The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A31 and A31 Plus are no exception. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus generally wins due to its larger battery and display, offering a more immersive experience. However, the standard A31 remains a solid choice for those prioritizing a slightly more compact design and potentially a lower price point, assuming similar deals.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 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 | 2021, October 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2021, October 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 159.2 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.27 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.3% 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 | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 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) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Blue, Gray |
ZTE Blade A31
- More compact design
- Potentially lower price
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Smaller battery
- Smaller display
- Limited camera capabilities
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Larger display for immersive viewing
- Longer battery life
- Good value for money
- Larger size may be less comfortable for some
- Performance limitations with demanding apps
Display Comparison
The Blade A31 Plus boasts a larger 6.53-inch display compared to the A31's 6.3-inch screen. Both likely utilize an HD+ resolution, but the larger size of the Plus offers a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often limited in budget phones, both likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, potentially with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be subpar. The front-facing camera is likely 8MP on both.
Performance
Both devices share the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and octa-core CPU. Performance will be largely identical in everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Demanding games may struggle on both devices due to the chipset's limitations. Expect moderate lag with graphically intensive apps.
Battery Life
This is a key differentiator. The Blade A31 Plus features a significantly larger 5000mAh battery compared to the A31's 4000mAh battery. This translates to noticeably longer battery life on the Plus, potentially lasting a full day or more with moderate use.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 is ideal for users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone and don't heavily prioritize battery life or a large display. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is better suited for those who value a bigger screen for media consumption and longer battery life for extended use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the ZTE Blade A31 and A31 Plus?
The main differences are the display size (6.53 inches vs 6.3 inches) and battery capacity (5000mAh vs 4000mAh). The Plus offers a larger screen and longer battery life.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is entry-level and may struggle with graphically intensive titles. Casual games should run fine.
