Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A31 and A52 are both contenders in the budget market. While they share many similarities, subtle differences could make one a better fit for your needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A52 edges out the A31 thanks to its inclusion of 10W wired charging, a feature absent in the A31. Both offer similar performance and camera capabilities, making the A52 a slightly more compelling choice for those prioritizing faster charging.
| 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 | 2022, June 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 13 | Available. Released 2022, June 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 214 g (7.55 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 (~78.8% 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
ZTE Blade A31
- Very affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent display for the price
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera capabilities
ZTE Blade A52
- Affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- 10W wired charging
- Decent display for the price
- Basic performance
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both the ZTE Blade A31 and A52 typically feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display (720 x 1600 pixels). Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be standard for this price range. The A52 might have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance, but this is often unconfirmed.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely to be similar, often featuring a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A52 *might* have slightly improved software processing, but the hardware is likely the same.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both phones are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset with an octa-core CPU. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. They're suitable for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. Multitasking will be limited.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the A52's inclusion of 10W wired charging provides a significant advantage in charging speed compared to the A31, which lacks dedicated charging support.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A31 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't need fast charging. The ZTE Blade A52 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more feature-rich experience, including faster charging, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the ZTE Blade A31 and A52?
The primary difference is the ZTE Blade A52 includes 10W wired charging, while the A31 does not. Otherwise, they share similar specs, including the chipset, CPU, display, and camera.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither phone is suitable for demanding gaming. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is designed for basic tasks and struggles with graphically intensive games.
