The Energizer Ultimate U505s and ZTE Blade A31 Lite represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on how they impact real-world performance and usability for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother performance, the Energizer Ultimate U505s is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, clocked at 1.5 GHz, offers a marginal speed advantage over the ZTE Blade A31 Lite’s 1.4 GHz Unisoc SC9832E. However, both phones are best suited for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March | 2021, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 138.5 x 73.5 x 10.6 mm (5.45 x 2.89 x 0.42 in) | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gray, Blue |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Energizer Ultimate U505s
- Slightly faster processor (1.5 GHz)
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Energizer brand recognition
- Limited specifications available
- Likely basic camera performance
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Potentially lower price point
- Unisoc chipset may offer wider carrier compatibility
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower processor (1.4 GHz)
- Less power-efficient chipset
- Limited specifications available
Display Comparison
Neither Energizer nor ZTE provide display specifications beyond size, meaning detailed analysis is limited. Both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding brightness (nits) suggests neither will excel in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for the segment, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be minimal on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume image quality will be subpar, especially in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the ZTE Blade A31 Lite is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be basic, focusing on contrast and saturation rather than detail preservation. These cameras are best suited for quick snapshots in good lighting.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: Mediatek MT6739 in the U505s versus Unisoc SC9832E in the A31 Lite. While both are quad-core processors, the MT6739’s 1.5 GHz clock speed provides a modest performance edge. The Unisoc SC9832E, built on a 28nm process, is likely to be less power-efficient, potentially impacting battery life under sustained load. Neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming or intensive applications; expect lag with anything beyond basic tasks. RAM configurations are unknown, but likely limited, further constraining multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets and likely basic displays, both should offer at least a full day of standby time and moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds via micro-USB (a common feature in this price range). The Unisoc SC9832E’s less efficient 28nm process may necessitate a larger battery to achieve comparable battery life to the Energizer U505s.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U505s if you need a phone for light multitasking, occasional social media browsing, and reliable call functionality. The slightly faster processor will provide a marginally more responsive experience. Buy the ZTE Blade A31 Lite if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are content with a very basic smartphone experience focused solely on essential communication features. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, both the Energizer Ultimate U505s and ZTE Blade A31 Lite should be capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media. These apps are optimized for low-end hardware, but the limited RAM and processing power will still be a bottleneck.
❓ Are these phones suitable for playing mobile games?
Neither phone is well-suited for gaming. The Mediatek MT6739 and Unisoc SC9832E chipsets lack the graphical power to run modern games at playable frame rates. Simple, older games might be playable on low settings, but don't expect a smooth gaming experience.
❓ Do these phones support 4G LTE connectivity?
Based on the chipsets used, both the Energizer Ultimate U505s (MT6739) and ZTE Blade A31 Lite (SC9832E) are expected to support 4G LTE connectivity. However, specific band support will vary depending on the region and carrier.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Given the hardware specifications, it's highly probable that both phones run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. This helps to optimize performance and storage space.
