ZTE Blade A31 Plus vs. ZTE Blade A5 2020: A Detailed Comparison

The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the ZTE Blade A31 Plus against the ZTE Blade A5 2020 to see which offers the best value for budget-conscious buyers. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

Both phones share the same chipset, suggesting similar performance. The A31 Plus likely edges out the A5 2020 due to a potentially larger display and battery, offering a slightly better overall experience for the price. However, availability and pricing will be key factors.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Blade A31 Plus	ZTE Blade A5 2020

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, 38 - International
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	2, 4, 5, 7, 28, 66 - USA

Launch
Announced	2021, October 31	2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16
Status	Available. Released 2021, October 31	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in)	156.7 x 72.6 x 8 mm (6.17 x 2.86 x 0.31 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	-	155 g (5.47 oz)

Display
Resolution	480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density)	720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size	6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~80.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)	Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
GPU	IMG8322	IMG8322
OS	Android 11 (Go edition)	Android 9.0/ Android 10 (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, f/2.0, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens
Features	LED flash, HDR	LED flash, HDR
Single	5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP)	8 MP, f/2.4
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP)	8 MP, f/2.4
Video	-	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, LE	4.2, A2DP
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, proximity

Battery
Type	Li-Ion 3000 mAh	Li-Ion 3200 mAh

Misc
Colors	Blue, Gray	Black, Blue, Green
Price	-	About 120 EUR
SAR EU	-	0.48 W/kg (head)

ZTE Blade A31 Plus

Larger Display
Potentially Larger Battery
Likely More Versatile Camera
Affordable Price

Unisoc Chipset (Performance Limitations)
HD+ Resolution (Not Sharpest)
Plastic Build

ZTE Blade A5 2020

Compact Size
Affordable Price
Decent for Basic Tasks

Smaller Display
Smaller Battery
Less Versatile Camera
Unisoc Chipset (Performance Limitations)

Display Comparison

The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is expected to feature a larger display (likely 6.53 inches) compared to the A5 2020 (around 6.2 inches). This translates to a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. Both likely use IPS LCD panels with HD+ resolution, so color accuracy and brightness won't be exceptional, but adequate for the price point.

Camera Comparison

The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is expected to have a slightly more versatile camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and/or additional lenses (like a macro lens). The A5 2020 likely features a simpler single-lens rear camera. Image quality in both will be decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.

Performance

Both devices utilize the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and an octa-core CPU. Performance will be adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds or the ability to handle demanding games smoothly. RAM configurations are likely to be similar, impacting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is anticipated to boast a larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh) compared to the A5 2020 (around 4000mAh). This should translate to noticeably longer battery life, allowing for more extended usage between charges.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially longer battery life on a tight budget. The ZTE Blade A5 2020 is a good option if you find it significantly cheaper and need a compact, basic smartphone for essential tasks.