The BLU Advance 4.0 and HTC Desire 310 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, despite similar price points, a key difference lies under the hood: the BLU utilizes a dual-core processor, while the HTC boasts a quad-core chip. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone delivers the best user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and smoother app switching, the HTC Desire 310 is the better choice. Its quad-core Mediatek MT6582M processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU Advance 4.0’s dual-core MT6572, making it more capable for everyday tasks despite both being entry-level devices.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 1700 - A270a | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - EU, Asia, China |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, December. Released 2013, December | 2014, January. Released 2014, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 125 x 65 x 12.4 mm (4.92 x 2.56 x 0.49 in) | 132.4 x 68 x 11.3 mm (5.21 x 2.68 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 124 g (4.37 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~62.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6572 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), Sense UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB, 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Video | - | 480p |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Audio/video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) | Up to 852 h |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 9 h (3G) | Up to 11 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Red |
| Models | - | D310n |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 150 EUR |
BLU Advance 4.0
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower performance
- Struggles with multitasking
- Less responsive user interface
HTC Desire 310
- Faster quad-core processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- More responsive user interface
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life
- HTC's software support is limited
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a stunning visual experience. Given the market segment, both likely feature similar low-resolution displays with TN panels. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume both offer basic viewing angles and color reproduction. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual snapshots. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both utilize low-resolution sensors. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and performance in low-light conditions will be limited. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further compounds this issue. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; the image signal processor (ISP) within the Mediatek chipsets plays a more crucial role in determining final image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU: the BLU Advance 4.0 features a dual-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor based on the Mediatek MT6572 chipset, while the HTC Desire 310 utilizes a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor powered by the Mediatek MT6582M. While both are Cortex-A7 based, the quad-core configuration of the Desire 310 provides a significant advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The MT6582M, built on the same 28nm process as the MT6572, benefits from parallel processing capabilities, resulting in a smoother user experience. The BLU will struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but given the low-power processors and basic displays, both devices should offer at least a full day of moderate use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely falls within the 5W-10W range. The quad-core processor in the Desire 310 may consume slightly more power, but the improved efficiency of the MT6582M chipset could offset this difference. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns and network conditions.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Advance 4.0 if you need a basic, functional smartphone primarily for calls, texts, and light web browsing, and are extremely budget-constrained. Its simplicity and lower price point make it suitable for those with minimal smartphone requirements. Buy the HTC Desire 310 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, anticipate running multiple apps simultaneously, or enjoy occasional light gaming. The quad-core processor offers a tangible improvement in usability for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HTC Desire 310 handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the quad-core processor in the Desire 310 provides sufficient power to run social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the BLU Advance 4.0, especially when switching between apps.
❓ Is the difference between dual-core and quad-core processing noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. While both processors are based on the same Cortex-A7 architecture, the quad-core configuration of the Desire 310 allows it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously more efficiently. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. The BLU Advance 4.0 will exhibit noticeable slowdowns when multitasking.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who rarely uses their smartphone beyond calls and texts?
For users with extremely basic needs – primarily calls and texts – the BLU Advance 4.0 is a viable option. Its lower price point makes it suitable for those who don't require advanced features or performance. However, even for basic use, the Desire 310 offers a more pleasant experience.
