The BLU A5L and Motorola Moto E6i represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The BLU A5L relies on a simpler, older processor, while the Moto E6i leverages a more modern, albeit still entry-level, Unisoc chipset. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Motorola Moto E6i is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, featuring Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU A5L’s quad-core Cortex-A53. While neither phone excels, the E6i offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2021, February 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, February 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124.5 x 64.5 x 10.6 mm (4.90 x 2.54 x 0.42 in) | 155.6 x 73 x 8.5 mm (6.13 x 2.87 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 118 g (4.16 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 1400 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Titanium Gray, Pink |
| Models | - | XT2053-5 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 170 EUR |
BLU A5L
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- Functional for basic communication.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Outdated processor architecture.
- Likely limited performance and responsiveness.
- Poor camera quality expected.
Motorola Moto E6i
- More powerful octa-core processor.
- More efficient Cortex-A55 cores.
- 10W wired charging support.
- Still a budget device with limitations.
- Camera quality likely remains basic.
- Slow charging speed.
Display Comparison
Neither BLU nor Motorola provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible, but it's safe to assume both displays prioritize functionality over visual fidelity. Expect limited brightness and narrow viewing angles on both devices. The absence of features like high refresh rates or HDR support is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. It’s reasonable to assume both include a primary rear camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is almost certain. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more critical, and neither manufacturer provides this information. Expect adequate results for casual snapshots in good lighting, but don't anticipate high-quality photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BLU A5L’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 is an older architecture, designed for basic smartphone tasks. The Motorola Moto E6i’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, features an octa-core configuration with four 1.6 GHz and four 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A55 is a more efficient and capable architecture than the A53, offering improved performance per watt. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking. The Unisoc chipset also benefits from a more modern manufacturing process, potentially leading to better thermal management. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the E6i’s configuration provides a significant advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the budget nature of both phones, expect capacities in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Moto E6i includes 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by today’s standards, but typical for this price point. The BLU A5L’s charging capabilities are unknown. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Unisoc processor in the Moto E6i may offer slightly longer runtimes, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU A5L if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only intend to use the phone for basic calling, texting, and very light app usage. It's a functional device for those with minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Motorola Moto E6i if you prefer a more responsive experience, even for simple tasks, and anticipate using multiple apps or browsing the web. The E6i’s more powerful processor and potentially better software optimization make it a more versatile option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E6i handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
The Moto E6i’s octa-core processor and Cortex-A55 cores should provide a reasonably smooth experience with Facebook and WhatsApp. While it won’t be as fluid as a higher-end device, it should be sufficient for basic browsing, messaging, and occasional photo/video viewing. The BLU A5L may struggle with these apps, exhibiting noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is an entry-level chipset and generally doesn't generate excessive heat. However, prolonged gaming or intensive multitasking could lead to some warming. The 28nm process isn't the most efficient, but the chipset's low power draw mitigates the risk of significant overheating. The BLU A5L's older processor may also experience thermal throttling, potentially limiting sustained performance.
❓ Can either of these phones be used for basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic mobile games, but don't expect a great gaming experience. Simple 2D games and older titles should be playable, but demanding 3D games will likely suffer from low frame rates and lag. The Moto E6i will offer a slightly better experience due to its more powerful processor.
