ZTE Blade A521: Pros and Cons

ZTE announced the launch of the Blade A521 smartphone in 2017. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 SoC, and 1 GB of RAM. The smartphone runs on the Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) operating system. This phone has an IPS display, it provides wide viewing angles. This means the screen stays clear and consistent. This phone has only one rear-camera (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus) on its back for photos and videos.

Table of Contents

• ZTE Blade A521 specifications
• Weight, dimensions, colors
• System, chipset, performance
• Display type, size, resolution
• Memory, storage
• Cameras, flash
• Connectivity, network, wireless
• Battery type, capacity, charger
• Features, sensors, specials
• Verdict, pros and cons

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the ZTE Blade A521 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

ZTE Blade A521 specifications

Weight, dimensions, colors

The weight of the ZTE Blade A521 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

The ZTE Blade A521 comes with Android OS v7.1 (Nougat) out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means users and developers have more control over the software. The quad-core mobile CPU can provide fast and efficient performance for mobile games. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs.

Display type, size, resolution

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. If you use your smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32GB may be sufficient for your needs. You can expand the internal storage of the Blade A521 (8 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

You may have budget limits. Or, you may prioritize other features over a multi-camera system. If so, this single camera setup can be a good choice. The main camera of Blade A521 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

The 4G provides faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This ZTE phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. You can use Bluetooth to connect your Blade A521 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

The Li-Ion 2400 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The Blade A521 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this ZTE phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.