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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45RAM capacity:1 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:5 inchesMain camera megapixels:5 MP

ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB)
4.9/10

Overall score

Score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

4.9

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 99% of smartphones
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

5.2

Performance & Hardware

18%

4.8

Camera

15%

4.2

Display

15%

5.0

Battery

10%

6.2

Software

10%

4.2

Connectivity

4%

2.6

Audio

3%

7.3

Design

â–¼Worse than 99%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Smartphones model ranking

Ranked #2000 of 2,002 models in Smartphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of smartphone ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

5.2

Performance & Hardware

18%

4.8

Camera

15%

4.2

Display

15%

5.0

Battery

10%

6.2

Software

10%

4.2

Connectivity

4%

2.6

Audio

3%

7.3

Design

4.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

4.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.4
Brand name
ZTE
Processor model
Unisoc SC7731e
This smartphone uses the Unisoc SC7731e processor model which is slower than processors in 100% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
1 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 1 GB which is smaller than the RAM capacity of 99.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Internal storage
32 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 32 GB which is smaller than the storage of 97.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 1.7% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
1.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 1.3 GHz which is lower than the boost speed of 99.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
This smartphone runs Android version Android 11 which is older than that found in 80.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
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Multi-lens main camera
no
This smartphone does not include a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
5 MP
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 5 MP which is lower than that of 99.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
?
Main camera sensor area
?
Main camera pixel size
?
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
no
This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
no
This smartphone does not support LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
5 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 5 inches which is smaller than the screens of 98.9% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.4% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
480x 960 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 480x960 px which is lower than that of 99.8% of smartphones.
Pixel density
215 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 215 ppi which is lower than that of 99.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Display type
IPS LCD
This smartphone uses a IPS LCD display type. 0% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is lower than in 84.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 15.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 2000 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 99.6% of smartphones and equal to those in 0.2% of smartphones.
Charging speed
?
Fast charging
no
This smartphone does not support fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
no
This smartphone does not include stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
yes
This smartphone includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
1
This smartphone has 1 microphones, which is fewer than in 89.6% of smartphones and equal to the number in 10.4% of smartphones.
FM radio
yes
This smartphone includes an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
?
Show more
Height
137.5 mm
This smartphone has a height of 137.5 mm which is shorter than 99.2% of smartphones.
Width
67.5 mm
This smartphone has a width of 67.5 mm which is narrower than 99% of smartphones.
Thickness
10 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 10 mm which is thicker than 88.6% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Weight
143 g
This smartphone weighs 143 g which is lighter than 99.3% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.1% of smartphones.
Device volume
91,790 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 91,790 cm³ which is smaller than 66.6% of smartphones.
Show more

ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 36.8% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1300 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,300 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • 27.1% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (143 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    143 g vs 196.2 g
  • 26.1 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (137.5 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    137.5 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 8.5 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (67.5 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    67.5 mm vs 76 mm
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • 5.78x cheaper
    ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£45 vs £260).
    £45 vs £260
  • Has FM radio
    This smartphone features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 34.2% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
  • 5.78x cheaper
    ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) is cheaper than the average smartphone (£45 vs £260).
    £45 vs £260
  • 36.8% faster GPU clock
    This smartphone has a higher GPU frequency than the average smartphone (1300 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone GPU frequency is 950 MHz.
    1,300 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • Has a 3.5 mm headphone jack
    This smartphone features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, the average smartphone does not. 45.5% of smartphones include a standard headphone jack.
  • Has FM radio
    This smartphone features an FM radio, the average smartphone does not. 34.2% of smartphones include an FM tuner.
  • 27.1% lighter
    This smartphone is lighter than the average smartphone (143 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    143 g vs 196.2 g
  • 8.5 mm narrower
    This smartphone is narrower than the average smartphone (67.5 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone width is 76 mm.
    67.5 mm vs 76 mm
  • 26.1 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (137.5 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    137.5 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Unisoc SC7731e vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Unisoc SC7731e vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 87.5% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (32 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 256 GB
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 8.20x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • 4.67x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (28 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    28 nm vs 6 nm
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 14% worse value for money
    ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.43 vs 7.3).
    6.43 vs 7.34
  • 5.44x less popular
    ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • Worse processor
    This smartphone uses a worse processor than the average smartphone (Unisoc SC7731e vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Unisoc SC7731e vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 87.5% less storage
    This smartphone offers less internal storage than the average smartphone (32 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone includes 256 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 256 GB
  • 4.67x larger process node
    This smartphone is manufactured on a larger process node than the average smartphone (28 nm vs 6 nm). The average smartphone uses a 6 nm process.
    28 nm vs 6 nm
  • 7 GB less RAM
    This smartphone has less RAM than the average smartphone (1 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 8 GB
  • 92.9% lower maximum RAM capacity
    This smartphone supports less maximum RAM than the average smartphone (1 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB of RAM.
    1 GB vs 14 GB
  • 45.8% lower CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (1.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    1.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Lacks big.LITTLE architecture
    This smartphone does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average smartphone does. 98.4% of smartphones use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • Lacks ARM TrustZone
    This smartphone does not support ARM TrustZone, the average smartphone does. 98% of smartphones support ARM TrustZone.
  • Lower CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a lower CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (4x1.3 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    4x1.3 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • Older DDR memory version
    This smartphone uses an older DDR memory version than the average smartphone (3 vs 4). The average smartphone uses DDR version 4.
    3 vs 4
  • 1 fewer memory channels
    This smartphone supports fewer memory channels than the average smartphone (1 vs 2). The average smartphone supports 2 channels.
    1 vs 2
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 11 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 11 vs Android 14
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No voice command support
    This smartphone does not support voice commands, the average smartphone does. 98.9% of smartphones include voice command support.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Worse main camera video quality
    This smartphone records worse main camera video than the average smartphone. 8.20x of smartphones support 4K video recording.
    720x30 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    5 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (2 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    2 MP vs 16 MP
  • Single-lens main camera
    This smartphone has a single-lens main camera, while the average smartphone has a multi-lens setup. 93.7% of smartphones use multiple lenses.
  • Lacks HDR mode
    This smartphone lacks an HDR mode, the average smartphone has one. 97.1% of smartphones support HDR photography.
  • No slow-motion recording
    This smartphone does not support slow-motion recording, the average smartphone does. 90.3% of smartphones offer slow-mo features.
  • No timelapse video
    This smartphone does not support timelapse video, the average smartphone does. 92.3% of smartphones include timelapse modes.
  • No burst mode
    This smartphone does not have a burst mode, the average smartphone does. 98.1% of smartphones support burst shooting.
  • No panorama mode
    This smartphone does not have a panorama mode, the average smartphone does. 99.7% of smartphones include panorama features.
  • No 5G connectivity
    This smartphone does not support 5G connectivity, the average smartphone does. 66.9% of smartphones are 5G compatible.
  • No NFC
    This smartphone does not support NFC, the average smartphone does. 83.1% of smartphones feature NFC.
  • No LTE support
    This smartphone does not support LTE, the average smartphone does. 99.7% of smartphones support LTE.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (4.2 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    4.2 vs 5.2
  • No gyroscope
    This smartphone does not have a gyroscope, the average smartphone does. 84.4% of smartphones feature a gyroscope.
  • Lacks USB Type-C
    This smartphone lacks a USB Type-C port, the average smartphone includes one. 96.9% of smartphones use USB Type-C.
  • No compass
    This smartphone does not have a compass, the average smartphone does. 93.2% of smartphones include a built-in compass.
  • No fingerprint scanner
    This smartphone does not have a fingerprint scanner, the average smartphone does. 96.4% of smartphones include a fingerprint scanner.
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Inferior display type
    This smartphone has an inferior display type compared to the average smartphone (IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED). 0.00% of smartphones use the superior display type.
    IPS LCD vs OLED/AMOLED
  • 50% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 1.67 inches inch smaller screen size
    This smartphone has a smaller screen size than the average smartphone (5 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone has a screen size of 6.67 inches.
    5 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Lower screen resolution
    This smartphone has a lower screen resolution than the average smartphone (480x960 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone has a resolution of 1080x2400 px.
    480x960 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 45.6% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (215 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    215 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 60% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (2000 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    2,000 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No fast charging support
    This smartphone does not support fast charging, the average smartphone does. 93.1% of smartphones feature fast charging.
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • No stereo speakers
    This smartphone does not have stereo speakers, the average smartphone does. 64.4% of smartphones feature stereo speakers.
  • No LDAC support
    This smartphone does not support LDAC, the average smartphone does. 60.3% of smartphones support LDAC.
  • No aptX HD
    This smartphone does not support aptX HD, the average smartphone does. 50.7% of smartphones support aptX HD.
  • 1 fewer microphone/s
    This smartphone has fewer microphones than the average smartphone (1 vs 2). The average smartphone has 2 microphones.
    1 vs 2
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    October 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • 1.7 mm thicker
    This smartphone is thicker than the average smartphone (10 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone has a thickness of 8.3 mm.
    10 mm vs 8.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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kickmobiles.com
No Date Listed
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What we like about ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB)

  • Affordable price point for a basic device.
  • Compact design that allows for easy one-handed use.
  • Suitable for basic tasks such as calls, messaging, and light browsing.
  • Features expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Praised by some users as being very easy to navigate, especially for older users or those less familiar with smartphones.

What we don't like about ZTE Blade L9 (1GB + 32GB)

  • Very slow performance and frequent lagging due to limited 1GB RAM and a poor CPU build, often described as 'sloppy'.
  • Poor network connectivity, with some users experiencing inconsistent internet service, an inability to connect to mobile networks, and a lack of 4G support in some regional variants.
  • Weak battery life (2000mAh) that drains quickly and takes a long time to charge.
  • Subpar camera quality, with photos described as awful (especially for night shots) and a lack of basic features like panorama.
  • Low resolution TFT display where pixels are noticeable.
  • Outdated Android 11 (Go Edition) software and a lack of consistent software updates.
  • Lacks modern features like USB OTG support or wireless charging.

Verdict

The ZTE Blade L9 is an ultra-budget smartphone released in October 2021, featuring a 5-inch TFT display with a low 480x960 pixel resolution and running the streamlined Android 11 (Go Edition). It is powered by a Unisoc SC7731e quad-core processor, paired with 1GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage that is expandable via microSD. Key features include dual SIM support, a lightweight and compact design, and an affordable price point that makes it accessible for first-time smartphone users or for emergency purposes. However, the extremely limited 1GB of RAM, weak processor, and small 2000mAh battery result in very sluggish performance, poor battery life, and a dated user experience.

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