Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and A51 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 A51 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its octa-core processor, offering significantly better performance than the A31 Lite's quad-core chip. While both are budget options, the A51 provides a smoother user experience and more responsive multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| 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) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% 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, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 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 | USB Type-C 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life (likely)
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Weak processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
ZTE Blade A51
- Better performance (octa-core)
- Improved multitasking
- Potentially better camera
- Good battery life (likely)
- 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 A51 *might* have a slightly brighter display, but this is not definitively confirmed. Expect similar viewing angles and color accuracy for basic usage.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple camera setup (main, macro, depth), the A51's more powerful processor *could* lead to slightly better image processing and overall photo quality. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions from both, but low-light performance will likely be average.
Performance
This is where the A51 shines. The octa-core Unisoc SC9863A provides a substantial performance boost over the A31 Lite's quad-core SC9832E. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the A51. The A31 Lite will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. However, the A51's more efficient processor *could* result in slightly better real-world battery performance, especially under load.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and light social media use. The ZTE Blade A51 is a better choice for those who want a more responsive phone for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a slightly improved camera experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A31 Lite good for gaming?
No, the A31 Lite's processor is not powerful enough for demanding games. It can handle very basic games, but expect lag and low frame rates.
❓ Which ZTE Blade phone has better battery life?
Both likely have similar battery life due to the 5000mAh battery capacity. However, the A51's more efficient processor *could* provide slightly better real-world performance.
