The BLU A5L and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but key differences in their underlying hardware dictate which one offers a better experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core edges out the BLU A5L. The slightly higher clocked CPU and more efficient chipset fabrication process (28nm vs unknown for the A5L) translate to marginally smoother performance in everyday tasks, despite both utilizing the same Cortex-A53 architecture.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124.5 x 64.5 x 10.6 mm (4.90 x 2.54 x 0.42 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 118 g (4.16 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 1400 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
BLU A5L
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Compact form factor
- Likely slower performance
- Unknown display quality
- Limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- More efficient chipset fabrication (28nm)
- Samsung brand recognition
- Basic display quality
- Limited RAM and storage
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the BLU A5L's display, but given its price point, it's likely a low-resolution panel with limited brightness and color accuracy. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core also features a basic display, and without knowing the exact panel type, we can assume it prioritizes cost savings over visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both likely feature basic sensors. Focusing on the A01 Core, the MT6739’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely to offer slightly better image processing capabilities than whatever is used in the A5L. However, expectations should be tempered; these cameras are best suited for well-lit conditions and casual snapshots. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A01 Core is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The BLU A5L utilizes a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is powered by the Mediatek MT6739, also a quad-core Cortex-A53 but clocked slightly higher at 1.5 GHz. Crucially, the MT6739 is fabricated on a 28nm process, offering a degree of efficiency advantage over the A5L’s unknown fabrication process. This means the A01 Core is likely to experience less thermal throttling under sustained load, resulting in more consistent performance. While both CPUs share the same architecture, the clock speed and fabrication process give the A01 Core a slight edge.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their target market, both likely feature relatively small batteries (around 3000mAh). The MT6739’s 28nm fabrication process may contribute to slightly better power efficiency, potentially translating to marginally longer battery life on the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core. Charging wattage is also unknown for both, but it’s safe to assume slow charging speeds are the norm.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU A5L if you need a secondary device for extremely basic tasks like calls and texts, and are willing to accept potentially slower performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for social media, light browsing, and basic app usage, and value the Samsung brand recognition and software support, even if limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT6739 in the Samsung A01 Core overheat during prolonged use?
While not a powerhouse, the MT6739 is a relatively low-power chipset. Overheating is unlikely during typical usage scenarios like browsing or social media. However, demanding tasks like extended gaming may cause some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly to manage heat.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core suitable for playing popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. The MT6739’s GPU is not designed for demanding gaming, and performance will be limited.
❓ How much storage does the BLU A5L offer, and is it expandable?
Storage capacity for the BLU A5L is not readily available. However, given its price point, it likely features a small amount of internal storage (8GB or 16GB). It is highly probable that it includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion, but this needs to be verified.
❓ What version of Android does the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core ship with, and will it receive updates?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core originally shipped with Android 10 (Go Edition). Software updates are limited for this device. While it may have received a minor update or two, it is unlikely to receive major Android version upgrades.
