The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. The Wiko Y52 and ZTE Blade A31 Lite are two contenders vying for your attention. Both promise essential features at an affordable price, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same Unisoc SC9832E chipset, meaning performance will be very similar. The deciding factor likely comes down to price, software experience, and availability of features like NFC. Check local pricing and reviews to determine the best fit for your needs.
| 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 | 1, 3, 7, 20 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November | 2021, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November | Available. Released 2021, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 143.2 x 73.5 x 10.2 mm (5.64 x 2.89 x 0.40 in) | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 153 g (5.40 oz) | 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 (~65.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2020 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Grey, Deep Blue, Green | Gray, Blue |
| Models | W-K521-EEA | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) | - |
Wiko Y52
- Potentially better software experience
- Slightly larger display
- Decent battery life
- Performance limitations
- Camera struggles in low light
- Availability may be limited
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Affordable price
- Reliable basic functionality
- Long battery life
- Performance limitations
- Camera struggles in low light
- Basic design
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. While the resolution is the same, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness may exist. The Wiko Y52 might have a marginally better panel, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Camera Comparison
The Wiko Y52 typically features a 13MP main camera, while the ZTE Blade A31 Lite often includes a 13MP main camera as well. Image quality will be similar, with decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be a challenge for both. Front-facing cameras are likely 5MP on both devices.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9832E, expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or seamless multitasking with demanding apps. Both phones will likely exhibit some lag under heavy load.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and network conditions.
Buying Guide
The Wiko Y52 is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly larger display and potentially a more refined software experience (depending on regional variations). The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is ideal for those seeking a reliable, no-frills device at the absolute lowest price point, assuming it's available at a competitive rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Wiko Y52 nor the ZTE Blade A31 Lite support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ Do these phones have NFC?
NFC availability varies by region. Check the specific model details for your area to confirm if either phone includes NFC for contactless payments.