The Oukitel C31 and ZTE Blade A52 Lite represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, no-frills smartphone, the ZTE Blade A52 Lite likely offers a smoother experience. While the Oukitel C31’s Mediatek Helio A22 is power-efficient, the ZTE’s octa-core CPU provides a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app responsiveness, making it the better daily driver.
| 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 | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August | 2022, August 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August | Available. Released 2022, August |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 9.5 mm thickness | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 13 MP, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | Yes |
| WLAN | Yes | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5150 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple, Black | Gray, Green |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
Oukitel C31
- Potentially longer battery life due to the efficient Helio A22 chipset.
- Lower price point is likely.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to octa-core processors.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely lower quality camera performance.
ZTE Blade A52 Lite
- Octa-core processor provides smoother performance and better multitasking.
- More responsive user experience.
- Potentially better app compatibility.
- May have shorter battery life compared to the Oukitel C31.
- Could be slightly more expensive.
- Performance may still be limited for demanding games.
Display Comparison
Neither Oukitel nor ZTE provide display specifications beyond the basic panel size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality. Expect standard viewing angles and color reproduction. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. Expect a primary sensor, likely around 8-13 megapixels, and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but will struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image stabilization will rely solely on software processing, which is unlikely to be sophisticated.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Oukitel C31 features the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a relatively older architecture, focused on efficiency rather than raw power. Conversely, the ZTE Blade A52 Lite boasts an octa-core CPU, though the specific model isn’t specified. An octa-core configuration, even with less powerful individual cores, generally provides superior multitasking capabilities and smoother performance in demanding applications compared to a quad-core setup. The Helio A22 will be adequate for basic tasks, but the ZTE will handle more apps simultaneously without significant slowdown.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Oukitel C31’s Helio A22 chipset is known for its power efficiency. This suggests it may offer longer battery life than the ZTE Blade A52 Lite, despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in relatively slow 0-100% charge times – likely exceeding 3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel C31 if you need a supremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and battery life is your absolute top priority. Its Helio A22 chipset is known for its efficiency. Buy the ZTE Blade A52 Lite if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even if it means slightly reduced battery longevity; the octa-core processor will handle multiple apps and tasks with greater ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oukitel C31 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Helio A22 processor in the Oukitel C31 can run these apps, but expect slower loading times and potential lag when scrolling through feeds or viewing videos. It's best suited for light social media use.
❓ Can the ZTE Blade A52 Lite handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the ZTE Blade A52 Lite’s octa-core processor should handle casual mobile games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games at high settings.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a major concern for either phone?
Yes, it is. Both phones target the ultra-budget market, meaning camera quality is unlikely to be a standout feature. Expect acceptable photos in good lighting, but poor performance in low-light conditions.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the Oukitel C31 or ZTE Blade A52 Lite?
Given the likely use of standard 5W or 10W charging, expect a full charge to take between 3 and 5 hours. Neither phone supports fast charging technologies.
