ZTE Blade A73 5G review
The ZTE Blade A73 5G is an affordable smartphone that boasts impressive features for its price point. Priced at RM749 in Malaysia, this device offers a balance between affordability and performance. With a 6.52-inch HD+ display, 5000mAh battery, and 128GB internal storage, it's a solid option for those on a budget. The phone also supports 5G connectivity, making it an attractive choice for those who want to future-proof their devices without breaking the bank. Let's dive deeper into its features and see how it stacks up against other options in this segment.
Build Quality and Design
The ZTE Blade A73 5G's packaging is understated yet functional, reflecting the phone's affordable price tag. The box itself is a simple white or black plastic container with minimal branding. Upon opening, you'll find a decent amount of documentation, including a user manual and some basic accessories. One notable absence is a silicone case, which might be expected at this price point. However, the phone does come with a standard body taste, which should provide some basic protection against scratches and scuffs. The power adapter is a 10-watt, 2-amp unit that's compact and easy to store. The USB A-C cable is similarly minimalistic but gets the job done. While it may not be particularly flashy or attention-grabbing, the phone's design is straightforward and functional. It features a standard array of ports (USB-C, headphone jack) on one side, with minimal branding and a subtle chamfer around the edges. In terms of build quality, the A73 5G feels sturdy enough to withstand daily use without major concerns. While it may not be as robust as some premium devices, it's certainly serviceable for its price range. The materials used are decent, if unremarkable – plastic and metal blend together in a way that doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. It may not win any awards for style or innovation, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Battery Life
One of the most intriguing aspects of the ZTE Blade A73 5G is its battery life. With a massive 5000mAh power bank, this phone promises to deliver extended usage on a single charge. My experience with the device has been quite positive in this regard. In my tests, I found that the ZTE Blade A73 5G can easily last two days with moderate use. With typical usage patterns, such as browsing, social media, and streaming music, I was able to get around 48 hours of battery life from a single charge. This is impressive considering the phone's feature-rich display, which runs at a high 90Hz refresh rate. While heavy gamers may find that the battery life suffers slightly, even they should be able to squeeze out around 24-30 hours of usage on a single charge. The phone's power-saving features, such as adaptive 5G and optimized processor performance, also help to extend the battery life. Overall, I am pleased with the ZTE Blade A73 5G's battery life, which is one of its standout features. If you're in the market for an affordable 5G phone that can last all day without needing a recharge, this device should be on your shortlist. Just be aware that heavy usage patterns may still require some attention to power management.
Display
The ZTE Blade A73 5G boasts a stunning 6.52-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. This impressive screen provides an immersive viewing experience, making it perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, or playing games. One of the standout features of the display is its high refresh rate, which ensures smooth and seamless visuals. The 90Hz refresh rate provides a more responsive and interactive experience, especially when scrolling through long lists or navigating through menus. The HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels) offers vibrant colors and crisp details, making it ideal for streaming videos, watching movies, or playing games. The display's brightness is also commendable, with sufficient luminescence to be easily readable in most lighting conditions. In terms of design, the Blade A73 5G has a sleek and modern look, with a thin bezel surrounding the screen. This minimalistic approach allows for an uninterrupted viewing experience, making it easy to focus on the content being displayed. The display's performance is further enhanced by its support for HDR10, which provides more nuanced color grading and better contrast ratios. While not as comprehensive as some of its competitors, the Blade A73 5G's display still offers an excellent visual experience that meets the demands of everyday use. While the camera, battery life, and processor are also important aspects to consider when evaluating a smartphone, the display is undoubtedly one of the standout features of the ZTE Blade A73 5G. Overall, this impressive screen makes it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich smartphone without breaking the bank.
Camera
The camera is one of the most critical aspects of any smartphone, and in this review, I'll be focusing solely on the camera capabilities of the ZTE Blade A73 5G. The phone features a dual-camera setup at the back with a 13-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, you get a 5-megapixel selfie shooter. While not exactly impressive, the camera is decent and can capture some lovely moments, especially in well-lit conditions. When it comes to indoor photography, the ZTE Blade A73 5G does an adequate job of capturing images with good detail. The colors are vibrant, and the exposure is usually spot on. However, when you try to take pictures in low-light conditions, the camera struggles to produce images that are not noisy or lacking in detail. Outdoor photography is where the ZTE Blade A73 5G really shines. In good lighting conditions, the camera can capture some stunning shots with excellent color reproduction and sharpness. However, as soon as you venture into areas with harsh sunlight or overcast skies, the camera's performance drops significantly. I've taken a few sample photos to give you an idea of what the ZTE Blade A73 5G is capable of. While not exactly breathtaking, these images demonstrate the phone's ability to capture some nice moments, especially in well-lit conditions. However, as mentioned earlier, low-light photography is where the camera struggles. In conclusion, while the ZTE Blade A73 5G's camera is decent and can produce some lovely photos, it's not exactly outstanding. The camera's performance drops significantly in low-light conditions, making it a bit of a letdown for those who value good camera capabilities. However, considering the phone's affordable price tag, I wouldn't say the camera is a major disappointment either. It's just an average camera that gets the job done, but doesn't exactly impress.
Price and Value
The ZTE Blade A73 is a 5G smartphone that has caught my attention with its reasonable price tag of RM749 in Malaysia. In today's market, where 5G phones can cost upwards of RM1,200 or more, the Blade A73's affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking a decent phone without breaking the bank. As I've learned from my experience with this device, some compromises have been made to achieve this price point. The camera setup, for instance, is not exceptional but still capable of capturing decent photos. While indoor shots are fine, outdoor photography requires good lighting conditions. However, the ability to share these photos on social media or messaging apps is a seamless experience. In terms of performance, the phone's Unison octa-core processor handles simple 3D games like Temple Run 2 with ease. More demanding titles, such as mobile Legends, can also be played but may require some optimization for smooth performance. The adaptive 5G feature allows users to prioritize specific apps for high-speed data access. The ZTE Blade A73's value lies in its price-performance ratio. With 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, it offers a decent balance between power and affordability. While not the most advanced phone on the market, the Blade A73 provides an excellent entry-point for those seeking to experience 5G connectivity without committing to a premium device. Ultimately, the ZTE Blade A73 is a phone that delivers on its promise of affordability and basic features. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly 5G option, this phone should be considered. Just remember, some compromises have been made to achieve this price point, so your expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
Performance
The ZTE Blade A73 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to bring 5G capabilities within reach of the masses. With a price tag of around 749 Ringgit, it's essential to understand what compromises have been made to achieve this affordability. In terms of performance, the Blade A73 5G boasts an Unison octa-core processor, which is capable of handling everyday tasks with ease. I put the phone through its paces by playing Temple Run 2, a relatively simple 3D game that's easy on system resources. The phone handled it smoothly, without any noticeable lag or slowdown. However, when I tried to play more demanding games like Mobile Legends, the experience was less than stellar. While the phone could run the game, it struggled with frame rates and sometimes dropped frames. This is not surprising, given that the Blade A73 5G has only 4GB of RAM, with an additional 4GB of virtual memory available. The phone's performance is further affected by its adaptive 5G feature, which allows users to prioritize applications for 5G data access. While this can be useful in certain situations, it also means that the phone may switch between 4G and 5G connections while running resource-intensive apps. In conclusion, the ZTE Blade A73 5G's performance is adequate for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming music or videos. However, when it comes to more demanding activities like gaming, you might experience some limitations. The phone's processor is capable of handling simple games, but more complex titles may struggle with frame rates and performance. Overall, the Blade A73 5G's performance is a mixed bag, and users should be aware of its capabilities before making a purchase decision.