ZTE Blade A3: what version of Android is installed and how to update it

The smartphone ZTE Blade A3 has become one of the most popular budget devices on the market, attracting users with its low price and basic functionality. However, the main stumbling block for many owners is the software, namely the version of the mobile operating system. Different modifications of this phone came with completely different versions of the kernel, which creates confusion when trying to find instructions or a compatible application.

In this material we will analyze in detail which one is installed on your model, whether it can be updated officially and what alternative ways to modify the system exist. Understanding the architecture of your device is the first step to optimizing it and extending its life. Android is it on your model, is it possible to update it officially and what are the alternative ways to modify the system. Understanding your device's architecture is the first step to optimizing it and extending its lifespan.

Identifying the current version of the operating system

Before you take any action to change the software, you need to know exactly which version you are dealing with. The line Blade A3 was produced in several revisions, and the factory firmware directly depends on the year of manufacture of a particular instance.

The easiest way to find out the truth is to go to the device settings. You need to follow the path Settings → About phone → Software information. This is where the build number and version of the system kernel are displayed. Users are often surprised to see the numbers 6.0 or 7.1, although the store told them about more recent software.

It is worth considering that ZTE often used the same case model for different hardware components. Therefore, visual similarity does not guarantee the same software platform. If you bought the phone second-hand, the likelihood that the previous owner has already manipulated the firmware is quite high.

⚠️ Attention: If the menu shows an assembly marked “Custom” or superuser rights (Root) are present, this means that the standard software warranty has already been voided, and official updates may not arrive.

Official versions of Android for different modifications

The history of updates for this series of devices is quite contradictory. The manufacturer did not provide a uniform support policy for all regions, which led to version fragmentation. Owners should clearly understand the differences between the 2017 and 2019 models.

The first generation models released in 2017 were originally based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Later, an update to Android 7.0 Nougatwas released for some regions, but it was far from stable on all devices. Later revisions, such as Blade A3 2019, already came with Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition) out of the box.

Version Go Edition is a lightweight variation of the system, optimized for devices with a small amount of RAM (often only 1 GB). This is a critical point, since regular versions of applications may not work correctly on such a base.

Below is a summary table that will help compare the device model with the maximum available official version of the system:

Device model	Year of manufacture	Factory version	Maximum update
ZTE Blade A3 (2017)	2017	Android 6.0	Android 7.0 (not for all regions)
ZTE Blade A3 Lite	2018	Android 7.0	Android 7.0 (without updates)
ZTE Blade A3 2019	2019	Android 8.1 Go	Android 8.1 Go (no updates)
ZTE Blade A3 Prime	2020	Android 10 (Go)	Android 10 (Go)

As can be seen from the data, the support life cycle for the budget segment is extremely short. If your device is stuck on version 6.0 or 7.0, you can’t count on receiving Android 9 or 10 officially.

The update process through the system interface

For those devices that have not yet exhausted the update limit from the manufacturer, the procedure is carried out using the standard “over-the-air” method (OTA). This is the safest method and does not require connecting to a computer.

Before starting the procedure, make sure that the battery level is at least 50%. The installation process can take from 15 to 40 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point is fatal to the bootloader. It is also recommended to free up at least 1-2 GB of internal memory.

The action algorithm is as follows:

• 📡 Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network, as update packages can weigh several hundred megabytes.
• ⚙️ Open the menu Settings i find the section About phone or System.
• 🔄 Click on the item Software update and wait for the server to check.
• 📥 If a new version is found, click Download and install.

If the server responds that “the system is updated to the latest version”, but you know about the existence of a newer release for your region, perhaps the update will come in waves later. Sometimes it makes sense to change the region in the settings, but this may lead to loss of warranty.

Manual installation of firmware via Recovery

When automatic updating does not work or the firmware file is downloaded manually from the official website, you have to resort to the installation method via recovery mode. This method requires more caution and precision in your actions.

You will need to download the firmware file with the extension .zip, corresponding to your model (check the model number in the settings, for example, ZTE A0722). The file must be placed in the root of the internal memory or on a microSD card.

⚠️ Attention: Installing firmware from another model (even if it is called Blade A3) will “brick” the device. Always check the model codes before writing the file.

To enter Recovery mode, turn off the phone, then hold down the key combination Volume Up and Power. In the menu that appears, select Apply update from SD card or Apply update from internal storage. Find your file and confirm the installation.

What to do if Recovery does not see the file?

If the firmware file does not appear in the list, try renaming it to update.zip or moving it to a memory card from another manufacturer. Sometimes the file system of the card may be incompatible, try formatting it in FAT32.

After completing the process, be sure to select the item Wipe data/factory resetto avoid conflicts between old settings and the new system. Without this step, the phone may be unstable.

Use of custom firmware and root access

For experienced users who are not satisfied with the limitations of the stock system, there is a market for custom firmware. Based on ZTE Blade A3 enthusiasts have ported versions LineageOS and other lightweight builds that allow you to get a more recent Android.

However, unlocking the bootloader on ZTE devices is often fraught with difficulties. The manufacturer rarely provides official unlock codes. Users have to look for workarounds through engineering menus or specialized software on the PC.

Getting root access gives full control over the file system, allowing you to remove system junk and freeze pre-installed applications. But this also opens vulnerabilities for malware and blocks the operation of banking applications.

It is worth noting that installing third-party software requires drivers ADB and Fastboot on the computer. Without these tools, interaction with the bootloader is impossible.

adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot reboot

These commands are entered in the computer command line with the phone connected to replace the standard recovery menu with a modified one, for example, TWRP.

Solving typical problems after an update

Even a successful update can bring with it a number of unpleasant surprises. Users often experience interface slowdowns, rapid battery drain, or loss of network signal.

One ​​of the most common problems is the “bootloop”, when the phone constantly turns on and off at the logo. This usually indicates a cache conflict or damage to system files during the recording process.

In such cases, a full reset (Hard Reset) helps. It is also performed through the Recovery menu by selecting the item Wipe data/factory reset. This will delete all user data, but will return the system to a working state.

• 🔋 Quick Discharge: Check to see if the old update process is still in the system. Rebooting in safe mode will help identify the culprit.
• 📶 No network: The base modem may have been updated. Try flashing the radio module separately or resetting the network settings.
• 📷 Camera error: clear the camera application cache in the application settings.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to update the ZTE Blade A3 2017 to Android 10?

Officially - no. Hardware limitations of the processor and memory do not allow running a full-fledged tenth version. Unofficially, there are LineageOS ports, but they can be unstable and require deep knowledge in modding.

Why did the phone start to slow down after the update?

Most likely, you upgraded on a device with 1 GB of RAM to a heavier version of the system. New versions of Android require more resources. It is recommended to disable animations in the menu For developers and remove unnecessary applications.

How to find the exact phone model to search for firmware?

Go to Settings → About phone. Look for the "Model number" line. Also, this information is often duplicated on a sticker under the back cover or on the box.

Is it safe to obtain root access on this phone?

It is safe from the point of view of the physics of the device, but not safe for your data. Banking applications will stop working, and any error in obtaining permissions may block the system from loading. Do this only if you understand the risks.

What to do if the update is stuck at 50%?

Do not panic and do not turn off the phone immediately. Wait 15-20 minutes. If progress does not move, try holding down the power and volume buttons to force a reboot. If the phone does not turn on, you will need to flash it via a computer.