The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A71 and A31 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 A71 likely offers a slightly larger display and potentially more RAM/storage, giving it a marginal edge. Ultimately, the best choice depends on price and specific feature preferences like screen size and available storage.
| 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, 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 | 2021, October 07 | 2021, July 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2021, July 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.2 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.96 x 0.32 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 | 180 g (6.35 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 (~82.6% 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 | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray, Green | Blue, Gray |
| Models | A7030 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A71
- Potentially larger display
- Likely more RAM/storage
- Possibly better camera system
- Decent battery life
- Unisoc chipset limitations
- Plastic build quality
- May be slightly more expensive
ZTE Blade A31
- More compact design
- Potentially lower price
- Decent battery life
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- Smaller display
- Likely less RAM/storage
- Potentially less advanced camera
- Unisoc chipset limitations
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature IPS LCD displays, the A71 is expected to have a larger screen size (potentially 6.5 inches vs. A31's 6.3 inches). This translates to a more immersive viewing experience for videos and games. Resolution is likely to be HD+ on both, so don't expect stunning visuals, but adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are often a key differentiator. The A71 is expected to have a slightly more advanced camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and additional lenses (e.g., macro or depth sensor). Both will likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance may be limited.
Performance
Sharing the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and CPU, performance should be very similar between the two devices. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games and multitasking might reveal limitations due to the chipset's capabilities and potential RAM differences (A71 likely has more).
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a crucial factor. While exact figures are needed, the A71 might have a slightly larger battery (potentially 5000mAh vs. A31's 4000mAh) to compensate for its larger screen. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on both devices.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A71 is ideal for users prioritizing a larger screen and potentially more storage for media and apps. The ZTE Blade A31 is a great option for those seeking a more compact and budget-friendly device, perfect for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM between the ZTE Blade A71 and A31?
While exact RAM configurations vary by region, the ZTE Blade A71 is generally expected to offer more RAM (potentially 4GB vs. 3GB on the A31) for smoother multitasking.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the ZTE Blade A71 nor the ZTE Blade A31 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
