The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade A31 Lite and the Samsung Galaxy A04e. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e takes the crown thanks to its significantly more powerful processor, better efficiency, and Samsung's generally reliable software support. While the ZTE Blade A31 Lite is a decent option, the A04e offers a noticeably smoother experience for the price.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| 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 MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | Yes |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Large display
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life
- Weak processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful processor
- Better performance
- Samsung brand reliability
- Slightly better camera
- Design may be less premium
- Limited storage options (depending on variant)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution. The Samsung Galaxy A04e might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference is likely minimal at this price point. Expect similar brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both phones likely feature a primary camera around 13MP, with additional macro and depth sensors. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Samsung's image processing is generally considered slightly better, resulting in more natural-looking photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Video recording capabilities will likely be limited to 1080p at 30fps on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Samsung Galaxy A04e shines. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the ZTE Blade A31 Lite's Unisoc SC9832E quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the A04e. The A31 Lite will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer a large battery capacity, around 5000mAh. However, the Samsung Galaxy A04e's more efficient processor should translate to better battery life in real-world usage. Expect a full day of moderate use from both devices, but the A04e might stretch that a bit further.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is a good choice for users prioritizing a large display and basic functionality on an extremely tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is ideal for those needing a more responsive phone for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming, and who value the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e have a better software experience?
Yes, Samsung generally provides better software support and updates compared to ZTE. The A04e also benefits from Samsung's One UI, which is often considered more user-friendly.
