BLU G61s vs. alcatel 3X (2020): A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The BLU G61s and the alcatel 3X (2020) represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, a significant difference in processor architecture separates these two devices, potentially impacting everyday usability. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the BLU G61s emerges as the better choice. Its Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 CPU provides a substantial performance advantage over the alcatel 3X’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While the alcatel 3X offers a slightly more established brand presence, the G61s’ processing power justifies the potential trade-offs.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU G61s alcatel 3X (2020)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, April2020, June. Released 2020, June
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, AprilDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.5 x 76.5 x 9.8 mm (6.28 x 3.01 x 0.39 in)165 x 75 x 9.1 mm (6.50 x 2.95 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight164 g (5.78 oz)186 g (6.56 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 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset-Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single8 MP-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBronze, Red, Green, Cyan, BlackBlack, Blue
Models-5061U, 5061K_EEA, 5061K, 5061U_EEA, 5061A
Price-About 170 EUR

BLU G61s

  • Significantly faster processor (Cortex-A75)
  • Potentially smoother multitasking
  • More responsive user experience

  • Unknown display specifications
  • Potential for higher power consumption

alcatel 3X (2020)

  • Established brand reputation
  • Power-efficient processor (Helio P22)
  • 10W charging support

  • Slower processor (Cortex-A53)
  • Limited performance for demanding tasks
  • Slow charging speed

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The absence of display specifications for the BLU G61s means we can't directly compare resolution or brightness. However, the alcatel 3X’s focus on affordability suggests a standard 720p resolution. The lack of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO on either device means visual smoothness will be limited, impacting scrolling and video playback.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. We can assume the alcatel 3X includes a standard primary sensor and potentially a depth sensor or macro lens, but image quality will be limited by the sensor size and image processing capabilities of the Helio P22. The BLU G61s’ camera performance is unknown, but the more powerful processor *could* allow for slightly better image processing, potentially improving dynamic range and noise reduction. It's unlikely either phone will excel in low-light conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU G61s’ Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 is a significantly more powerful architecture than the alcatel 3X’s Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. The A75 cores, found in mid-range processors, offer substantially improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) and overall performance compared to the A53 cores, which are typically found in entry-level devices. The alcatel 3X’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) is a power-efficient chip, but its older architecture limits its ability to handle demanding tasks. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the BLU G61s. The 12nm process node of the Helio P22 does offer some efficiency benefits, but the architectural gap is too large to overcome.

Battery Life

The alcatel 3X (2020) supports 10W wired charging, indicating a relatively slow charging speed. Without battery capacity information for the BLU G61s, it’s difficult to assess battery life directly. However, the more powerful processor in the G61s will likely consume more power, potentially offsetting any capacity advantage. The 10W charging on the alcatel 3X will require a significant amount of time to fully charge the device, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU G61s if you prioritize responsiveness and the ability to run multiple apps without significant slowdown. This phone is ideal for users who frequently browse the web, use social media, or play casual games. Buy the alcatel 3X (2020) if you prefer a more recognizable brand and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light web browsing, and are willing to accept slower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the BLU G61s be able to handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without lagging?
The BLU G61s’ Cortex-A75 processor is significantly more capable than the alcatel 3X’s Helio P22. This means it should handle social media apps like TikTok and Instagram with considerably less lag and smoother scrolling, providing a more enjoyable user experience.
❓ Is the alcatel 3X (2020) a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the alcatel 3X (2020) is a suitable option for basic communication. Its Helio P22 processor is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. However, users should be aware that performance will be noticeably slower compared to devices with more powerful processors.
❓ Can I expect to play mobile games on the BLU G61s?
While the BLU G61s won't handle graphically intensive games at high settings, its Cortex-A75 processor will allow for playable frame rates in many casual and moderately demanding mobile games. Expect to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance.