Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and A31 Plus are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor provides significantly better performance than the A31 Lite's quad-core chip. While both offer decent battery life, the A31 Plus's improved processing power makes it the more compelling choice 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 | 1, 2, 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 | 2021, October 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, October 31 |
| 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) | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% 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 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP (up-scaled to 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 |
| 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 |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Slow performance
- Limited multitasking
- Basic camera capabilities
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Improved performance
- Smoother multitasking
- Better image processing (potentially)
- Large battery
- Slightly more expensive than A31 Lite
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The A31 Plus might have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its more powerful chipset allowing for better display drivers, but this is not definitively confirmed without specific display specs.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have similar camera setups (likely a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor), the A31 Plus's more powerful processor could result in slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Expect similar image quality in ideal lighting conditions.
Performance
This is where the A31 Plus shines. The octa-core Unisoc SC9863A offers a substantial performance boost over the A31 Lite's quad-core SC9832E. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A31 Plus. The A31 Lite will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. The A31 Plus's more efficient processor might lead to slightly better battery optimization, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
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. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, occasional gaming, and a more responsive overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9832E and SC9863A chipsets?
The SC9863A is a significantly more powerful octa-core chipset compared to the SC9832E's quad-core design. This translates to better performance, faster processing speeds, and improved multitasking capabilities.
❓ Can I play games on the ZTE Blade A31 Lite or A31 Plus?
While both phones can handle basic games, the A31 Plus is better suited for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The A31 Lite may struggle with more demanding titles.
