Looking for an affordable smartphone? ZTE's Blade series offers compelling options, but choosing between the A31 Plus and the A72 5G can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you make the right decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A72 5G is the clear winner. Its 5G connectivity, significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset, and improved camera capabilities outweigh the A31 Plus's potential cost advantage. If 5G and performance are priorities, the A72 5G is the better choice.
| 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 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 31 | 2022, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 31 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 164 x 75.5 x 9.2 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 211 g (7.44 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 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Blue, Gray |
| Models | - | 7540N |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Affordable
- Large Display
- Decent Battery Life
- Slow Performance
- Basic Camera
- No 5G
ZTE Blade A72 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Performance
- Improved Camera
- Larger Display
- Slightly More Expensive
- LCD Display (not OLED)
Display Comparison
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus likely features a standard LCD display, potentially around 6.5 inches with a resolution of 720+ HD. The A72 5G boasts a larger 6.8-inch display, likely also LCD, but potentially with a slightly higher resolution (FHD+). The A72 5G's larger size and potentially higher resolution offer a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the A72 5G's Dimensity 700 chipset generally supports more advanced camera features and image processing. Expect better image quality, especially in low light, and potentially features like improved portrait mode and video stabilization on the A72 5G. The A31 Plus camera is expected to be adequate for casual snapshots.
Performance
This is where the A72 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset, built on a 7nm process, offers a substantial performance boost over the A31 Plus's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A72 5G. The A31 Plus will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have large batteries, potentially around 5000mAh. Battery life will largely depend on usage, but the A72 5G's more efficient chipset could provide slightly better battery life despite the larger display.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The ZTE Blade A72 5G is for those who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and a better camera experience, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the ZTE Blade A31 Plus worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks. Otherwise, the A72 5G offers significantly better value.
❓ Does the ZTE Blade A72 5G support 5G in all regions?
5G support depends on your carrier and region. Check with your carrier to ensure compatibility.
