ZTE Blade A75 5G review
The ZTE Blade A75 5G is an affordable smartphone that stands out in the entry-level segment with its price alone. While most devices settle for basic 4G connectivity and Wi-Fi, this phone boasts a 5G enabled experience. With a sleek design, HD+ display, and quad-camera setup, it's clear that ZTE aimed to deliver a solid mid-range device. But does it live up to expectations? We'll dive into the details of its performance, camera quality, and gaming capabilities to see if this phone is worth considering for those on a budget.
Build Quality and Design
The ZTE Blade A75 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to offer decent performance without breaking the bank. In this review, we'll take a closer look at its build quality and design. At first glance, the phone's camera module is quite striking, making it one of its most notable features. The plastic frame and glossy back panel give it a premium feel, although it's prone to smudges. A transparent rubber case is included out of the box to address this issue. Despite feeling light at 204g, the phone feels too long for easy pocketability. The volume rocker and power button are situated on the right side, with the power button doubling as a fingerprint sensor. The SIM card tray is located on the left side, while the bottom features a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm audio jack. The build quality overall feels decent, although it's worth noting that this phone isn't compatible with Zenfone zero. Design-wise, the Diamond Black colorway is the only option available for this device. While not particularly stylish, it gets the job done. However, one notable omission is the lack of a headphone jack, which may be a disappointment for those who still use wired earbuds. Overall, the ZTE Blade A75 5G's build quality and design are average at best. It's a functional device that serves its purpose, but it doesn't particularly stand out in terms of aesthetics or materials used. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with 5G capabilities, this phone might be worth considering, but don't expect anything exceptional from its design or build quality.
Battery Life
The battery life of the ZTE Blade A75 5G is one area where this device shines. With a 5,000mAh battery, it's clear that ZTE has prioritized power efficiency in their design. Our experience with the device showed that it can easily last an entire day with moderate to heavy use. We're talking about watching videos on YouTube, scrolling through social media, taking photos, and playing a handful of matches in Pokémon Unite. The phone managed to keep going without needing a charge until bedtime. In our PC Mark battery test, the ZTE Blade A75 5G delivered an impressive 13 hours and 26 minutes of activity, while our video loop test yielded 16 hours and 40 minutes of media playback. These results indicate that the device's battery is robust and should be able to keep up with most users' needs. While charging speed may not be its strongest suit - taking around 3 hours to go from 0-100% - it's understandable given the lack of fast charging support. Nonetheless, the battery life of the ZTE Blade A75 5G is a major plus point for this device. If you're looking for a budget-friendly 5G smartphone with decent battery life, this might be the phone for you. Rating: 4/5
Display
The display on the ZTE Blade A75 5G is an IPS LCD screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. While it may not be the most impressive feature, I was pleasantly surprised by its vibrant colors and decent viewing experience. The resolution is HD Plus, which is slightly underwhelming, but it's understandable given the device's budget-friendly nature. One notable aspect of the display is that it produces vivid colors, making it suitable for general use such as social media scrolling, browsing, and on-the-go activities. However, if you're watching videos or gaming, you might notice a slight lag in terms of color accuracy. Another issue I encountered was the contrast between the maximum video output (480p) and lower resolutions like 40p. This resulted in a noticeable difference in image quality. Additionally, the bezel may appear slightly thick to some users, but it's not a deal-breaker. The display is also where you'll find the mono loudspeaker, which I found to be somewhat uncommon for a budget phone. Unfortunately, the audio output from this speaker is muffled and not ideal for taking calls or listening to music. In terms of brightness and color accuracy, the ZTE Blade A75 5G's display is average at best. It gets the job done for general use but may not impress in terms of visual fidelity. Overall, I'd say it's a decent display given its price point, but not particularly outstanding or impressive in any way. If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone with a functional display, the ZTE Blade A75 5G might be worth considering. However, if you're particular about having a great visual experience, you may want to look elsewhere.
