The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A31 Lite and Motorola Moto E6i aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, a significant difference in their core processing power dictates which phone is better suited for users prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Motorola Moto E6i is the better choice. While both phones share a similar price point and basic feature set, the E6i’s octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the A31 Lite’s quad-core SC9832E, making it more capable for everyday tasks and light app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, February 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, February 11 |
| 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) | 155.6 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.13 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Titanium Gray, Pink |
| Models | - | XT2053-5 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 170 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely to struggle with demanding apps
Motorola Moto E6i
- Faster octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- More responsive user interface
- 10W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options (likely)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over display technology. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given the price bracket, expect basic LCD panels. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be standard for this segment. The lack of detailed display information makes a direct comparison impossible, but the user experience will likely be similar on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and unremarkable on both devices. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be basic, prioritizing speed over image quality. Users shouldn't expect exceptional low-light performance from either phone.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Motorola Moto E6i’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the ZTE Blade A31 Lite’s Unisoc SC9832E, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. The E6i’s octa-core configuration allows for more efficient multitasking and better handling of demanding applications. While both are based on the 28nm process, the architectural advantage of the E6i’s processor translates to a significantly smoother user experience. The E6i will handle app switching and basic games with less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but given the budget nature, expect capacities around 3000-4000 mAh. The Moto E6i includes 10W wired charging, which is standard for this price range. While charging speed isn’t a standout feature, it’s sufficient for overnight charging. The A31 Lite’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient processor in the E6i may contribute to slightly longer runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A31 Lite if you need a basic, no-frills smartphone primarily for calls, texts, and very light web browsing. Its simplicity and potentially lower price (depending on retailer) make it suitable for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device. Buy the Motorola Moto E6i if you prefer a more responsive experience, even for basic tasks, and anticipate using multiple apps or engaging in occasional light gaming. The octa-core processor offers a smoother user experience and better future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E6i handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Moto E6i’s octa-core processor is well-equipped to handle social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably smooth experience for browsing feeds and posting updates.
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A31 Lite suitable for someone who rarely uses their smartphone beyond calls and texts?
Absolutely. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is a perfectly adequate choice for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and checking basic notifications. However, it will struggle with more demanding tasks.
❓ Can the Motorola Moto E6i run basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Moto E6i can run basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers. While it won’t handle graphically intensive games well, these lighter titles should be playable with acceptable performance. Expect lower graphics settings for a smoother experience.
