Looking for an affordable smartphone that won't break the bank? The ZTE Blade A31 and Nokia C01 Plus are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same Unisoc chipset, resulting in similar performance. The Nokia C01 Plus often edges out slightly due to Nokia's reputation for software optimization and potentially slightly better build quality, making it a marginally better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 13 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% 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 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A31
- Larger screen (potentially)
- Dual camera setup (potentially)
- Slightly more RAM options (potentially)
- Performance can be inconsistent
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Build quality might be slightly lower
Nokia C01 Plus
- Clean Android Go experience
- Reliable software updates (historically)
- Trusted brand name
- Potentially better battery optimization
- Single camera setup
- Lower resolution camera
- Performance is still entry-level
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.3-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is the same, the ZTE Blade A31 might offer slightly better color accuracy or brightness depending on the panel used. However, the difference is likely minimal and won't be a deciding factor for most users.
Camera Comparison
The ZTE Blade A31 typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor) while the Nokia C01 Plus usually has an 8MP main camera. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect stellar results. Nokia's image processing might offer a slight edge in some scenarios.
Performance
Performance is largely identical. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is entry-level, so don't expect blazing speeds. Both phones are suitable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games are out of the question. Software optimization will play a bigger role in perceived speed.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 4000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. Nokia's Android Go edition might contribute to slightly better battery efficiency.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 is a good option for those prioritizing a slightly larger screen and potentially more RAM (depending on the variant). The Nokia C01 Plus is ideal for users who value a clean Android experience, reliable software updates (historically), and a trusted brand name.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. Both struggle with demanding titles. Stick to simple, less graphically intensive games.
❓ Will the Nokia C01 Plus receive Android updates?
Historically, Nokia has provided consistent software updates, even for budget devices. However, Android Go edition updates are less frequent than full Android updates.
