BLU consistently targets the ultra-budget smartphone market, and the A5L and G5 Plus represent two distinct approaches within that segment. The A5L prioritizes basic functionality, while the G5 Plus attempts to offer a noticeable performance boost. This comparison dissects the core differences – specifically the CPUs – to determine which device delivers the best user experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G5 Plus is the superior choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor provides a significantly smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the A5L’s quad-core Cortex-A53. While both phones are entry-level, the G5 Plus offers a tangible performance advantage justifying the likely price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - G0190UU |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - G0190LL, G0190VV |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 - G0190UU |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 124.5 x 64.5 x 10.6 mm (4.90 x 2.54 x 0.42 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 118 g (4.16 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 575 h (2G) / Up to 525 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 1400 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Red, Twilight, Chameleon Blue |
| Price | About 40 EUR | - |
BLU A5L
- Likely the more affordable option.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful CPU (though this is speculative).
- Significantly slower performance compared to the G5 Plus.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- May exhibit noticeable lag during everyday use.
BLU G5 Plus
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the octa-core Cortex-A55.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Improved user experience for most apps and games.
- Likely more expensive than the A5L.
- May have slightly shorter battery life (though efficiency gains mitigate this).
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so we must infer. Given the price point, both devices likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The G5 Plus, being the slightly more premium model, *may* have a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration, but significant differences are unlikely. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided beyond the devices themselves. It's reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups, likely with a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro lens. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and neither phone is expected to excel in low-light conditions. The G5 Plus *might* benefit from a slightly more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated into its newer chipset, potentially leading to marginally better image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU G5 Plus boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor, while the A5L is equipped with a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture represents a generational improvement over the A53, offering better performance *per clock* and improved power efficiency. The increased core count on the G5 Plus further enhances multitasking capabilities. While both are entry-level CPUs, the G5 Plus will demonstrably outperform the A5L in CPU-intensive tasks like app loading, web browsing, and light gaming. The A5L will likely exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. Given the target market, both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Cortex-A55 in the G5 Plus, being more power-efficient, *could* translate to slightly longer battery life despite potentially having the same capacity as the A5L. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both devices, utilizing standard 5W or 10W chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU A5L if you need a truly minimal smartphone for basic calling, texting, and light app usage, and prioritize absolute affordability above all else. It’s suitable for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the BLU G5 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for social media, web browsing, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G5 Plus handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Cortex-A55 processor in the G5 Plus should provide a reasonably smooth experience with TikTok and Instagram. While it won't offer flagship-level performance, it will handle scrolling, video playback, and basic editing without significant lag, unlike the A5L which may struggle.
❓ Is the difference between the Cortex-A53 and Cortex-A55 really that noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the architectural improvements in the Cortex-A55, combined with the increased core count in the G5 Plus, translate to a tangible difference in responsiveness. App loading times will be faster, multitasking will be smoother, and the overall user experience will feel less sluggish compared to the A5L's Cortex-A53.
❓ Can the BLU G5 Plus run mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The BLU G5 Plus can *run* these games, but expect to play them on the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops during intense action. It's not a gaming phone, but it's capable of casual gaming, whereas the A5L would likely struggle significantly.
