Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The ZTE Blade A31 Plus and the Alcatel 1B (2022) are both contenders in the budget market, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Alcatel 1B (2022) edges out the ZTE Blade A31 Plus thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better camera performance. While the Blade A31 Plus boasts a larger screen, the 1B's overall balance of performance and features makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 31 | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 31 | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Battery Life
- Affordable Price
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Potentially Slower Performance
- Older Technology
alcatel 1B (2022)
- More Efficient Chipset
- Slightly Better Camera
- Modern Design
- Smaller Display
- Potentially Shorter Battery Life (though efficiency helps)
- Limited Features
Display Comparison
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus features a larger 6.53-inch display, offering more screen real estate for browsing and media. The Alcatel 1B (2022) has a 6.2-inch display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with standard resolutions, so expect decent but not exceptional color accuracy and brightness. The Blade A31 Plus's larger size might be preferable for those who consume a lot of video content.
Camera Comparison
The Alcatel 1B (2022) likely has a slightly better camera setup, potentially featuring a 13MP main sensor. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus likely has a similar resolution, but the Alcatel's more modern chipset could contribute to better image processing. Both phones will likely offer basic camera features and decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
Performance
Here's where the Alcatel 1B (2022) takes a lead. Its Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) chipset is more efficient than the ZTE Blade A31 Plus's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The quad-core Cortex-A53 processor in the Alcatel 1B, while clocked at 2.0 GHz, benefits from the smaller manufacturing process, resulting in better power efficiency and potentially smoother multitasking. The Blade A31 Plus's octa-core setup (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) might seem impressive on paper, but the older process node hinders its overall performance.
Battery Life
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus typically features a larger battery, often around 5000mAh, providing potentially longer battery life. The Alcatel 1B (2022) likely has a battery in the 4000mAh range. However, the Alcatel's more efficient chipset could offset the battery size difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display for media consumption and those on an extremely tight budget. The Alcatel 1B (2022) is a better fit for those seeking a smoother user experience, slightly improved camera quality, and a more modern chipset, even with a smaller screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Alcatel 1B (2022) is the better choice for gaming due to its more efficient chipset, which will provide smoother performance and less overheating.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While the ZTE Blade A31 Plus has a larger battery, the Alcatel 1B (2022)'s more efficient chipset means real-world battery life could be comparable, potentially even slightly better.
