Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and Nokia C2 2nd Edition are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition edges out the ZTE Blade A31 Lite thanks to its slightly faster processor and generally more reliable software experience. While both are budget options, the C2 offers a more polished and dependable overall package for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 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 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2022, April 19 |
| 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) | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.5 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Wireless 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1468, TA-1454 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Larger Display
- Potentially better camera versatility (dual camera)
- Often more affordable
- Slightly slower processor
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Build quality can feel plasticky
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Slightly faster processor
- Clean and reliable Android experience
- Good software support and updates
- Durable build quality
- Smaller display
- Basic camera performance
- Can feel underpowered for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite typically features a larger display (around 6.5 inches) compared to the Nokia C2 2nd Edition (around 5.7 inches). Both utilize HD+ resolution, so image quality will be adequate but not exceptional. The ZTE might offer a more immersive viewing experience due to its size.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is basic. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite often includes a dual-camera setup (main + depth sensor), potentially offering slightly more versatility. However, image quality in both cases will be limited by the budget hardware. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition holds a slight advantage here. While both phones have quad-core processors, the C2's 1.5 GHz CPU is marginally faster than the Blade A31 Lite's 1.4 GHz. This translates to slightly smoother multitasking and app loading times on the C2. Both will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor in budget phones. Both devices typically offer a battery capacity around 3000-4000 mAh. Real-world battery life will depend on usage, but both should provide a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is a good choice for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially a slightly better camera (though both are basic). The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is ideal for those seeking a dependable, clean Android experience and a phone known for its longevity and software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. Both have limited processing power. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition's slightly faster processor might offer a marginally better experience, but don't expect to play demanding games smoothly.
❓ How long will the software updates be supported for each phone?
Nokia is generally known for providing better software support for its budget devices. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is likely to receive updates for a longer period than the ZTE Blade A31 Lite.
