1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.8 × 74.5 × 8.4 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | S20 FE 5G is slightly more compact, potentially easier to handle for some users. |
| Weight | 190g | 189g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | S20 FE 5G offers a significantly sharper and more detailed image. Text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 407 | 267 | S20 FE 5G provides much crisper visuals, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S20 FE 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S20 FE 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the perceived responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | S20 FE 5G is much more usable in bright sunlight. The ZTE Blade A75 4G brightness is unknown, making outdoor use a potential issue. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | S20 FE 5G delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 623,000 | 240,000 | S20 FE 5G is substantially faster overall, suitable for demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S20 FE 5G offers much better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | ZTE Blade A75 4G has a higher megapixel count, which could lead to more detailed images in good lighting, but image processing also plays a big role. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | S20 FE 5G captures significantly more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S20 FE 5G allows for optical zoom, maintaining image quality when zooming in. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | S20 FE 5G captures a wider field of view, useful for landscapes and group photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | S20 FE 5G records higher-quality videos with smoother frame rates and potentially better stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | S20 FE 5G videos will be smoother and less shaky. |
| Camera Features | OIS, RAW, Night Mode, Optical Zoom | PDAF, Panorama | S20 FE 5G has features that are good for low light and better quality photos. ZTE Blade A75 4G supports panorama. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE Blade A75 4G may offer slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | S20 FE 5G charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (15W) | No | S20 FE 5G can be charged wirelessly. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Yes (4.5W) | No | S20 FE 5G can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | ZTE Blade A75 4G has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | S20 FE 5G supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with Advanced Profiles | 5.0 with Basic Profiles | S20 FE 5G offers broader compatibility with Bluetooth devices and advanced features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support MicroSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | DTS / DTS X | S20 FE 5G provides better audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-Mounted | ZTE Blade A75 4G is more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | S20 FE 5G offers known scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity | S20 FE 5G supports more apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness for a better visual experience in all lighting conditions.
- Much Faster Performance: Snapdragon 865 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- More Versatile Camera System: Telephoto and ultrawide lenses, higher-resolution selfie camera, 4K video recording, and OIS provide more creative options and better image quality.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better Wi-Fi, better Bluetooth support, and a more comprehensive suite of sensors.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection provides better durability.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos.
Practical Implications: The S20 FE 5G is a flagship-level phone that provides a vastly superior user experience in nearly every aspect, from responsiveness to media consumption to photography.
ZTE Blade A75 4G Advantages:
- Newer OS out of the Box: Android 13 provides a more up-to-date software experience at the start.
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: Slightly larger battery may translate to longer usage between charges.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a potentially more convenient unlocking experience.
- Lower Price: Likely significantly cheaper, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
Practical Implications: The ZTE Blade A75 4G is a basic smartphone that covers essential functions. Its advantages center around cost and convenience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Choosing the ZTE Blade A75 4G means sacrificing a high-quality display, powerful performance, a versatile camera system, and advanced features for a lower price.
- Choosing the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G means paying a potentially higher price for a superior overall experience, but it is also an older phone.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, photography lovers, users who value a smooth and responsive user experience, and anyone who consumes a lot of media on their phone.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Watching movies and TV shows with excellent picture quality.
- Multitasking between numerous apps without lag.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor environments.
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, first-time smartphone users, individuals who primarily use their phone for basic communication (calls, texts, social media), and users who prioritize battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Making phone calls and sending text messages.
- Browsing the internet and using social media apps.
- Taking occasional photos in good lighting conditions.
- Needing a phone that lasts through the day with moderate usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones will be significant.
- What are your primary uses for the phone? If you need a phone for demanding tasks or media consumption, the S20 FE 5G is the better choice. If you need a phone for basic communication and occasional use, the ZTE Blade A75 4G might suffice.
- How important are camera quality and advanced features to you? The S20 FE 5G's camera system and features like wireless charging offer significantly more versatility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget: If your budget is very tight, and you only need a basic smartphone, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is the only option.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Needs: If you want a good all-around experience and are willing to spend more, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is a much better choice, offering a superior display, performance, and camera system.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: If camera quality is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G is the clear winner due to its telephoto lens, OIS, 4K video recording, and higher-resolution selfie camera.
What I would choose
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. Even though it's an older device, the superior display quality (AMOLED, high resolution, brightness), significantly faster performance (Snapdragon 865), and a more versatile camera system with features like optical zoom, OIS, and 4K video recording are worth the higher cost. The improved user experience in terms of responsiveness, media consumption, and photography outweighs the ZTE Blade A75 4G's newer Android version and potentially longer battery life. The S20 FE 5G offers a much better overall package for my usage, which includes demanding apps, photography, and media consumption.
