The LG Q31 and ZTE Blade A5 (2019) represent the lower end of the Android smartphone market, often serving as first phones or reliable backups. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an extremely competitive price point. However, significant differences in their underlying chipsets dictate a noticeable disparity in performance and efficiency, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and longevity, the LG Q31 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, built on a 12nm process, offers superior efficiency and a more modern CPU architecture compared to the ZTE Blade A5 (2019)'s older, 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While both phones are entry-level, the Q31 provides a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 17. Released 2020, September 25 | 2019, May. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.9 x 71 x 8.7 mm (5.82 x 2.80 x 0.34 in) | 145.8 x 70 x 9.6 mm (5.74 x 2.76 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~77.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 2600 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Black, Blue |
| Models | LM-Q310N | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 80 EUR |
LG Q31
- More efficient processor (Helio P22)
- Smoother performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Limited detailed specifications available
- Still an entry-level device with inherent limitations
ZTE Blade A5 (2019)
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic communication (calls/texts)
- May have slightly larger battery capacity
- Inefficient processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Noticeable slowdowns with multitasking
- Poor battery life compared to the LG Q31
Display Comparison
Neither LG nor ZTE provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, it's safe to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of brightness or color accuracy. However, the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) may suffer from narrower viewing angles due to the limitations of its chipset's display controller. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are scarce for both devices. Both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P22 is likely more capable than the one in the SC9863A, resulting in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect limited dynamic range and detail from both cameras, but the LG Q31 should offer a slight edge in overall image processing. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either phone should be considered marketing features rather than substantial photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG Q31’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a significant advantage over the ZTE Blade A5 (2019)’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The SC9863A employs a big.LITTLE architecture with four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. While the A55 cores are more efficient *per clock cycle* than the A53, the 28nm manufacturing process of the SC9863A consumes considerably more power. The Helio P22’s smaller node translates to better thermal management and sustained performance. Users will experience faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the LG Q31.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not explicitly stated for either device. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process is a major power drain. While the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) might have a slightly larger battery, the LG Q31’s more efficient Helio P22 will likely deliver longer real-world battery life. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. Expect a 0-100% charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q31 if you need a phone that feels reasonably responsive for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, and if you value slightly better battery life due to the more efficient chipset. Buy the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) if your primary concern is absolute lowest price and you only need a phone for very basic communication – calls and texts – with minimal app usage. Be prepared for noticeable slowdowns with even moderate multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A's limited processing power and the older 28nm manufacturing process mean that even relatively lightweight apps like Facebook and WhatsApp can cause noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The LG Q31 will handle these apps more smoothly.
❓ Is the LG Q31 a good choice for mobile gaming?
No, neither phone is well-suited for gaming. However, the LG Q31's Helio P22 will provide a slightly better experience for less demanding games. Expect low frame rates and significant graphical compromises on both devices. Don't expect to play PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at playable settings.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Given their price point and the manufacturers' track records, it's unlikely that either the LG Q31 or the ZTE Blade A5 (2019) will receive significant software updates. Expect limited security patches and potentially no major Android version upgrades.