Camera
In today's smartphone market, camera capabilities have become a top priority for many users. While budget-friendly options often compromise on camera quality, the ZTE Blade A75 5G aims to provide an impressive imaging experience without breaking the bank. The device features a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a depth sensor. The rear cameras can shoot up to 4K at 30 FPS, while the front camera boasts an 8-megapixel resolution. Our testing revealed that the phone excels in color reproduction in well-lit environments, capturing vibrant and accurate hues. However, when it comes to low-light photography, the ZTE Blade A75 5G struggles to deliver impressive results. The slightest movement can ruin your shots, and details tend to get lost in the noise. While this might not be a deal-breaker for casual users, enthusiasts might find themselves disappointed with the camera's limitations. One notable aspect of the camera experience is its ability to capture decent portraits. The depth sensor does an admirable job in separating subjects from their backgrounds, resulting in well-defined and pleasing bokeh effects. In addition to its camera capabilities, the ZTE Blade A75 5G offers a range of features that might appeal to photography enthusiasts, including support for HDR and super-resolution zoom. However, these features can be hit-or-miss depending on the quality of the input image. Overall, while the ZTE Blade A75 5G's camera is not without its flaws, it still manages to deliver decent results in various lighting conditions. Its strengths lie in capturing vibrant colors and well-defined portraits, making it a suitable choice for casual users who don't require high-end camera capabilities. However, enthusiasts might find themselves wanting more from their smartphone's imaging capabilities. 3.5/5 In conclusion, the ZTE Blade A75 5G's camera is a mixed bag that delivers on its promises in some aspects while falling short in others. While it may not be the best camera phone in its class, it still offers a decent experience for users who don't require top-notch imaging capabilities.
Price and Value
In today's smartphone market, finding an affordable device with 5G connectivity is a rare gem. The ZTE Blade A75 5G is one such option that stands out from the crowd. With a price tag of around $5,450 pesos, it's one of the most budget-friendly 5G smartphones available in the market. The first thing that catches your eye with the Blade A75 is its sleek design and decent build quality. The phone feels light and comfortable to hold, despite its plastic frame and glossy back panel. While it may not be IP-rated for protection, ZTE has provided a transparent rubber case out of the box to address this concern. In terms of performance, the Blade A75 is powered by a mid-range chipset, which handles daily tasks with ease. However, when it comes to gaming, the phone heats up quickly and can struggle with more demanding titles. The 5,000mAh battery life is decent, lasting a day or two with normal usage. The real value proposition of the ZTE Blade A75 lies in its affordability and 5G connectivity. For those on a budget who want to experience the benefits of 5G without breaking the bank, this phone is an excellent choice. The inclusion of dual nano SIM, Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 5, and GPS only adds to its value. While it may not be the most powerful or feature-rich device out there, the ZTE Blade A75 5G offers great value for money. Its price point makes it an attractive option for those who want a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G connectivity.
Performance
The ZTE Blade A75 5G's performance is an area where the phone falls short of expectations. Powered by a mid-range MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, the device struggles with demanding tasks and games. One major issue is overheating, which becomes apparent even after just minutes of intense gaming. The phone's temperature increases noticeably near the camera island, making it uncomfortable to hold during prolonged use. Gaming performance is another area where the ZTE Blade A75 5G falters. While users can still play titles like "Wrecking Ball," "Stardew Valley," and "Pokémon Unite" with reduced settings, even minor adjustments cause significant lag. For a true gaming experience, this device is not recommended. In synthetic benchmark tests, the phone scores decently but not exceptionally well. The AnTuTu score of 2,47,000 and Geekbench 5 results of 542 (single-core) and 1,832 (multi-core) indicate a mid-range performance at best. Battery life, however, is a redeeming factor for the ZTE Blade A75 5G. With a 5,000mAh battery, users can easily get through a day with moderate usage, including social media scrolling, photography, and gaming sessions. The phone's charging speed, while not particularly fast, is still relatively quick, taking around 3 hours to charge from 20% to full. While the ZTE Blade A75 5G's performance may be underwhelming for some users, its affordability and feature set make it an attractive option for those seeking a budget-friendly 5G smartphone.
Pros
1. The phone has a plastic frame and glossy back panel that makes it feel not under the entry-level segment.
2. The IPS LCD screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz produces vivid colors for a decent viewing experience.
3. The phone comes with a transparent rubber case out of the box to address smudges on the back panel.
4. The device has a dual rear camera setup that can shoot up to 4K at 30 FPS and has an 8MP selfie shooter.
Cons
1. The phone's build quality is prone to smudges due to its glossy back panel.
2. The audio from the speaker feels muffled, especially during calls.
3. The device heats up significantly during gaming sessions, making it uncomfortable to hold.
4. The charging speed is slow, taking almost 3 hours to charge from 20% to full.