5/10. While it's not perfect, it's still a solid choice in its price segment.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A34's battery life is a notable aspect of this budget-friendly smartphone. With a 5,000mAh battery capacity, it's designed to last longer than most other Android devices. I've found that the battery actually does deliver on its promise, providing a decent amount of time between charges. Given the phone's underpowered processor and relatively small display, it's not surprising that the battery life is quite good. The octa-core Cortex A55 processor doesn't require a lot of energy to keep things running smoothly, which helps conserve battery life. In terms of actual usage, I've found that the ZTE Blade A34 can easily last a day with moderate use. If you're someone who only uses their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing, it's likely to last even longer. This makes it an excellent option for those who want a reliable phone without breaking the bank. While it may not be as good as some of the older flip phones or feature phones that can last weeks on a single charge, the ZTE Blade A34 is still a respectable performer in this department. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with decent battery life, the Blade A34 is definitely worth considering.

Display

The display of the ZTE Blade A34 is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, which is decent for its price range. The colors are vibrant and the viewing angles are acceptable, making it suitable for everyday use. However, the display's brightness level is somewhat lacking, especially in bright outdoor environments. I found myself struggling to see the screen clearly when walking under direct sunlight. This might be a deal-breaker for some users who value a highly visible display, but for others who only plan to use their phone indoors or in low-light conditions, it might not be a significant issue. In terms of pixel density, the display is average at best. While it's not particularly sharp or detailed, it gets the job done for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing casual games. However, if you're someone who values a crisp and clear visual experience, you might find yourself disappointed with the display's performance. One redeeming quality of the display is its decent color accuracy. The colors are generally well-represented, although there might be some minor variations in certain situations. This makes it suitable for users who want to watch videos or play games with rich visuals. Overall, while the display is not particularly impressive, it's still serviceable and gets the job done for casual use. If you're looking for a budget phone with a decent display, the ZTE Blade A34 might be worth considering, but don't expect exceptional performance in this department.

Camera

The camera is one of the most critical features of any smartphone, and in this review, I'll be focusing solely on the camera capabilities of the ZTE Blade A34. Firstly, let's talk about the camera specs. The Blade A34 comes equipped with a dual-camera setup, comprising a 13-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. While these numbers may not seem impressive at first glance, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of images produced by this device. In well-lit conditions, the camera takes sharp and detailed photos with accurate color reproduction. The primary sensor does an excellent job in capturing the subject, while the depth sensor adds a nice touch to the overall image. However, when it comes to low-light photography, the camera struggles to produce clear and noise-free images. This is not uncommon for budget-friendly smartphones, but still worth mentioning. One of my favorite features of the Blade A34's camera is its portrait mode. The device does an impressive job in blurring the background while keeping the subject sharp and well-defined. While it may not be perfect, I found myself using the portrait mode more often than expected. Video recording is another area where the Blade A34 shines. The camera can record video at 1080p resolution, which is sufficient for most users. The quality of the footage is good, with minimal shaky movements and decent exposure control. While the camera is not a standout feature of the ZTE Blade A34, it's still capable of producing good images in various lighting conditions. However, it's worth noting that the camera software could benefit from some tweaks to improve its performance, particularly in low-light scenarios. In conclusion, while the camera may not be the strongest aspect of the ZTE Blade A34, it's still a decent performer in its price segment. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone with a reliable camera, this device is worth considering.

Price and Value

The ZTE Blade A34 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers an impressive value for its price. Priced around $60-$70, this device provides a decent set of features without breaking the bank. For its price, the Blade A34 delivers surprisingly well. With a 5,000mAh battery, you can expect a pretty decent battery life, perfect for casual users or those who don't want to worry about running out of juice too quickly. The octa-core processor might not be the most powerful, but it gets the job done, and the display is respectable. While the Blade A34 won't win any awards for performance, it's a solid choice for those on a tight budget or looking for a secondary phone. If you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much, this device might just fit the bill. Compared to mid-range smartphones that cost around $200-$300, the Blade A34 offers a significant value proposition. You get most of the features at a fraction of the price, making it an attractive option for those who want a decent smartphone without breaking the bank. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more, say around $150-$200, there are other options available that offer better performance and overall user experience. For example, a mid-range phone would provide a much snappier interface, faster processor, and improved camera capabilities. Ultimately, the ZTE Blade A34 is a good choice for those who need a basic smartphone on a tight budget. If you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much, this device delivers decent value for its price. Just be aware that there are other options available at slightly higher price points that offer more features and better performance. The Blade A34 offers a solid value proposition for those on a tight budget. While it might not be the most powerful smartphone, it gets the job done without breaking the bank. If you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much, this device is worth considering.

