It’s been years since Smart Communications, Inc. released its own branded smartphone. From the HTC Tanager a.k.a. Smart Amazing Phone to the Smart Android Smartphone Kit, the country’s superior mobile network continues its best effort to bring Filipinos closer to the latest technologies. After eight years since its last release, Smart found the perfect timing to launch a new phone that will provide a true “5G for the Masses!” Ladies and gents, welcome the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G!
We took time to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G. For its advertised price, can it last long? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
SMART ZTE BLADE A75 5G Specs:
| OS: | MyOS 13 based on Android 13 |
|---|---|
| Processor: | 2.21 GHz Unisoc T760 Octa-Core Processor; MALI-G57 |
| Display: | 6.56-inches 720×1612 HD+ 120Hz IPS LCD 20:9 |
| Wireless Connections: | 5G, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Memory: | 8GB+128GB |
| Connectors: | USB Type-C, OTG |
| Cameras: | Rear Camera: Main – 50MP, f/1.8 Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.2 |
| SIM Card Slots: | Dual SIM (Smart or TNT required on SIM 1 before adding another network on SIM2) |
| Battery: | 5,000mAh 10W Wired Charging |
| Price: | P5,450.00 |
The Unboxing
Packaging of the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G is covered in a sleeve that looked like an advertisement in a website. It shows images and name of the phone, quick specs and price. Removing the sleeve reveals the original packaging of the ZTE Blade.
Inside the box are the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, Silicon Case, Screen Protector, Type-C USB Cable, USB Charger Head, User Manual, SIM Card Ejector Pin and a Smart Prepaid SIM (for Prepaid Bundle.)
The Looks and Feel
We usually set our expectations low whenever we review an entry-level priced phone. Based on other devices in previous years, they’re usually look really “cheap” and plasticky. The Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G erased all our expectations when it comes to its appearance. It actually looks and feels more like a mid-range phone. It is hard to believe that is made of polycarbonate because we thought it was too solid for plastic.
The SIM Card Slot is found on the left. It can hold two Nano SIM Cards, but here’s the catch: it needs to have a Smart or TNT SIM Card on SIM1. If you plan to use a non-Smart SIM Card on SIM2, you must have a Smart SIM card on SIM1 inserted as well. You can’t use other networks on SIM2 without a Smart SIM on SIM1. We also learned that Smart on SIM1 is the only way to use mobile data, while SIM2 is restricted on other networks.
Volume controls and Power button are found on the right side of the phone. The power button also functions as a fingerprint scanner for added security.
Found at the bottom are the Type-C USB port, speaker, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Sky Mirror Glass back panel of the Smart Blade A75 expresses elegance and sophistication to this device. Its smooth surface can be tricky sometimes, so we advise not to place it on a slippery table. A large camera circular module fills up the upper portion of the back panel. Diamond Black is the only color available.
Despite of not having any curved edges, the Smart Blade A75 doesn’t feel unwieldy to hold. We don’t mind holding it for long periods.
The Display
The Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G comes with a 6.56-inches IPS LCD Display with 720×1612 HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Colors on the screen are good enough for both streaming videos and gaming. However, streaming Netflix is limited to SD (Standard Definition) resolution. At least for us, the restriction didn’t bother us at all as we still watched videos from the app all the time.
On top of the Smart Blade A75 is a punch-hole front camera. Like other phone brands in the market today, it also has a Live Island Display. The punch hole becomes an animated notification window that shows battery status, headphone connection, voice recording, countdown timer, streaming audio or videos and phone calls.
The Performance
We have reviewed Unisoc-powered devices in the past, but this is the first time we reviewed with 5G connectivity. Under the hood of the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G is a 2.21 GHz Unisoc T760 Octa-Core Processor paired with MALI-G57 graphics. We did our usual benchmark tests, and here are the results:
The most affordable 5G phone we reviewed was the TECNO Pova 5 Pro 5G 256GB/8GB which retailed for P10,399.00. We compared the benchmark tests of the two phones and results show the Smart Blade A75 has higher scores in Antutu, Geekbench and 3D Mark Wildlife. Impressive, considering that the Smart Blade A75 costs half the price of the TECNO Pova.
