Looking for an affordable smartphone? The ZTE Blade L9 and A31 Lite are both contenders in the budget market. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The ZTE Blade A31 Lite edges out the L9 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset, improved manufacturing process (28nm vs. unknown for L9), and generally better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A31 Lite provides a more responsive and future-proof experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 10 | 2021, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 10 | Available. Released 2021, June |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 in) | 137.3 x 67.5 x 10.5 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 143 g (5.04 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 2000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Gray, Blue |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
ZTE Blade L9
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life (around 5000mAh)
- Outdated chipset
- Limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
- Likely limited software updates
ZTE Blade A31 Lite
- Better performance than L9
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly improved camera
- More modern design (potentially)
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera performance is still basic
- Software updates may be limited
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The A31 Lite *might* have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its newer chipset, but differences will be minimal. Expect a standard 60Hz refresh rate on both.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often limited on these budget devices, the A31 Lite likely has a slightly more capable camera system. Expect a primary camera around 13MP on both, but the A31 Lite may have additional lenses (macro, depth) for more versatility. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be a challenge on both.
Performance
The A31 Lite's Unisoc SC9832E chipset (1.4 GHz) offers a noticeable performance boost over the L9's SC7731e (1.3 GHz). The 28nm manufacturing process of the A31 Lite's chipset also contributes to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the A31 Lite.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a battery capacity around 5000mAh. However, the A31 Lite's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Expect a full day of moderate use on both devices.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade L9 is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a simple user experience. The ZTE Blade A31 Lite is ideal for those seeking a slightly better performing phone with a bit more longevity and a more modern chipset, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC7731e and SC9832E chipsets?
The SC9832E is a newer and more powerful chipset with a more efficient 28nm manufacturing process, resulting in better performance and battery life compared to the older SC7731e.
❓ Are there software updates available for these phones?
ZTE's update support for budget phones is often limited. Expect minimal updates for both devices, so don't rely on them for major feature enhancements or security patches.
