Looking for an affordable Android phone? The BLU G51 and LG K8 (2017) are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? We'll break down their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The BLU G51 edges out the LG K8 (2017) thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and newer design. While both are budget options, the G51 offers a bit more performance for a similar price, making it a better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 03 | 2016, December. Released 2017, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 03 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.3 x 73.5 x 9.5 mm (6.11 x 2.89 x 0.37 in) | 144.5 x 72.1 x 8 mm (5.69 x 2.84 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 144 g (5.08 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 69.4 cm2 (~66.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm)Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 308Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 490 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 18 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Gold | Silver, Titan, Gold, Dark Blue |
| Models | - | X300, M200, US215, X240, LGM-K120L, LGM-K120S |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) |
BLU G51
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- More modern design
- Potentially better battery efficiency
- Generally newer software
- Camera performance may not be significantly better
- Build quality might be less premium than some competitors
LG K8 (2017)
- Familiar LG user interface
- Potentially lower price (especially used)
- Reliable basic smartphone experience
- Older chipset and slower performance
- Outdated design
- Limited software updates
- Smaller screen
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively small, HD displays. The BLU G51 likely has a slightly more modern panel, but the difference in viewing experience will be minimal. Expect adequate brightness and color accuracy for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The LG K8 (2017) typically features a 13MP rear camera, while the BLU G51 likely has a similar resolution. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light for both.
Performance
The BLU G51's Mediatek Helio A22 chipset (12nm) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the LG K8's Snapdragon 425 (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times on the G51. Both phones will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
The LG K8 (2017) likely has a slightly larger battery capacity (around 2500mAh), but the BLU G51's more efficient chipset could result in comparable or even slightly better battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the BLU G51? Users prioritizing a slightly faster processor and a more modern design. Who should buy the LG K8 (2017)? Those seeking a reliable, basic smartphone with a familiar LG interface, potentially at a significantly discounted price if found used.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BLU G51 worth buying over a used LG K8 (2017)?
Generally, yes. The BLU G51 offers a more modern chipset and design, providing a better overall experience. However, if you find a heavily discounted LG K8, it could still be a viable option for basic use.
❓ What kind of games can I play on these phones?
Both phones are best suited for casual games. Demanding titles will likely experience significant lag and performance issues. Expect to play older or less graphically intensive games smoothly.
