Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The ZTE Blade A31 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi A1+ are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ edges out the ZTE Blade A31 Plus thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi A1+'s 12nm processor provides a smoother experience, making it a more compelling choice for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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, October 31 | 2022, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 31 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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 GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | - | 220733SFG |
| Price | - | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Larger Display (potentially)
- More RAM options (depending on variant)
- Competitive Price
- Less Efficient Chipset
- Slower Performance
- Potentially Lower Battery Life
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- More Efficient Chipset
- Smoother Performance
- Slightly Better Battery Life
- 10W Charging
- Smaller Display (slightly)
- Basic Camera Performance
- Limited Storage Options
Display Comparison
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus typically features a larger display (often 6.53 inches) compared to the Redmi A1+ (around 6.52 inches). Both likely use IPS LCD panels with HD+ resolution. While the size difference is minimal, the ZTE might offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both phones is expected to be basic. Both likely feature a primary rear camera around 13MP, potentially with a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Redmi A1+ might have a slight edge in image processing due to Xiaomi's software optimization.
Performance
Here's where the Redmi A1+ has a clear advantage. Its Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) chipset is more efficient than the ZTE's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Redmi's quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU generally outperforms the ZTE's octa-core setup, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. The ZTE's chipset, while having more cores, is less efficient due to the older manufacturing process.
Battery Life
Both phones offer substantial battery capacity (typically 5000mAh). However, the Redmi A1+'s more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. The Redmi A1+ also supports 10W wired charging, which is a welcome addition.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially more RAM (depending on the variant) for basic tasks. The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is a better fit for those seeking a more responsive and efficient device for everyday use, social media, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is the better choice for gaming due to its more efficient chipset and smoother performance. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Redmi A1+ will handle basic games better.
❓ What is the difference in RAM options?
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus often comes in variants with more RAM (e.g., 4GB or 6GB), while the Redmi A1+ typically has 3GB or 4GB. More RAM can improve multitasking performance.
