The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and Nokia C01 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for essential smartphone functions.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and a smoother overall experience, the Nokia C01 Plus is the better choice. Its octa-core processor provides a significant performance advantage over the ZTE Blade A31 Lite’s quad-core chip, making it more capable for everyday tasks despite both phones sharing a similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 157 g (5.54 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 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% 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 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Extremely affordable price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Compact and lightweight design
- Slow quad-core processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely subpar camera performance
Nokia C01 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for light multitasking
- Still limited by budget components
- Camera quality likely similar to ZTE
- May only be marginally more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to utilize LCD panels given their price bracket, and specific details like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. However, the focus should be on usability, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The display quality will likely be adequate for basic viewing but not ideal for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. The primary sensor’s resolution is likely similar, making image processing the key differentiator, and without specific data, it’s difficult to declare a winner.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Nokia C01 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), offering significantly more processing power than the ZTE Blade A31 Lite’s Unisoc SC9832E quad-core 1.4 GHz processor. The Cortex-A55 architecture is efficient, but the doubling of cores on the Nokia provides a clear advantage in handling multiple apps and background processes. While both are built on a 28nm process, the Nokia’s architecture will result in a more fluid user experience, especially when switching between applications. The ZTE will likely struggle with even moderate multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their basic chipsets and likely low-resolution displays, battery life should be adequate for a full day of light use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but it’s reasonable to expect slow charging speeds on both. The efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C01 Plus might offer a slight edge in battery endurance due to its more efficient core configuration, but the difference will likely be marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A31 Lite if you need a basic, extremely affordable phone primarily for calls, texts, and light app usage. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience, even with basic apps, and anticipate occasional multitasking or slightly more demanding tasks. The octa-core processor offers a noticeable improvement in usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C01 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core processor in the Nokia C01 Plus provides enough processing power to run Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the ZTE Blade A31 Lite for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Nokia C01 Plus capable of playing basic mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A can handle simple 2D games and less demanding 3D titles. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile at high settings. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may experience stuttering. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite will struggle even more with gaming.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging?
It's highly unlikely that either phone supports fast charging. Given their price point, they likely ship with a standard 5W charger, resulting in a slow charging time from 0-100%.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for calls and texts. However, the Nokia C01 Plus offers a slightly more responsive experience, even for these basic functions, due to its more powerful processor. If budget is the absolute primary concern, the ZTE Blade A31 Lite will suffice.
