ZTE Blade A53+ review
The ZTE Blade A53+ is a budget smartphone that falls short in several areas. Despite its affordable price tag of around $150, this device fails to impress with its mediocre specs and features. The inclusion of a micro USB charging port in 2023 is a major misstep, while the dual camera setup, display resolution, and RAM are also underwhelming. With better options available at similar or slightly higher prices, such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, it's hard to recommend this phone to anyone looking for a reliable budget device.
Build Quality and Design
The unboxing experience of the ZTE Blade A53+ is a microcosm of the device's overall quality. From the moment you open the box, it's clear that this phone has been assembled with cost-cutting measures in mind. Firstly, the packaging itself is laughably cheap. The flimsy cardboard and thin plastic inserts do little to inspire confidence in the device's build quality. And yet, despite these barebones efforts, ZTE still manages to include some surprisingly decent extras, such as a screen protector and Sim tool Charter. However, it's what lies within this unassuming exterior that truly reveals the A53+'s true nature. The inclusion of a micro USB charging port at this stage in the smartphone game is nothing short of egregious. It's a clear indication that ZTE has taken a "budget" approach to building this phone, sacrificing usability and functionality for the sake of saving pennies. In terms of design, the A53+ doesn't exactly set the world ablaze. The dual camera setup, comprising a 13-megapixel primary sensor and a mediocre 2-megapixel secondary lens, looks like an afterthought. The display itself is a paltry HD Plus affair, with a resolution of 720p (1600 x 720) that's more suited to a budget TV than a smartphone. The bezels are thick and uninviting, giving the phone a dated appearance that fails to inspire confidence. And yet, despite these numerous missteps, ZTE still has the audacity to charge $150 for this... thing. The ZTE Blade A53+ is a phone that's been cheaply assembled from start to finish. Its subpar design and lackluster build quality make it a chore to use, let alone recommend to others. With so many better options available at similar price points (or even lower), this phone feels like a waste of money. Buyers would do well to look elsewhere for their smartphone needs, especially considering the existence of phones like the Redmi Note 11, which offer far superior performance and features for only $20 more.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A53+ is a budget smartphone that fails to impress in various aspects. One area where it falls short is its battery life, which is surprisingly poor considering the device's affordable price tag. While I didn't have the opportunity to extensively test the phone, my initial experience with it left me underwhelmed. The dual camera setup and outdated processor only add to the disappointment. However, the battery life was perhaps the most surprising aspect of this phone. With a 4,000mAh battery, one would expect a decent level of endurance from the ZTE Blade A53+. Unfortunately, my experience suggests otherwise. Even with moderate use, the battery drains quickly, leaving you wondering if it's worth carrying an external power bank around. In today's world where smartphones are always connected and used extensively, a phone's battery life is crucial. The ZTE Blade A53+ fails to deliver in this department, making it difficult for users to get through a full day without needing to recharge. Overall, the ZTE Blade A53+ is a mediocre device that could have been improved with better battery life. If you're in the market for a budget smartphone, there are other options available that offer more value for your money.
Display
The display on the ZTE Blade A53+ is one of its most underwhelming features. The 6.5-inch HD Plus resolution, touted as an upgrade, falls short in delivering a satisfying visual experience. The resolution itself is merely 720p (1600 x 720), which pales in comparison to modern smartphones. What's even more disconcerting is the display's aspect ratio, which deviates from the standard 16:9 format. Instead, it adopts a somewhat unusual 16:8 or similar ratio. While this might not be immediately noticeable to some users, it can lead to slightly distorted visuals and an unoptimized viewing experience. Furthermore, the display lacks any high refresh rate capabilities, which has become a staple in mid-range and higher-end smartphones. With the price tag of $150, one would expect at least a 60Hz or higher refresh rate for smoother visuals and better responsiveness. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the Blade A53+. The screen's overall brightness and color accuracy are also somewhat disappointing. The display might appear decent in bright lighting conditions, but it struggles to deliver punchy colors and sufficient brightness in lower-light environments. Considering its budget-friendly price tag, some may argue that the display on the ZTE Blade A53+ is acceptable. However, when compared to similarly priced devices from other manufacturers, such as Xiaomi's Redmi Note 11, it becomes apparent that this phone lags behind in terms of display quality. In conclusion, while the display on the ZTE Blade A53+ might suffice for casual users who don't demand much from their smartphone screens, it falls short in delivering a truly satisfying viewing experience. For those seeking better displays at similar price points, there are undoubtedly more capable options available in the market.
