The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade A31 Lite and the Realme C21. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C21 takes the crown. Its significantly more powerful processor, better camera capabilities, and reverse charging offer a noticeable advantage over the ZTE Blade A31 Lite, despite both being budget-friendly options. The Realme C21 provides a smoother, more versatile experience.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, March 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| 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) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | - | RMX3201 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 410 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Affordable
- Large display
- Basic functionality
- Weak processor
- Limited camera capabilities
- No reverse charging
- Older chipset
Realme C21
- More powerful processor
- Better camera
- Reverse wired charging
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Design may be less appealing to some
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, HD+ displays, likely around 6.5 inches. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average for this price range. The Realme C21 might have slightly better color reproduction due to potentially better panel technology, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C21 generally boasts a more versatile camera setup. While both likely feature a primary sensor around 13MP, the Realme C21 often includes additional lenses (macro, depth) for expanded photographic options. Image processing on the Realme C21 is also likely to be superior, resulting in better dynamic range and detail. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite's camera is adequate for basic snapshots but won't impress.
Performance
This is where the Realme C21 shines. The Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is considerably more powerful than the Unisoc SC9832E (28nm) in the ZTE Blade A31 Lite. The octa-core CPU in the Realme C21 offers significantly higher clock speeds, resulting in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user interface. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite will likely struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries, likely around 5000mAh. However, the Realme C21's more efficient chipset and 10W wired charging (with reverse wired charging) give it an edge. Reverse wired charging allows the Realme C21 to act as a power bank for other devices, a useful feature missing on the ZTE Blade A31 Lite.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is ideal for users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience with essential features and a tight budget. The Realme C21 is a better choice for those seeking improved performance, a more capable camera, and longer battery life, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9832E and the Mediatek Helio G35?
The Mediatek Helio G35 is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Unisoc SC9832E. It has more cores and higher clock speeds, resulting in better performance for apps, games, and multitasking.
❓ Does the ZTE Blade A31 Lite support 4G LTE?
Yes, the ZTE Blade A31 Lite supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for fast mobile data speeds.
