The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the BLU G51 Plus and the alcatel 3L (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, despite the G51 Plus being a newer model, a closer look at their core components reveals a surprising performance disparity, driven by chipset architecture.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and consistent performance, the alcatel 3L (2021) is the better choice. While the BLU G51 Plus boasts a newer Cortex-A55 CPU, the alcatel 3L’s Mediatek Helio P22, with its combination of faster Cortex-A53 cores and efficient 12nm process, delivers a smoother experience in daily use.
| 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, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 22. Released 2021, May 22 | 2021, January 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.5 x 9.3 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (only single sim model) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP
0.3 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 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, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Jewelry Blue, Jewelry Black |
| Models | - | 6056D |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 330 EUR |
BLU G51 Plus
- Newer processor generation (Cortex-A55)
- Potentially lower price (depending on retailer)
- May offer software updates for a longer period
- Less powerful CPU architecture compared to Helio P22
- Likely less efficient processor fabrication process
- Performance may be inconsistent due to throttling
alcatel 3L (2021)
- More powerful CPU (Helio P22 with Cortex-A53)
- More efficient 12nm process
- Smoother overall user experience
- Better sustained performance
- Older processor generation
- Slower 10W charging
- May receive fewer software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the BLU G51 Plus, but given the price point, it's likely a basic LCD. The alcatel 3L (2021) also utilizes a standard LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power needed to drive the display; the alcatel 3L’s more capable chipset can handle display tasks with greater ease, potentially resulting in smoother animations. Bezels are likely comparable on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are scarce for the BLU G51 Plus, but budget phones often prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image quality. The alcatel 3L (2021) likely features a similar strategy. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Image processing will likely be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't be a deciding factor.
Performance
This is where the alcatel 3L (2021) pulls ahead. While the BLU G51 Plus features an Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU, the alcatel 3L’s Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762D) employs a more nuanced approach: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and another four at 1.5 GHz. The Cortex-A53, despite being an older architecture, offers higher peak performance than the A55 at similar clock speeds. Furthermore, the Helio P22 is fabricated on a 12nm process, offering improved power efficiency and thermal management compared to the likely larger node process used in the G51 Plus. This translates to less throttling and more sustained performance during demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the BLU G51 Plus. The alcatel 3L (2021) supports 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards but typical for this price range. The Helio P22’s power efficiency contributes to better battery life on the alcatel 3L, offsetting any potential capacity disadvantage if the BLU G51 Plus has a slightly larger battery. Expect both phones to last a full day with moderate use, but the alcatel 3L will likely exhibit less battery drain during intensive tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G51 Plus if you prioritize having the latest processor generation, even if it doesn't translate to noticeable real-world gains. It might appeal to those who like to tinker and optimize. Buy the alcatel 3L (2021) if you prefer a phone that feels more responsive out of the box, offering a better user experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without needing to compromise on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 3L (2021) struggle with multitasking?
While not a multitasking powerhouse, the alcatel 3L’s Helio P22 chipset and adequate RAM (spec not provided, but typically 2-3GB in this segment) can handle moderate multitasking – switching between a few apps like messaging, browsing, and music playback – without significant slowdowns. It's not ideal for running many demanding apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the BLU G51 Plus a good choice for mobile gaming?
The BLU G51 Plus is not recommended for serious mobile gaming. The Cortex-A55 CPU and likely limited GPU power will struggle with graphically intensive games, resulting in low frame rates and stuttering. The alcatel 3L, while also not a gaming phone, will offer a slightly more playable experience due to its faster CPU cores.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the alcatel 3L (2021)?
alcatel typically provides limited software update support for its budget devices. Expect at most one major Android version update and a few security patches. The BLU G51 Plus, being newer, *might* have slightly longer support, but it's not guaranteed.