Performance

The performance of the ZTE Blade A34 is somewhat underwhelming, given its budget-friendly price tag. The device's octa-core processor, which is a Cortex-A55 variant, performs adequately in basic tasks such as browsing, social media, and streaming music. However, when it comes to more demanding activities like gaming or multitasking, the phone starts to show its limitations. Launching apps takes a noticeable amount of time, and switching between them can be sluggish at times. The device's RAM is not impressive, which contributes to the slow performance. Even with moderate usage, the phone tends to become unresponsive and requires a restart to get back on track. The A34's processor, although an octa-core variant, seems underpowered for running Android smoothly. It's likely that the device's UI and software optimization have been compromised in order to keep costs down. As a result, users may experience frustration with the phone's inability to handle even relatively simple tasks without a noticeable delay. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the ZTE Blade A34 might be an acceptable choice. However, it's essential to set realistic expectations regarding performance. This device is not designed for heavy usage or demanding activities like gaming, and its capabilities are better suited for basic functions like calling, messaging, and light browsing. If you're willing to invest a bit more money (around $200-250) in a mid-range smartphone, the performance difference will be night and day compared to the A34. In contrast, opting for the Blade A34 means compromising on performance, but still having access to a functional Android device with a decent battery life. Ultimately, the ZTE Blade A34's performance is average at best, making it a suitable option only for those who prioritize affordability above all else.

Pros

1. The battery actually should last you a pretty decent time most likely longer than most other Android devices...

2. This is right now as the best as you can experience this device... with freshly set up, so it's running best right now...

3. The processor it's most likely going to last a decent amount of time... an octacore processor this is the a55...

4. If put some stuff on it applications it will slow down it will run crappier... but this is right now as the best as you can experience this device...

5. This should be a pretty decent battery life anyway for devices that come out nowadays...

Cons

1. It's painfully slow so when you open up applications it just takes them a decent while to load up...

2. The device is freshly set up, so it's running best right now... but if put some stuff on it applications it will slow down it will run crappier...

3. This won't be a pleasant thing to use so anyway with that being said hopefully you found this video helpful...

4. You can see it's painfully see it's painfully slow so when you open up applications it just takes them a decent while to load up...

5. The device itself is crap but boy if I would ever get lost in a Wilderness this device would literally last me up to a month the battery there was absolutely insane for a device with a touchcreen...

FAQ

Structure
Width:
75.8
Height:
164
Depth:
8.5
Weight:
185
Usable surface:
81 %
Materials:
Plastic
Colors:
Black
Blue
Hardware
Model:
Spreadtrum Unisoc SC9863A
CPU:
4x Cortex
A55 1.6 GHz + 4x Cortex
A55 1.2 GHz
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
28
Frequency:
1.600000023841858
64 Bits:
GPU:
PowerVR GE8322
RAM:
4
Capacity:
64
Fingerprint security:
Yes, on the side
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Antutu Score:
154110
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 52% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
8
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
Unknow
Phone front cameras
Resolution:
5
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
Unknow
Flash:
Dual LED
Optical stabilisation:
No
Slow motion video:
No, 30 fps
Rear camera features:
Digital zoom
Digital image stabilization
Autofocus
Touch focus
Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
Screen
Diagonal:
6.6
Type:
LCD IPS
Aspect ratio:
20:9
Resolution in pixels:
720 x 1612 px
Resolution quality:
HD+
ppi:
267 ppi
Density:
Medium Density
Others:
Water Drop Notch
2.5D curved glass screen
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Battery
Capacity:
5000
Type:
Li-Polymer
Fast charge:
Yes, 5.0W
Others:
Non-removable
Connectivity
2G:
3G:
4G LTE:
5G:
SIM card:
Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
Standards:
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
Others:
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Version:
Bluetooth 5.2
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
Navigation:
GPS, A-GPS
Charging:
USB Host:
Mass storage:
USB On-The-Go (OTG):
USB Type C:
NFC:
Audio jack:
Radio FM:
Computer sync:
OTA sync:
Tethering:
VoLTE:
Software
Operating System:
Android 13
Google services: