The BLU C5 Plus 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 significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which offers a better user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is the slightly better choice. While both phones are extremely limited, the A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 chipset, built on a 28nm process, offers a modest performance advantage and better power efficiency compared to the BLU C5 Plus’s older Cortex-A7.
| 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 | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 151 x 72.3 x 10 mm (5.94 x 2.85 x 0.39 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 | 158 g (5.57 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels (~292 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 | 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 2200 mAh battery | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient Blue, Black, Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
BLU C5 Plus
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Compact and lightweight design
- Outdated Cortex-A7 processor
- Likely slower performance
- Potentially shorter battery life
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- More efficient Mediatek MT6739 chipset
- Slightly improved performance
- Samsung brand recognition
- Still very limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
- Likely slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifications are limited, so we must infer. Both likely utilize low-resolution LCD panels. The A01 Core benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color reproduction and viewing angles, though neither will approach the vibrancy of higher-end panels. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Details are sparse, but both likely feature basic sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading at this price point. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and results will be subpar in low-light conditions. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing gimmicks and offer minimal practical benefit. The A01 Core *may* have a slight edge due to Samsung’s image processing algorithms, but expectations should remain low.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. This represents a generational leap over the BLU C5 Plus’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A53 architecture is more efficient and offers improved instruction set performance, translating to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking, even if both struggle with demanding applications. The 28nm process node further contributes to better thermal management and power efficiency in the A01 Core.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should be able to provide a full day of light use. The MT6739’s improved power efficiency in the A01 Core could translate to slightly longer battery life, especially during standby. Charging speeds are likely slow on both, utilizing micro-USB connectivity, and fast charging is not supported.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU C5 Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to accept significantly slower performance and potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition, despite the similar price bracket. Both are suitable for very light users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the A01 Core can run these apps, expect a laggy experience, especially with multiple apps open. The MT6739 chipset is designed for basic tasks, and these apps are relatively resource-intensive. Frequent clearing of app cache may be necessary.
❓ Is the BLU C5 Plus suitable for a first-time smartphone user?
The BLU C5 Plus is a viable option for a first-time user with extremely limited needs, such as basic calling and texting. However, its slow performance may be frustrating for those accustomed to more responsive devices. It's best suited for users who prioritize affordability above all else.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
No. Neither the BLU C5 Plus nor the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core possess the processing power or graphics capabilities to run PUBG Mobile at playable frame rates. Attempting to do so will result in severe lag and a poor gaming experience.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the BLU C5 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core utilize a micro-USB port for charging. This is an older standard and charging speeds will be relatively slow compared to modern USB-C devices.
