To get an idea of how a cam is likely to perform in low light, look for its minimum illumination lux rating on the spec sheet. The lower the number, the better it should perform.
The 2431TM-AS-S2 has a min illumination spec of 0.008 lux. The 5442TM-AS-LED is 0.002 lux. Big difference, IMO.
The size of the sensor has a lot to do with it. If the MP are the same, the bigger the sensor, the better it should do in low light. The 5442 sensor is 1/1.8”. The 2431 is 1/3” (smaller).
FWIW, the newer 4MP 1/1.8” sensor in the 5442s and ColorVu is pretty much top-shelf right now. Using the “good, better, best” system, neither brand uses this sensor in their “good” models (like the 2431). You have to step up to a “better” or “best” model to get it. IMO, Dahua has a lot of “better” models (like the 5442 series) that use this sensor. AFAIK, the one ColorVu model is the only “better” model they offer, you have to step up to their “best” models for more variety.