The ZTE Blade A3 2020 is an ultra-affordable smartphone designed for simplicity and essential use, often offered by carriers like Telcel. It runs on the lightweight Android 9 Pie (Go edition), which is optimized for smooth performance on its entry-level hardware. Powered by a UNISOC (Spreadtrum) chipset and featuring a compact 5.45-inch display, it’s perfect for a first smartphone or as a basic communication device. This guide provides the official stock ROM for the Telcel variant, essential for unbricking the device or performing a complete factory restore.
Important: This firmware is specifically for the ZTE Blade A3 2020 (Telcel variant). Flashing this file on a different model or a variant from another region may cause network issues or brick your device. The flashing process requires specific tools for UNISOC/Spreadtrum chipsets.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: ZTE Blade A3 2020
- Release year: 2020
- Chipset: UNISOC SC9832E
- Display: 5.45″ IPS LCD
- Battery: 2600 mAh (Removable)
- Original OS: Android 9 Pie (Go edition)
Required Downloads
To flash a Spreadtrum/UNISOC device, you will need the specific drivers and flashing tool. You can find the downloads for these in our main guide linked below.
- SPD Upgrade Tool or SPD Research Tool
- Spreadtrum/UNISOC USB Drivers
Stock ROM (Firmware)
| Region / Carrier | Build | Android | Type | Download | Chipset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico (Telcel) | V1.1 | 9.0 (Go) | SPD .pac Firmware |
Download | UNISOC/SPD |
How to Flash the Stock Firmware
Flashing the stock ROM onto your ZTE Blade A3 2020 requires a Windows PC and the SPD Upgrade Tool. The process involves installing the correct UNISOC drivers, loading the .pac firmware file from the download into the tool, and then connecting your powered-off phone while holding the Volume Down key to initiate the flash.
For detailed, step-by-step instructions with screenshots and tool download links, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Use the SPD Upgrade Tool to Flash Your Smartphone.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for ZTE Blade A3 2020
- Driver Installation Fails: The most common issue when flashing Spreadtrum devices is incorrect driver installation. If the tool does not detect your phone, you must re-install the drivers. On modern Windows, this almost always requires you to disable ‘Driver Signature Enforcement’ before the installation will succeed.
- Phone Not Connecting (“Boot Key”): To force the phone into the correct flashing mode, it must be completely powered off. First, click the “Start Downloading” button in the SPD tool. Then, press and hold the Volume Down button on your phone, and *while holding it*, connect the phone to your PC with the USB cable. The tool should then detect the device.
- Stuck on Google Account Screen (FRP Lock): If you factory reset your phone but are stuck on the Google account verification screen (FRP lock), flashing this stock ROM is a definitive solution. The process completely wipes the device, removing the old Google account and allowing you to set it up as new.
- Telcel Carrier Software: Be aware that this is official firmware for the Telcel network in Mexico. After flashing, your device will be restored to its original state, including any Telcel branding, start-up animations, and pre-installed applications (bloatware).
FAQs
Q1. What is Android 9 (Go edition)?
Android Go is a special, lightweight version of Android designed by Google to run smoothly on devices with low RAM (typically 1.5GB or less). It uses optimized “Go” versions of Google apps that take up less space and use fewer resources.
Q2. Will flashing this firmware remove the Telcel SIM lock?
No. Flashing the official stock firmware restores the phone’s software to its original state, but it does not affect the SIM/network lock. Your device will still be locked to the Telcel network.
Q3. My phone’s storage is always full. Will this help?
Yes. A clean flash using this guide will erase everything and restore the phone to its factory state. This removes all user data, apps, and accumulated junk files, freeing up the maximum amount of storage space possible on the device.
Q4. Why can’t I install many apps on this phone?
The ZTE Blade A3 2020 is an Android Go device with limited internal storage (e.g., 16GB or 32GB). The operating system itself takes up a significant portion of this space. It’s designed for essential apps and light use. You can use a microSD card to store photos and media to free up internal space.
