The BLU G33 and BLU J2 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The J2, likely an older model, focuses on affordability, while the G33 attempts to offer a more modern experience with an upgraded processor. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G33 is the superior choice. Its octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor provides a significantly more responsive experience than the J2’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7, making it better suited for multitasking and modern app usage. The G33 offers a noticeable performance uplift for a minimal price increase.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 66, 71 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June | 2019, December. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 78.3 x 10.4 mm (6.28 x 3.08 x 0.41 in) | 144 x 73.1 x 10.3 mm (5.67 x 2.88 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 146 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~171 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 101.1 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | - | Mali-400 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.0
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 2000 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Burgundy, Earthy, Green | Blue, Black, Brown |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 50 EUR |
BLU G33
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient CPU architecture for better battery life
- Likely to receive more software updates (being a newer model)
- May be slightly more expensive than the J2
- Display quality likely remains basic
BLU J2
- Extremely affordable
- Functional for basic communication tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow processor struggles with multitasking
- Outdated CPU architecture leads to poor performance
- Limited software support
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, but given the price points, both devices likely feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The G33, being newer, *may* benefit from slightly improved color accuracy and viewing angles. However, expect both to have relatively low peak brightness and limited outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent, but it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. Given the market segment, image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance and a lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). Any megapixel count beyond the primary sensor is likely to be of minimal practical benefit. The G33 *may* have a slightly better image signal processor (ISP) integrated into its newer chipset, leading to marginally improved image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU G33’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor represents a significant architectural leap over the BLU J2’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The A55 architecture is more efficient and delivers better performance per clock cycle. While clock speed isn’t everything, the combination of more cores *and* a newer architecture means the G33 will handle multitasking, app loading, and general responsiveness far more effectively. The J2’s older A7 core will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag. RAM specifications are unknown, but the G33’s processor is designed to work optimally with at least 3GB of RAM, while the J2 may be limited by 1GB or 2GB.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. However, given the processors, the G33’s more efficient Cortex-A55 architecture will likely translate to better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the J2. The J2’s older processor will consume more power for the same tasks. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both devices, potentially taking several hours to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G33 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want a smoother, more future-proof experience. Buy the BLU J2 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. It’s a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G33 be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the BLU G33’s octa-core Cortex-A55 processor is significantly more capable of handling the demands of social media apps compared to the BLU J2. You should experience smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and fewer instances of lag while using these platforms.
❓ Is the BLU J2 suitable for playing mobile games?
The BLU J2 is not well-suited for gaming. Its quad-core Cortex-A7 processor will struggle with most modern mobile games, resulting in low frame rates, stuttering, and a generally poor gaming experience. The BLU G33 offers a modest improvement, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ How much storage do these phones likely have, and can it be expanded?
Given the price point, both phones likely come with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. It's highly probable that both devices feature a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps. However, the speed of the microSD card slot may be limited.