The ZTE Blade A35E is a basic budget smartphone best suited to users who need a secondary device rather than a primary phone for demanding daily use. Its 6.52-inch HD+ IPS display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling than a standard 60Hz screen, while the compact-looking design, silver-grey finish and decorative camera module give it a more premium appearance than its plastic construction suggests. The phone includes 64GB internal storage, 2GB physical RAM with an additional 4GB of virtual RAM, and a 5,000mAh battery. A USB Type-C port, 3.5mm headphone jack, face unlock, protective case and screen protector add practical convenience. Its 8MP rear camera is adequate for simple tasks such as photographing receipts, scanning documents and basic messaging needs.
Who it's for
- Buyers who need a secondary phone for calls, messaging or hotspot sharing.
- Users who prioritize an attractive design and a smooth 90Hz display over high performance.
- People who need a large battery for basic tasks and occasional document scanning.
Where it falls short
The main limitation is performance. With only 2GB of physical RAM, the phone can feel slow and show noticeable stuttering during everyday use; virtual RAM does not fully compensate for the shortage. The 8MP rear camera is basic, and the available camera observations do not support expectations beyond simple photography. 5W charging is particularly slow for a 5,000mAh battery, potentially making recharging inconvenient. The display also has a noticeable chin, and the phone lacks a fingerprint scanner, relying on face unlock instead.
Worth comparing
The VGO Tel New 17 is worth considering if you can stretch your budget. It offers a MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, a 90Hz HD+ display, a 13MP rear camera and 18W charging with a 5,000mAh battery. Compared with the Blade A35E, it provides more physical RAM, a more capable processor on paper, a higher-resolution main camera and substantially faster charging. The Blade A35E's main appeal is its design and basic functionality, but the VGO Tel New 17 offers more hardware headroom for everyday use.
