As our lives become increasingly digitally interconnected, the demand for faster and more reliable connectivity increases.  A demand that 4G is now struggling to keep up.  To meet this demand, the fifth generation of cellular technology, commonly known as 5G emerged as a significant leap forward in mobile technology.  

5G is nothing new.  Research and development began as early as 2010 with a focus on having a new standard that could handle the increasing demand for connectivity.  But it was only in 2019, that 5G networks expanded worldwide offering significant improvements over its 4G predecessor.  With 5G, users can experience faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity transforming how we connect.  Imagine a highway that has undergone road widening.  With road widening, more cars can be accommodated at the same time running at faster speeds.  Traffic is reduced even if more cars are on it.  More people can use the internet at the same time without having to slow down. 

With 5G, users would benefit from faster data speeds, low latency and increased capacity.  This translates to users being able to download, stream and do online games, faster and smoother.  Real-time online applications such as video calls and remote devices are done without delay.  And with 5G, more devices can be connected simultaneously.  Specifically relevant these days as more and more IoT (Internet of Things) devices are connected in our homes and cities.

In general, 5G enhances our overall lives making technology more accessible, efficient and integrated not only to a few but to many.

It was in July 2020 that Smart Communications, PLDT's wireless arm, made history when it launched its 5G mobile network in key Metro Manila areas.  Since then, Smart has expanded its 5G coverage across the Philippines.  Today, you can experience 5G speeds in all 17 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila as well as in major cities like Cebu, Davao and Iloilo.  And with its ongoing "5G for All" initiative, Smart is strongly committed to bringing the benefits of 5G technology to more Filipinos by building new 5G sites, offering affordable 5G plans and providing affordable 5G-compatible devices like the ZTE Blaze A75.

A few weeks ago, Smart announced its partnership with ZTE further strengthening its commitment to its "5G for All" initiative.  As a 5G provider, Smart understands that a powerful device is essential to fully leverage its potential.  Much like a high-performance car that needs a powerful engine, Smart's robust 5G network needs a device that can handle its incredible speed and low-latency.  Exclusively offered in Smart for only P5,450, find out why Smart has chosen the ZTE Blade A75 5G as I break down its key features and benefits.

5G has tons of benefits, but to appreciate and maximize them you need a device that works well with the network.  The ZTE Blade A75 5G offered exclusively from Smart comes with a 5G SIM.  Since I've been a Smart subscriber since its inception, I chose to use my own SIM.   First things first, I checked if my SIM is 5G-ready.  To check, type SIMCHECK in the message box and send it to 5832.  Immediately, I received a message confirming that my SIM is LTE and 5G ready!

With SIM check done, now let's see why the ZTE Blade A75 5G was a Smart choice.

5G Connectivity

As its name states, the ZTE Blade supports 5G networks.  Hence, connecting to Smart's 5G network was instant.   After the usual SIM setup, I was able to connect instantly and was able to take full advantage of Smart's 5G connectivity - faster download and upload speeds, stream HD videos and play online games with no lag.

And speaking of streaming, I did enjoy watching the UAAP Season 87 basketball games using the Smart Live Stream app over the weekend.   Good network connectivity made the whole live-streaming experience immersive and seamless.  

I do like the Adaptive 5G feature of the ZTE Blade.  When this feature is turned on, the system will automatically switch between 5G and 4G to save more battery based on the app's running status and data access speed.  Additionally, users are given the option to list apps (called the Whitelist) that will always run on 5G.  This feature is a great way to balance performance and battery life.

Display

The ZTE Blade boasts a vibrant 6.6-IPS LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.  Colors are bright and vivid, and scrolling through apps or browsing the web feels fluid and responsive. Navigating the user interface was a breeze.  I didn't experience any lag or signs of slowing down.

The interactive Live Island is a unique touch.  It is a little capsule on the screen that displays notifications, real-time activities such as a countdown timer, voice recording and reminders at a glance.

Processor and operating system

With the UNISOC T760 6nm 5G processor with 8GB Dynamic RAM on board, the ZTE Blade A75 5G ensures smooth and seamless multitasking and efficient power usage, even when running demanding apps.

The ZTE Blade A75 5G also features MyOS 13 based on Android 13 offering a range of features like device personalization and enhanced privacy features.  MyOS 13 supports extended RAM - memory fusion technology that can expand the RAM by up to 8GB - so that multi-tasking remains buttery smooth.

And surprise, surprise...ZTE Blade A75 5G has AI capabilities!  Yes, this budget-friendly smartphone does have AI features that you can use to enhance image quality (50MP dual camera system), power management (the Adaptive 5G feature) and performance (optimizing the use of RAM) and more.

Camera

The ZTE Blade A75 5G is equipped with a 50MP AI dual camera system and an 8MP selfie camera.  With AI beauty algorithms, selfie shots looked natural and impressive; while the RAW Super Night Mode captured dramatic night photos.

Other features

In addition to its many features, the ZTE Blade A75 5G boasts a 5000mAh battery, dual SIM capability, WiFi, GPS, a fingerprint sensor for added security, DTS technology, and a sleek design.  Despite being budget-friendly, the ZTE Blade A75 5G doesn't skimp on the essential features needed for a 5G network.

A good 5G network needs a good 5G device to fully experience the benefits of 5G connectivity and the ZTE Blade A75 5G is a perfect example of this.  With almost a month of using this smartphone, so far it has delivered a seamless and enjoyable experience for me.  It is proof that even at a budget-friendly price, you can still get a smartphone that packs a punch.