The ZTE Blade L3 is a basic, entry-level smartphone from 2015. For owners of this very old device, flashing the official stock firmware is often the only way to resolve deep software corruption, fix a device stuck in a bootloop, or restore a phone that has become completely unresponsive to its original factory condition.
Important Note: This device is powered by a MediaTek MT6582M chipset and runs the outdated Android 5.0 Lollipop. The restoration process requires the use of SP Flash Tool. Please be aware of the severe limitations of this device’s hardware and software.
Quick Device Specs
- Device
- ZTE Blade L3
- Release year
- 2015
- Chipset
- MediaTek MT6582M
- Display
- 5.0″ qHD TFT (960×540)
- Battery
- 2000 mAh (Removable)
- Memory
- 1GB RAM + 8GB storage
- Camera
- 8MP rear, 2MP front
- OS
- Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| SP Flash Tool | Download Tool |
| MediaTek USB VCOM Drivers | Download Drivers |
Stock ROM & Firmware
Two builds are available. The 2016 version is newer and recommended. If you have issues with one, try the other.
| Build Date | Android | Region | Type | Download | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-05-27 | 5.0 (Lollipop) | Global | SP Flash Tool | Download | ~800 MB |
| 2015-11-19 | 5.0 (Lollipop) | Global | SP Flash Tool | Download | ~800 MB |
Quick Flashing Guide
- Download and install the MediaTek VCOM drivers and the SP Flash Tool on your computer.
- Extract your chosen firmware ZIP file to find the `MT6582_Android_scatter.txt` file.
- Launch SP Flash Tool, load the scatter file, and ensure the flashing mode is set to “Download Only.”
- Power off your phone, remove the battery, click the “Download” button in the tool, and then connect the phone to your PC via USB to begin.
For a complete, step-by-step tutorial with screenshots, please refer to our definitive guide:
How to Flash Stock Firmware on MediaTek (MTK) Smartphones
FAQs
Q1. Is this the same as the ZTE Blade L3 Lite?
No. The standard Blade L3 (MT6582M chipset) is slightly more powerful than the Blade L3 Lite (MT6572 chipset). Their firmwares are not interchangeable and flashing the wrong file will brick your device.
Q2. Can I install modern apps on this phone after flashing?
No. This phone runs Android 5.0 Lollipop, an operating system from 2014 that is no longer supported by most modern apps. The 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage are also far below minimum requirements. This firmware is for restoring the phone for basic calling and SMS.
Q3. Why do I get constant “Google Play Services has stopped” errors?
This is the most common problem for Android 5.x devices today. The version of Google Play Services in the firmware is obsolete. After flashing, you must connect to Wi-Fi and let the Play Store attempt to update itself and Play Services, but this may fail due to storage limitations.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting
- “Insufficient Storage” Error: The 8GB of internal storage is the biggest limitation of this phone. It is essential to use a microSD card for all photos and media. Go to `Settings > Apps` to disable any pre-installed bloatware to free up precious system space for essential app updates.
- Phone Not Charging or Charging Very Slowly: On a device this old, charging issues are often hardware-related (a worn-out micro-USB port or a degraded battery). A firmware flash can fix software bugs that prevent charging, but if the problem persists after a clean flash, the hardware is likely the cause.
- Stuck on ZTE Logo (Bootloop): A bootloop is a common issue. A full firmware flash with SP Flash Tool is the most reliable solution. After flashing, the first boot can be slow. If it’s still stuck after 15 minutes, boot into recovery (hold Volume Up + Power) and perform a “Wipe data/factory reset”.
- SP Flash Tool Doesn’t Detect the Phone: This is a driver issue. Reinstall the VCOM drivers (disabling driver signature enforcement in Windows first). The removable battery is your best tool: remove it, click “Download” in the tool, then connect the phone without the battery. Once the red bar appears, you can re-insert it.
