Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 Lite and L9 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 Lite edges out the L9 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better display. However, the L9 might offer a more competitive price point, making it a worthwhile consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, October 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, October 10 |
| 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) | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC7731e |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | Mali-400 MP2 |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| 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 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue | Black, Blue |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 70 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- Potentially better display
- Modern design
- Generally better software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by budget hardware
- Camera performance is basic
ZTE Blade L9
- More affordable
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Compact and lightweight
- Decent battery life
- Older chipset
- Less powerful performance
- Potentially lower display quality
- Limited software updates
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, the A31 Lite likely features a slightly improved display due to its newer chipset. Expect similar resolutions (likely HD+), but the A31 Lite might have better color accuracy and brightness. The L9's display is likely adequate for basic use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally basic on both devices. The A31 Lite likely has a slightly more modern camera sensor, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality, especially in low light. Expect both to offer decent photos in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The A31 Lite's Unisoc SC9832E chipset (28nm) and 1.4 GHz CPU offer a modest performance advantage over the L9's SC7731e (28nm) and 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. This translates to slightly smoother multitasking and app loading times on the A31 Lite. Both phones will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar on both devices (around 3000-4000mAh). Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should provide a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is ideal for users who prioritize a bit more processing power and a potentially brighter display. The ZTE Blade L9 is a good choice for those on a very tight budget who need a reliable, basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9832E and SC7731e chipsets?
The SC9832E is a newer chipset than the SC7731e, offering slightly better performance and potentially improved power efficiency. It also supports more modern features.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
No, neither phone is designed for demanding games. They can handle basic games, but you'll likely experience lag and low frame rates with more graphically intensive titles.
