Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 Plus and A31 Lite 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 Plus takes the lead thanks to its octa-core processor and more RAM, offering noticeably better performance. While the A31 Lite is a more basic option, it's still a solid choice for users prioritizing affordability and essential features.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 31 | 2021, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 31 | Available. Released 2021, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 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 (~179 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% 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 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| 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, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 2 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 | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Gray, Blue |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Better Performance (Octa-Core)
- More RAM (Likely 4GB)
- Potentially Slightly Larger Display
- Good Battery Life
- May be slightly more expensive than the A31 Lite
- Still a budget phone - don't expect premium features
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- More Affordable
- Good Battery Life
- Sufficient for Basic Tasks
- Lower Performance (Quad-Core)
- Less RAM (Likely 3GB)
- May feel sluggish with multitasking
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The A31 Plus *might* have a slightly larger screen size, but this needs confirmation. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for the price point, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A31 Plus's more powerful processor *could* offer slightly better image processing, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
Performance
This is where the A31 Plus shines. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset and likely more RAM (estimated 4GB vs. A31 Lite's likely 3GB) provide a significant performance advantage. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The A31 Lite's quad-core SC9832E will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a large battery (around 5000mAh). Battery life should be excellent on both devices, easily lasting a full day of moderate use. Charging speeds are likely standard (5W or 10W).
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users who want a smoother experience for multitasking, gaming, and general app usage. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is a good fit for those on a tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and basic social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the ZTE Blade A31 Plus and A31 Lite?
The main difference is the processor. The A31 Plus has an octa-core processor and more RAM, resulting in better performance. The A31 Lite is a more basic, affordable option.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and likely more RAM. The A31 Lite will struggle with most games.
