The ZTE Blade series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, and the A71 and A31 Plus are no exception. Both offer compelling features for budget-conscious buyers, but subtle differences can make a big impact. This review breaks down the key distinctions to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same chipset and CPU, suggesting similar performance. The A71 likely edges out the A31 Plus due to potentially better display quality and possibly a slightly improved camera system, though the A31 Plus might offer a larger battery. It's a close call, prioritizing features based on your needs.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 07 | 2021, October 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 07 | Available. Released 2021, October 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.2 x 8.2 mm (6.50 x 2.96 x 0.32 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% 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 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP (up-scaled to 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 |
| 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 |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray, Green | Blue, Gray |
| Models | A7030 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | - |
ZTE Blade A71
- Potentially better display quality
- Possibly improved camera system
- Sleek design (based on available images)
- Smaller battery compared to A31 Plus
- May have less RAM/storage
- Performance limited by chipset
ZTE Blade A31 Plus
- Larger battery for extended use
- Larger screen size for media consumption
- Potentially more affordable
- Potentially lower display quality
- Camera may be slightly less capable
- Design may be less premium
Display Comparison
While both phones likely feature IPS LCD displays, the A71 is rumored to have a slightly higher resolution and potentially better color accuracy. The A31 Plus is expected to have a larger screen size (likely 6.53 inches vs. 6.5 inches for the A71), which could be beneficial for media consumption. Actual display quality will depend on the specific panel used.
Camera Comparison
The A71 is expected to have a slightly more advanced camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing algorithms. Both phones will likely offer a standard triple-camera setup including a main lens, macro lens, and depth sensor. Low-light performance will be a challenge for both.
Performance
Sharing the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and CPU, expect comparable performance in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds; these are budget devices. RAM and storage configurations will be key differentiators here, with the A71 potentially offering more.
Battery Life
The A31 Plus is expected to have a larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh or higher) compared to the A71 (likely around 4500mAh). This should translate to noticeably longer battery life on the A31 Plus, especially for heavy users.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A71 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly better display and potentially a more refined camera experience. The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is a great choice for those who value longer battery life and a larger screen size, even if it means a slight compromise on display quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in battery life between the two phones?
The ZTE Blade A31 Plus is expected to offer significantly longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity.
❓ Are these phones suitable for gaming?
Both phones are adequate for casual gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in demanding titles due to the chipset's limitations.
