Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A3 Plus and A31 are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A31 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its octa-core processor, offering significantly better performance than the A3 Plus's quad-core chipset. While both are budget options, the A31's improved speed and efficiency make it the more compelling choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January | 2021, July 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2021, July 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 in) | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Blue, Gray |
| Models | Z3353CA | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Very affordable
- Compact size
- Basic functionality
- Outdated chipset
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Lower RAM/Storage likely
ZTE Blade A31
- Improved performance (octa-core)
- More responsive
- Potentially better battery life
- Likely more RAM/Storage
- Still a budget phone
- Camera quality is limited
- Display quality is average
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The A31 might have a slightly larger screen size, potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience. However, display quality is generally not a strong point in this price range.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main camera and a front-facing camera around 5-8MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A31's more powerful processor *might* allow for slightly better image processing.
Performance
This is where the A31 shines. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the A3 Plus's quad-core Mediatek MT6739W. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the A31. The A3 Plus will likely struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 3000-4000mAh. Battery life will depend on usage, but the A31's more efficient processor could translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is suitable for users with very basic smartphone needs – primarily calls, texts, and light app usage. The ZTE Blade A31 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, occasional gaming, and a more responsive interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The ZTE Blade A31 has an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, while the A3 Plus has a quad-core Mediatek MT6739W. The A31's processor offers significantly better performance and efficiency.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A31 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
