Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and A31 are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A31 takes a clear lead thanks to its octa-core processor and generally improved performance. While the A31 Lite is a budget-friendly option, the A31's superior processing power makes it the better choice for smoother multitasking and a more responsive 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, July 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, July 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 166 g (5.86 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 (~77.1% 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 | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life (likely)
- Lightweight and compact
- Underpowered processor
- Limited storage
- Basic camera performance
ZTE Blade A31
- More powerful processor
- Better multitasking
- Improved camera performance (likely)
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly more expensive
- May have slightly less storage (depending on variant)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The A31 might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to potentially more advanced panel calibration, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed testing. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple camera setup (main, macro, depth), the A31's more powerful processor could allow for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly better image quality and more features on the A31. Both will likely produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the A31 shines. The A31's octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor offers significantly more processing power than the A31 Lite's quad-core SC9832E. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A31. The A31 Lite will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. Battery life will largely depend on usage patterns. However, the A31's more efficient processor *could* lead to slightly better battery life under heavy use, while the A31 Lite might offer comparable battery life with lighter usage.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The ZTE Blade A31 is better suited for users who want a slightly more capable device for occasional gaming, multitasking, and a better overall user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A31 Lite good for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite's processor is not ideal for demanding games. You might be able to play some lighter games, but expect performance issues and lag.
❓ How much storage do the ZTE Blade A31 and A31 Lite have?
Storage varies by region and variant. Typically, both offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
