BLU G51 vs TCL Ion X: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The BLU G51 and TCL Ion X are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The TCL Ion X edges out the BLU G51 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Ion X's improved chipset provides a smoother experience, making it the preferable choice for most users, especially considering the similar price point.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU G51 TCL Ion X
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 662, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, June 032023, January 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, June 03Available. Released 2023, January 26
Body
Dimensions155.3 x 73.5 x 9.5 mm (6.11 x 2.89 x 0.37 in)156.5 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight166 g (5.86 oz)177.4 g (6.24 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~276 ppi density)720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android, TCL UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual8 MP Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash
Single8 MP13 MP, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP5 MP, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Po 3000 mAhLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Green, Silver, GoldBlack
Price-About 100 EUR

BLU G51

  • Affordable
  • Decent battery life
  • Simple and easy to use

  • Slow performance
  • Basic camera
  • Limited features

TCL Ion X

  • Better performance (octa-core)
  • Slightly better display (potentially)
  • 10W charging

  • Still a budget phone
  • Basic camera
  • Limited features

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The TCL Ion X *might* have a slightly better panel, but differences will be minimal.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones probably featuring a primary 13MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Neither phone is a photography powerhouse.

Performance

This is where the TCL Ion X shines. Its octa-core Helio G25 processor offers a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU G51's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Ion X. The G51 will feel sluggish by comparison.

Battery Life

Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The TCL Ion X's 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the BLU G51, which likely lacks specified charging speeds.

Buying Guide

The BLU G51 is a good option for users prioritizing a simple, straightforward phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. The TCL Ion X is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking, social media, and casual gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the processors in these phones?
The TCL Ion X has an octa-core processor (Helio G25), while the BLU G51 has a quad-core processor (Helio A22). This means the Ion X generally offers better performance and smoother multitasking.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The TCL Ion X will handle casual games better than the BLU G51, but don't expect high frame rates or impressive graphics.