The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the ZTE Blade A31 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, a significant disparity in chipset architecture dictates a clear performance advantage for the Redmi 10C, making it the more compelling option for users prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, delivers substantially better performance and efficiency compared to the ZTE Blade A31’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the A31 may offer a slightly lower initial price, the Redmi 10C’s improved processing power and 18W charging justify the small premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 13 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | - | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | - | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A31
- Potentially lower initial price
- May offer slightly longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Redmi 10C
- Less efficient processor leading to potential overheating
- Slower charging speeds
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 680
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient processor for better battery life
- Slightly higher price point
- May not be as readily available in all markets
- Software experience can be cluttered with Xiaomi's MIUI
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and brightness are missing. The Redmi 10C’s larger market presence suggests a potentially higher quality panel, but without concrete data, it’s difficult to assess. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices targeting entry-level photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Xiaomi’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined than ZTE’s, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality from the Redmi 10C. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a significant leap ahead of the ZTE Blade A31’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 6nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to less heat and sustained performance. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – offers a substantial clock speed advantage over the A31’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Redmi 10C. The Unisoc chip, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house around 5000mAh batteries, standard for this segment. The Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the A31, which likely supports only 10W or slower charging. This translates to significantly faster recharge times, reducing downtime and improving usability. While a larger battery capacity on the A31 could offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi 10C will likely deliver comparable or better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade A31 if your primary need is a basic, functional smartphone for minimal tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The Redmi 10C is the better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience that the Unisoc SC9863A in the Blade A31 would likely struggle to achieve consistently.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 will result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience when browsing the web, using social media, and switching between apps. The Blade A31’s Unisoc chip may exhibit lag and stuttering during these tasks.
❓ Does the Redmi 10C support fast charging with any charger other than the one in the box?
The Redmi 10C supports the Power Delivery (PD) charging protocol, meaning you can use compatible USB-C chargers to achieve 18W charging speeds. However, not all USB-C chargers support PD, so ensure compatibility for optimal charging performance.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the ZTE Blade A31 and the Xiaomi Redmi 10C?
The ZTE Blade A31 likely runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a cleaner and more minimalist software experience. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C runs MIUI, Xiaomi’s custom Android skin, which is feature-rich but can be more cluttered and include pre-installed bloatware.
