Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 and A31 Lite are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A31 edges out the A31 Lite thanks to its octa-core processor and superior performance. While both are budget-friendly, the A31 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. The A31 Lite remains a solid option for basic users prioritizing affordability.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 13 | 2021, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2021, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 2 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 (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Gray, Blue |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31
- Octa-core processor for better performance
- Potentially better image processing
- Slightly more responsive UI
- Likely similar battery life to A31 Lite
- May be slightly more expensive than A31 Lite
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera performance not exceptional
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and compact
- Quad-core processor limits performance
- Slower app loading and multitasking
- Camera performance is average
- May feel sluggish with multiple apps open
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The A31 might have slightly better brightness due to its more powerful chipset allowing for more efficient display control.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially featuring a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A31's more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing algorithms, resulting in marginally better photos.
Performance
This is where the A31 shines. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides significantly more processing power than the A31 Lite's quad-core SC9832E. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A31. The A31 Lite will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding apps or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. Battery optimization will be key; the A31's more powerful processor might consume slightly more power, but its efficiency could offset this.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 is ideal for users who want a slightly more responsive phone for multitasking, social media, and light gaming. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is a great choice for those primarily needing a phone for calls, texts, and basic apps, and who are on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the ZTE Blade A31 and A31 Lite?
The main difference is the processor. The A31 has an octa-core processor for better performance, while the A31 Lite has a quad-core processor. This impacts speed and multitasking capabilities.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns.
