The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A31 Plus and A71 are no exception. Both offer compelling features for budget-conscious buyers, but subtle differences can make a big impact. This comparison dives deep to help you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same chipset, meaning performance will be very similar. The A71 likely edges out the A31 Plus due to a potentially better display and camera, and possibly more RAM. Ultimately, the best choice depends on price and specific feature priorities.
| 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 | 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, October 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 31 | Available. Released 2021, October 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 165.2 x 75.2 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 180 g (6.35 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 (~82.6% 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | - |
| Triple | - | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 8 MP |
| 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, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Blue, Gray, Green |
| Models | - | A7030 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Most Affordable
- Large Battery
- Decent Basic Functionality
- Limited Performance
- Basic Camera
- Potentially Less RAM
ZTE Blade A71
- Potentially Better Display
- Improved Camera
- Likely More RAM
- Slightly Higher Price
- Still Budget-Focused Performance
- Camera limitations in low light
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature similar LCD panels, the A71 may boast a slightly larger screen size or improved resolution. The A31 Plus might have a more compact form factor. Expect decent but not exceptional viewing experiences on either device.
Camera Comparison
The A71 is expected to have a slightly better camera setup, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor or additional features like a macro lens. Image quality in well-lit conditions should be acceptable on both, but low-light performance will likely be a weak point on both.
Performance
Sharing the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and CPU configuration, expect comparable performance. Real-world speed will depend on RAM and software optimization. The A71 might offer a slightly smoother experience if it has more RAM (likely 3GB vs 2GB on the A31 Plus).
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a large battery (5000mAh is probable for both). Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. Software optimization will play a crucial role in actual battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing affordability above all else and needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media. The ZTE Blade A71 is a better choice for those seeking a slightly improved display, camera, and potentially more RAM for smoother multitasking, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones 5G compatible?
No, neither the ZTE Blade A31 Plus nor the ZTE Blade A71 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both phones likely run on Android 11 or 12 with ZTE's custom UI (likely MiFavor). Updates may be limited.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Typically, these phones offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