Camera
The camera setup on the ZTE Blade A53+ is arguably one of its most disappointing features. The dual camera configuration consists of a 13-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor (or possibly macro sensor, but it doesn't really matter). Unfortunately, neither of these cameras will be particularly usable. The inclusion of a 2-megapixel camera is simply unacceptable in this day and age. It's an outdated technology that offers subpar image quality even under ideal conditions. The lack of any significant improvement over previous generations makes the Blade A53+ feel like it's missing out on important upgrades. Furthermore, the dual camera setup fails to impress, with neither sensor being capable of delivering high-quality images. This is particularly disappointing given the current market standards for mid-range devices. Even budget-friendly options often feature more capable cameras. In comparison to other mid-range devices on the market, the Blade A53+ falls short in terms of camera quality. The Redmi Note 11, a device that's only $20 more expensive, offers significantly better camera performance, making it a much more appealing option for those looking for a reliable smartphone experience. Overall, the camera setup on the ZTE Blade A53+ is one of its most major drawbacks. With subpar image quality and outdated technology, this feature alone makes the device less desirable in comparison to other options available at similar price points. 2/5 stars If you're in the market for a budget-friendly smartphone with a good camera, look elsewhere. The ZTE Blade A53+ may be cheap, but its camera performance is simply not worth it.
Price and Value
The ZTE Blade A53+ is a budget smartphone that fails to deliver in terms of value for its price tag. At $150, one would expect a decent device with some notable features, but unfortunately, this phone falls short in every aspect. Priced at $150, the ZTE Blade A53+ should be a no-brainer for those on a tight budget. However, what you get is a device that lacks even the most basic of features, making it hard to justify its price tag. The micro USB charging port, which was once standard, now feels like a relic of the past, and including it in this phone at $150 is a major oversight. The ZTE Blade A53+ has a 6.5-inch display with a subpar HD Plus resolution (720p), making it hard to enjoy any visually demanding tasks. The dual-camera setup, featuring a 13-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel depth camera, is another major letdown. With the Redmi Note 11 available for just $20 more, which offers significantly better performance, display quality, and features, it's hard to recommend this phone. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, priced at $170, outperforms the ZTE Blade A53+ in every aspect. It has a higher-resolution display, better cameras, and more RAM, making it a no-brainer for those looking for a budget smartphone. Even older devices like the Nokia budget phones with stock Android offer better value than this phone. The ZTE Blade A53+ is a disappointing device that fails to deliver on its price tag. For $150, one expects a more capable and feature-rich smartphone. Unfortunately, what you get is a mediocre device that lacks even the most basic of features. While it may be tempting for those with extremely tight budgets, there are better options available at this price point.
Performance
The ZTE Blade A53+ is a budget smartphone that fails to deliver on its promises. In this review, we'll focus on one aspect of the device that's particularly underwhelming: its performance. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6.5 processor, which is already an outdated and underpowered choice for a mid-range device. The Reality is that for most users, this processor will struggle to provide a seamless experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps. The ProLass 3 extended feature, which enables the processor to utilize more RAM, doesn't make up for its shortcomings. With only 4GB of built-in storage and 4GB of RAM, the ZTE Blade A53+ is ill-equipped to handle modern demands. You'll often find yourself relying on cloud storage or microSD cards just to keep your device running smoothly. The 60Hz display, while not a major issue, further exacerbates the problem by introducing noticeable lag when switching between apps. Unfortunately, this phone's performance is its most glaring weakness. At $150, it's already a budget device, but that doesn't excuse the subpar specs and outdated processor. In today's market, you can find significantly better devices for just a little more money. The Redmi Note 11, for example, outperforms this phone in every aspect while costing only $20 more. Overall, the ZTE Blade A53+ is a disappointing choice for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient smartphone experience. If performance is your top priority, there are far better options available at similar price points.