The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A31 and A51 are no exception. Both offer a compelling entry point into the smartphone world, but subtle differences might make one a better fit for your needs. Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same chipset and CPU, suggesting similar performance. The A51 likely edges out the A31 due to potentially better software optimization and possibly a slightly larger battery. Ultimately, the choice hinges on price and availability, with the cheaper option generally being the more attractive.
| 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 | 1, 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, May 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.5% 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 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 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Blue, Gray |
ZTE Blade A31
- Very Affordable
- Decent Battery Life (likely 4000mAh)
- Basic Functionality Covered
- Limited Performance
- Basic Camera
- HD+ Display Quality
ZTE Blade A51
- Slightly Better Performance (potential)
- Potentially Improved Camera
- Likely Larger Battery (potential 5000mAh)
- More Polished Software Experience (potential)
- Higher Price than A31
- Still Limited Performance
- HD+ Display Quality
Display Comparison
While specific display details are scarce, both phones likely feature a similar 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. Expect adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use. Differences in brightness and color accuracy are likely minimal, making this a draw.
Camera Comparison
The A51 is expected to have a slightly better camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. Both likely feature a combination of a main lens, a depth sensor, and a front-facing camera for selfies. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and Octa-core CPU. Performance will be adequate for basic tasks, but don't expect to run demanding games or applications smoothly. Multitasking might be limited. The A51 *might* offer slightly better performance due to potential software optimizations.
Battery Life
The A51 is likely to have a slightly larger battery capacity (potentially around 5000mAh) compared to the A31. This should translate to slightly longer battery life, providing more usage time between charges. Both phones will likely support standard charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media use. The ZTE Blade A51 is a better choice for those seeking a slightly more polished experience, potentially better camera performance, and a longer-lasting battery, even if the price is a bit higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the ZTE Blade A31 nor the ZTE Blade A51 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. RAM is usually 2GB or 3GB.
❓ What operating system do these phones run?
Both phones run on Android, likely with a customized ZTE user interface. The specific Android version may vary depending on the region and update availability.
