The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and Alcatel 1B (2020) represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users who prioritize affordability above all else. Both devices aim to provide essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which one offers a smoother, more usable experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, the ZTE Blade A31 Lite emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc SC9832E chipset, despite being based on the same 28nm process as the Snapdragon 215, offers a marginally higher clock speed and potentially better multi-core performance, resulting in a more responsive user interface.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2020, January. Released 2020, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) | 146.1 x 71.6 x 9.9 mm (5.75 x 2.82 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Prime Black, Pine Green |
| Models | - | 5002A, 5002D, 5002F, 5002I, 5002M, 5002X, 5002S, 5002R, 5002D_EEA, 5002H_EEA, 5002H, 5002B, 5002C, 5002W, 5002H_TR |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Slightly faster processor (1.4 GHz vs 1.3 GHz)
- Potentially better multi-core performance
- May offer a smoother user experience
- Unisoc chipsets have a less established track record than Qualcomm
- Likely similar camera performance to the Alcatel 1B
alcatel 1B (2020)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset offers established optimization
- Potentially lower price point
- Brand recognition for some users
- Slower processor (1.3 GHz)
- May exhibit more lag in demanding tasks
- Likely similar camera performance to the ZTE Blade A31 Lite
Display Comparison
Neither the ZTE Blade A31 Lite nor the Alcatel 1B (2020) are expected to deliver a premium display experience. Given their price points, both likely feature LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+. Without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it's reasonable to assume both displays will struggle in direct sunlight and exhibit limited color gamut coverage. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic readability.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Both are likely to feature basic sensors, and any marketing materials touting 'megapixel counts' should be viewed with skepticism. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it's safe to assume image quality will be poor, especially in low-light conditions. The focus here is on capturing basic snapshots, not on photography enthusiasts. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors are likely to be of minimal practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the ZTE Blade A31 Lite utilizes the Unisoc SC9832E, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, while the Alcatel 1B (2020) features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215, also quad-core but running at 1.3 GHz. While both are built on a 28nm process, the 100MHz clock speed advantage of the Unisoc chip, coupled with potential architectural differences, suggests the ZTE device will exhibit slightly better performance in CPU-bound tasks. The Snapdragon 215 benefits from Qualcomm’s optimization, but the raw clock speed difference is a notable factor. Both phones will likely struggle with multitasking or graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns. Neither device is likely to feature fast charging capabilities. The actual mAh capacity of each phone isn't specified, but given their target market, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The slightly more efficient Unisoc chipset in the ZTE Blade A31 Lite *could* translate to marginally longer battery life, but the difference will likely be minimal in real-world scenarios. Expect all-day battery life with very light usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A31 Lite if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks, such as occasional social media browsing or light web surfing, and appreciate a potentially smoother overall experience. Buy the Alcatel 1B (2020) if your primary needs are strictly limited to calls, texts, and basic functionality, and you prioritize a potentially lower price point or brand preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes, both the ZTE Blade A31 Lite and Alcatel 1B (2020) will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdown when running apps like WhatsApp or Facebook, especially with multiple conversations or tabs open. Their limited processing power and RAM are not well-suited for these applications.
❓ Are these phones suitable for playing mobile games?
No. While simple, 2D games might be playable at low settings, these phones are not designed for gaming. Even basic 3D games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and stuttering, making them unplayable.
❓ Do either of these phones support 5G connectivity?
Absolutely not. Both the ZTE Blade A31 Lite and Alcatel 1B (2020) are entry-level devices and only support 2G/3G/4G connectivity. 5G is not within their capabilities.
❓ Which phone is better for a senior citizen who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts?
The Alcatel 1B (2020) is arguably the better choice for a senior citizen with basic needs. Its simplicity and potentially lower price point make it a practical option for calls and texts, without the added complexity of features they may not use.
