The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A31 Plus and A51 are no exception. Both offer a compelling entry point into the smartphone world, but subtle differences might make one a better fit for your needs. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Ultimately, the ZTE Blade A31 Plus and A51 are remarkably similar due to sharing the same chipset. The A31 Plus *might* offer slightly better value depending on pricing and availability, but the differences are minimal. Choose based on design preference and current deals.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 31 | 2021, May 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 31 | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 173.7 g (6.14 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 (~81.5% 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 11 (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, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | 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 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Blue, Gray |
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Potentially larger display
- Modern design (potentially)
- Good battery life
- Unisoc chipset performance limitations
- Camera quality adequate but not exceptional
- May be harder to find
ZTE Blade A51
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Good battery life
- Widely available
- Unisoc chipset performance limitations
- Camera quality adequate but not exceptional
- Design may feel dated
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches. The A31 Plus *may* have a slightly higher resolution or a more modern aspect ratio, but this is not definitively confirmed. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level quality.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with a primary 13MP camera and a depth sensor on both devices. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A51 *might* have slightly better software processing, but this is speculative.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM (assumed for both), will handle basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without issue. Demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Expect around 10-12 hours of usage on a single charge. Charging speeds are likely standard, around 10W.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a larger display and potentially a slightly more modern design, if available at a lower price. The ZTE Blade A51 is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, budget-friendly smartphone with a familiar design and dependable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the ZTE Blade A31 Plus nor the ZTE Blade A51 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ How much RAM do these phones have?
Both phones are expected to have 4GB of RAM, although this can vary by region.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones run on Android, likely with a customized ZTE user interface (HiOS or similar).
