Looking for an affordable smartphone? BLU offers several options, and the Energy X Plus 2 and Vivo XL4 are two popular contenders. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BLU Vivo XL4 clearly outperforms the Energy X Plus 2 thanks to its significantly more powerful Octa-core processor and modern chipset. While both are budget phones, the Vivo XL4 offers a smoother experience and better overall performance, making it the recommended choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2016, November. Released 2016, December | 2018, December. Released 2018, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.07 x 3.05 x 0.38 in) | 157.2 x 76.2 x 8 mm (6.19 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM) | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/4.0" |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Stereo 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 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 900 h (2G) / Up to 875 h (3G) | Up to 750 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 42 h (2G) / Up to 28 h (3G) | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4900 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Grey, Gold, Rose Gold | Black, Gold |
| Models | ENERGY X PLUS 2 | - |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
BLU Energy X Plus 2
- Potentially longer battery life
- Affordable price point
- Simple and easy to use
- Outdated processor
- Limited performance
- Lower quality camera
- Less RAM likely
BLU Vivo XL4
- Faster processor and chipset
- Smoother performance
- More responsive
- Likely better camera processing
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Display quality may not be exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Vivo XL4 *might* have a slightly larger screen size, but this is not definitively confirmed. Expect adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often limited on budget phones. Both likely feature a rear dual-camera setup (likely 13MP + 2MP depth sensor) and a front-facing camera (likely 8MP). Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The Vivo XL4's more powerful processor *could* offer slightly better image processing.
Performance
This is where the Vivo XL4 shines. Its Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor and Mediatek Helio P22 chipset provide a substantial performance boost over the Energy X Plus 2's Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better overall responsiveness on the Vivo XL4.
Battery Life
The BLU Energy X Plus 2 likely has a larger battery capacity (potentially 4000mAh or higher) given its 'Energy' branding. However, the Vivo XL4's more efficient 12nm chipset could result in comparable or even better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The BLU Energy X Plus 2 is best suited for users with very basic smartphone needs – primarily calls, texts, and light app usage. The BLU Vivo XL4 is ideal for those who want a more responsive phone for social media, browsing, and occasional gaming, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The BLU Vivo XL4 has a significantly more powerful Octa-core processor and a modern chipset (Mediatek Helio P22) compared to the BLU Energy X Plus 2's Quad-core processor. This results in better performance and responsiveness.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The BLU Vivo XL4 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Vivo XL4 will handle games more smoothly.