The Smart Blade A75 runs on MyOS 13 based on Android 13. This is a bit on the downside since phones nowadays are on Android 14. We are not certain if Smart will offer a Software upgrade.
We used the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G as our main phone for two weeks. Again, part of our initial expectations as a budget-priced phone is we might encounter hiccups during the review period. To our surprise, it worked perfectly fine while navigating or multi-tasking on the Smart Blade A75. There’s nothing to be scared about Unisoc after all!
While it is not an issue for us, the lack of expandable storage on the Smart Blade A75 may disappoint users. Most entry-level phones have expandable storage available even as a hybrid SIM. You’ll have to transfer some of your multimedia files via USB or through the cloud.
We always get asked if the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G is capable of mobile gaming. During the media launch, a Smart representative shared his positive experience of playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang non-stop on his Smart Blade A75. We installed the game along with other games like Call of Duty Mobile, Honor of Kings and Teamfight Tactics. Settings on Mobile Legends were set to Super on High Frame Rate and Ultra for Graphics. We played the game for 1 hour straight and we never experienced any glitches with those settings maxed! The Smart representative wasn’t lying!
We also played Honor of Kings. Like Mobile Legends, it is playable with High Graphic settings and stable FPS without any issues. Temperatures were cool throughout the game. Teamfight Tactics is a graphic-demanding game but it played flawlessly on the Smart Blade A75. We experienced a little bit of heat after playing for ten minutes but not too hot for us to hold.
Lastly, we also tried Call of Duty Mobile on Medium Graphics and High Frame Rate. It also played flawlessly on the phone.
How Fast is #Smart5G on the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G?
As the most affordable 5G smartphone in the market today, one of the questions asked is “how fast is 5G on the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G?” We did a few spedtests in different 5G locations and we would like to share these results:
The first speedtest was done inside my room. The second picture was taken along Ayala Avenue.
Another speedtest was done in Starbucks Power Plant Mall. The speedtest on the right was taken in Toby’s Estate in Salcedo Village.
ALSO READ: Locate SMART 5G Areas via Waze
Contrary to other people’s belief that “cheap” 5G phones are no match to mid-range or high-end phones’ connectivity, we have proven that a 5,000 peso phone can fight with the big boys! Of course, another big factor of this is Smart’s superior 5G mobile network. This is the reason why I am a Smart subscriber since 2003!
The Cameras
In an age of multi-cameras setup, the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G is only equipped with one 50 Megapixel camera. Yes, there are no macro and depth sensor lenses. The front camera is an 8 Megapixel. Photos taken on daylight looked great. Too bad it doesn’t have a wide-angle lens like other sub-10k phones in the market. Our only real complaint is the slow shutter speed we experienced during our evaluation period. Some photos looked blurred or the subject not in the correct position. You have to keep it steady and make sure that the photo was already captured by checking Google Photos.
Night photos can be challenging. Some photos looked fine, while others had that washed-out effect. Do not expect this to be a night photography phone. Selfies looked natural for our taste, and video recording was good enough for personal use.
Here are some sample photos:
The Battery Life
The Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G has a 5,000mAh battery that can last up to at least more than a day. That’s another surprise from Unisoc, though they have already proclaimed that the battery life is one of the main features of the T760 chipset. Sadly, it doesn’t come with a fast charger, but for a phone with this price, we are not complaining.
DR’s Conclusion
The Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G exceeded all our expectations. It will shake the boots of other phones in the same category. We asked at the start of the review if it will last long? We think it will, hardware-wise. However, we kinda doubt that it will receive an OS upgrade given its low price. Give it up to 3 years or until Google ends its support for Android 14.
While some may think that you still need to use a Smart SIM to use the phone, why not give it a try then? #Smart5G is always fast and reliable. I can attest to this since I am a 5G user since 2020 and rarely do I have complaints about its service.
Purchase the Smart ZTE Blade A75 5G, head to the nearest Smart Store or visit the Smart Online Store at https://store1.smart.com.ph.
