The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the BLU C5 Plus and the alcatel 1B (2022) aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. However, a closer look reveals a significant difference in processing power, impacting everyday usability and potential longevity. This comparison dissects the key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the alcatel 1B (2022) is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 12nm process and featuring Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a substantial performance advantage over the BLU C5 Plus’s older Cortex-A7 processor, making it more responsive for daily tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 5031D, 5031G |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.1 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 - 5031A, 5041J |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2022, May 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151 x 72.3 x 10 mm (5.94 x 2.85 x 0.39 in) | 146.7 x 71.9 x 10 mm (5.78 x 2.83 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 158 g (5.57 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels (~292 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25 mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24 mm (wide), 1/5.0", 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 | 5.0, 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2200 mAh battery | Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient Blue, Black, Red | Prime Black, Atlantic Blue |
| Models | - | 5031D, 5031G, 5031A, 5031J |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 100 EUR |
BLU C5 Plus
- Potentially lowest possible price
- Simple and straightforward interface
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower processor
- Outdated Cortex-A7 architecture
- Likely poor multitasking performance
alcatel 1B (2022)
- Faster and more efficient processor (Helio A22)
- More modern Cortex-A53 architecture
- Better overall responsiveness
- 12nm manufacturing process for improved efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still a basic smartphone experience
- Camera quality likely limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize basic LCD panels. However, the alcatel 1B’s more powerful chipset may allow for slightly smoother scrolling and animations, indirectly improving the perceived display quality. Bezels are likely substantial on both, typical for this price bracket. Color accuracy is expected to be basic on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. Any claims of 'macro' functionality on either device should be viewed skeptically, as a 2MP macro sensor will offer limited detail. The alcatel 1B’s more capable processor *might* allow for slightly faster image processing, but image quality will largely be determined by the sensor itself, which remains unknown for both.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The alcatel 1B (2022) utilizes the Mediatek Helio A22, a 12nm chipset with quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a considerable upgrade over the BLU C5 Plus’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Cortex-A53 architecture is more efficient and powerful than the older Cortex-A7. The 12nm manufacturing process further enhances the Helio A22’s efficiency, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. Users will notice a marked difference in app loading times and overall responsiveness with the alcatel 1B.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their similar price points and target markets, we can expect capacities around 2000-3000 mAh. The alcatel 1B’s more efficient chipset (12nm vs. unknown for BLU) will likely translate to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely ship with basic 5W chargers, resulting in slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU C5 Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and your smartphone usage is limited to basic calling and texting. Buy the alcatel 1B (2022) if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for simple tasks like browsing the web or using social media apps, and want a device that will feel less sluggish over time. The alcatel 1B offers a better long-term investment for minimal extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 1B (2022) be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio A22 chipset and Cortex-A53 cores in the alcatel 1B (2022) are significantly more capable than the BLU C5 Plus’s processor. While not a high-end experience, it should handle Facebook, Instagram, and similar apps with acceptable performance, avoiding the significant lag that would likely plague the BLU C5 Plus.
❓ Is the alcatel 1B (2022) suitable for light gaming?
The alcatel 1B (2022) can handle very basic 2D games and older, less demanding 3D titles. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Helio A22’s integrated graphics are entry-level and will struggle with demanding games. The BLU C5 Plus would perform even worse in gaming scenarios.
❓ How much storage does each phone have, and can it be expanded?
Storage capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, both phones likely ship with a minimal amount of internal storage (8GB or 16GB). It's highly probable that both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing users to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. Check the product listing for specific storage details.
