The BLU Studio X10L and ZTE Blade A31 Plus represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The X10L relies on a simpler quad-core processor, while the A31 Plus opts for an octa-core Unisoc chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the ZTE Blade A31 Plus is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable advantage over the BLU Studio X10L’s quad-core Cortex-A53, despite the older 28nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2021, October 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 142.9 x 73.1 x 9.9 mm (5.63 x 2.88 x 0.39 in) | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
BLU Studio X10L
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Outdated processor architecture
- Likely slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- More efficient Cortex-A55 cores
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Older 28nm process
- May be slightly more expensive
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of display specifications for the BLU Studio X10L, we can assume it utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel common in this price bracket. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus, while also likely IPS LCD, benefits from a larger screen size. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the A31 Plus’s more capable chipset will likely translate to smoother scrolling and animations, even if the panel itself isn’t high-end.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given their target market. Without specific sensor details for either phone, it’s safe to assume they both feature basic camera setups. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus may have a slight advantage due to the processing power of the Unisoc chipset, allowing for potentially faster image processing and better low-light performance, but this is speculative. Expect both to struggle in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones is their processing power. The BLU Studio X10L’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU is an older architecture, designed for basic tasks. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus, however, features the Unisoc SC9863A chipset with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A55 cores are a significant architectural improvement over the A53, offering better performance and efficiency. While the SC9863A is built on a 28nm process (less efficient than newer nodes), the sheer number of cores and architectural advantages give it a clear edge in multitasking and app responsiveness. This means faster app loading times and a smoother overall user experience on the ZTE.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Neither device’s battery capacity is specified, but given their low-end chipsets, both should be able to last a full day with moderate use. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus’s more efficient Cortex-A55 cores *could* translate to slightly better battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely to be slow given the budget nature of both phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10L if you need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light web browsing, and are extremely price-sensitive. It's a functional device for minimal smartphone usage. Buy the ZTE Blade A31 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday tasks like social media, email, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and a more modern chipset architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A31 Plus struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a powerhouse, it's significantly more capable than the BLU Studio X10L's processor. It should handle Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar apps without major issues, though demanding features within those apps might experience some lag. The Cortex-A55 cores provide a noticeable improvement in responsiveness for everyday social media use.
❓ Is the BLU Studio X10L a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the BLU Studio X10L is perfectly adequate for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple contact apps. If your smartphone needs are minimal, the X10L offers a functional and affordable solution.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games?
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is the better option for light gaming. While neither phone is designed for demanding games, the octa-core processor and more modern architecture will provide a smoother experience with less demanding titles. The BLU Studio X10L may struggle even with simple games.
