BLU G61 vs Nokia G100: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The BLU G61 and Nokia G100 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The BLU G61 focuses on simplicity, while the Nokia G100 leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662 chipset for a performance edge. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Nokia G100 is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the BLU G61’s Cortex-A55 processor, making it more capable for multitasking and gaming. The 15W charging is also a welcome addition, despite the likely similar battery capacities.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU G61 Nokia G100
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 282, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 44, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 092022, September 22
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, October
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.6 x 75.8 x 9.3 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.37 in)166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.56 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)195.1 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Chipset-Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)
GPU-Adreno 610
OSAndroid 10Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC
Internal64GB 3GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual13 MP Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP-
Triple-13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0" Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, Green, RedNordic Blue
PriceAbout 110 EURAbout 60 EUR

BLU G61

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Simple and straightforward user experience
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Slower 10W charging
  • Likely lower quality camera

Nokia G100

  • Faster and more responsive performance
  • 15W fast charging
  • Potentially better camera image quality

  • Higher price compared to the BLU G61
  • May have slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
  • Qualcomm chipset may receive fewer long-term software updates (depending on Nokia's support)

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The Nokia G100, being slightly higher positioned, *may* have a marginally better panel with slightly improved color accuracy. However, expect similar levels of brightness and viewing angles on both.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Nokia G100’s chipset likely includes a more capable image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The BLU G61 will likely rely more heavily on software processing, which may not be as refined.

Performance

The Nokia G100’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration, split between 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores, offers significantly more processing power than the BLU G61’s 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Snapdragon 662’s architecture is designed for sustained performance, while the Cortex-A55 prioritizes power efficiency. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Nokia G100. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 also contributes to better thermal management.

Battery Life

Both phones lack specific battery capacity details. However, the Nokia G100’s 15W wired charging is a significant advantage over the BLU G61’s 10W charging. While the actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and battery size, the faster charging speed will reduce downtime and provide a more convenient user experience. Expect a noticeably quicker 0-100% charge time on the Nokia G100.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU G61 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Nokia G100 if you value smoother performance for everyday use, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more. It offers a more future-proof experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia G100 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 662 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it's a significant step up from the BLU G61's processor.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 10W and 15W really noticeable?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While not a massive leap, 15W charging will shave off a considerable amount of time compared to 10W, especially when charging from a low battery percentage. Expect the Nokia G100 to reach full charge faster.
❓ How does the Cortex-A55 processor in the BLU G61 affect everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The Cortex-A55 is designed for efficiency, so basic tasks will function. However, you may experience slight lag or slowdowns when switching between apps or loading complex web pages compared to the Nokia G100.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Nokia generally provides better software support than BLU. While neither is known for extensive updates, the Nokia G100 is more likely to receive security patches and potentially even a minor Android version update.