The BLU C6L 2020 and LG K30 (2019) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost. However, despite similar core specifications, subtle differences in chipset architecture and manufacturing process can significantly impact real-world performance and user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and potentially longer software support (given LG's exit from the smartphone market), the LG K30 (2019) is the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same CPU core architecture, the Snapdragon 425's optimized chipset design and 28nm process provide a marginal performance advantage and potentially better power efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October. Released 2020, October | 2019, August. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 74.7 x 10.9 mm (6.10 x 2.94 x 0.43 in) | 146.9 x 71.5 x 8.5 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 167 g (5.89 oz) | 148 g (5.22 oz) |
| | - | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~73.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | Adreno 308 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Talk time | - | Up to 10 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Blue, Green | New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue |
| Models | - | LM-X320EMW, LMX320EMW, LMX320ZMW, LM-X320ZMW |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 140 EUR |
BLU C6L 2020
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer more recent software version at launch
- Simple and functional
- Likely less optimized chipset
- Potentially shorter software support
- Unknown battery capacity
LG K30 (2019)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset for optimized performance
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Established brand with a history of software updates (though diminishing)
- Older model, potentially showing its age
- Software updates becoming less frequent
- May be harder to find new
Display Comparison
Neither BLU nor LG provide display specifications beyond the basic screen size. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p resolution. The absence of detailed specs like peak brightness or color gamut makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the LG K30, being a slightly older model, may exhibit more noticeable backlight bleed or lower viewing angles due to potential component aging. The lack of any mention of protective glass on either device suggests both are susceptible to scratches.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for either device. Given the target market, both likely feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or monochrome sensor. It's safe to assume image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further compounds this issue. Without specific sensor sizes or lens apertures, a meaningful comparison is impossible, but the LG K30's Qualcomm ISP may offer slightly better image processing capabilities.
Performance
Both the BLU C6L 2020 and LG K30 (2019) are equipped with a Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. However, the LG K30 utilizes the Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 chipset, fabricated on a 28nm process. This is a crucial distinction. The Snapdragon 425 integrates the CPU, GPU, and modem onto a single chip, offering optimized power efficiency and potentially better thermal management compared to a discrete CPU solution like that likely found in the BLU C6L. While the CPU cores are identical, the Snapdragon's integrated design and mature 28nm process give it a slight edge in sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the similar hardware and target price point, both likely house batteries in the 2500-3000 mAh range. The Snapdragon 425's inherent power efficiency, due to its 28nm process, may translate to slightly longer battery life for the LG K30. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both likely support standard 5W charging, resulting in relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU C6L 2020 if you need a very basic, functional smartphone and are comfortable with a potentially shorter software support lifecycle. It's ideal for users who primarily need calling, texting, and light app usage. Buy the LG K30 (2019) if you prefer a slightly more refined experience, potentially better app compatibility due to Qualcomm's chipset, and a brand with a longer (though now concluding) history of software updates, even if those updates are becoming less frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG K30 (2019) continue to receive software updates?
LG has largely exited the smartphone market, meaning future software updates for the K30 are unlikely. However, it may receive critical security patches for a limited time. Users should not expect major Android version upgrades.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 425 in the LG K30 powerful enough for basic social media apps?
Yes, the Snapdragon 425 is sufficient for running basic social media applications like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding apps. It's designed for light usage scenarios.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the BLU C6L 2020 and LG K30 (2019) almost certainly use a Micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, which is standard for phones in this price range. Do not expect USB-C connectivity.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming?
Neither phone is well-suited for mobile gaming. While they can run simple 2D games, demanding 3D titles will likely experience significant lag and low frame rates. The Adreno 308 GPU in the Snapdragon 425 is a basic graphics processor.
