Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade A52 and A31 are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall user experience to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A52 edges out the A31 primarily due to its inclusion of 10W wired charging, a feature absent in the A31. Both share the same chipset and CPU, making performance largely similar. If charging speed matters, the A52 is the better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 10 | 2021, July 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2021, July 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 in) | 140 x 71 x 8.9 mm (5.51 x 2.80 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 166 g (5.86 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~77.1% 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 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue | Blue, Gray |
| Price | About 90 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A52
- Faster 10W Charging
- Potentially improved camera system
- Slightly more modern design (likely)
- May be slightly more expensive than the A31
- Still a budget phone with limitations
ZTE Blade A31
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- Slow charging
- Likely less advanced camera system
- May feel dated
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a standard resolution (likely HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. Differences in screen coating or brightness might exist, but are difficult to confirm without hands-on testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are likely the most significant differentiator. While both likely have a primary rear camera (potentially 13MP or similar), the A52 may include additional lenses (macro, depth sensor) or improved image processing algorithms. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Front-facing camera resolution and features may also differ.
Performance
Sharing the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and CPU configuration, performance will be very comparable. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games or multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. The software optimization on each device will also play a role in perceived speed.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), but the A52's 10W charging provides a noticeable advantage in charging time. The A31 will likely take considerably longer to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A52 is ideal for users who prioritize slightly faster charging and a potentially more modern design (assuming minor design differences exist, which is common between similar models). The ZTE Blade A31 is a good option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and don't heavily rely on fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the two phones?
The ZTE Blade A52 supports 10W wired charging, while the ZTE Blade A31 does not have specified charging speed, implying slower charging.
❓ Are the performance levels of these phones similar?
Yes, both phones share the same chipset and CPU, so performance will be very comparable for everyday tasks. However, demanding applications may struggle on both devices.
