The BLU G71 and Nokia G20 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in processing power. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU G71’s Cortex-A53 based processor, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. However, the G71's potentially lower price point may sway those on the tightest of budgets.
| 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 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 19. Released 2021, February 19 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| 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 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Glacier, Night |
| Models | - | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
BLU G71
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly longer battery life (speculation)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely slower app loading times
- Less responsive user interface
Nokia G20
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G35 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life
- Still an entry-level processor
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p or lower to conserve power. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or viewing angles; however, the focus at this price point is functionality over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the lack of detailed specifications. Both will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the Nokia G20’s slightly more powerful processor could enable marginally better image processing, potentially resulting in slightly sharper or more vibrant photos. Expect limited low-light performance from both.
Performance
The Nokia G20’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) is the key differentiator. Its octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, provides a significant boost over the BLU G71’s consistently clocked 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 12nm process node of the Helio G35 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node process used in the G71. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Nokia G20. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the G20 offers a more usable experience.
Battery Life
Both the BLU G71 and Nokia G20 feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – slow by modern standards. Battery capacity isn’t specified for the G71, but the G20’s larger processor demands more power. Therefore, the G71 *may* offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge, but the difference will likely be minimal. Expect a full charge to take several hours with either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G71 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Nokia G20 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for moderately demanding apps, and are willing to spend a little extra for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Helio G35 isn't a high-end processor, it should handle Facebook and Instagram reasonably well. Expect some occasional slowdowns when multitasking or loading image-heavy content, but the experience should be generally usable. The BLU G71's processor is likely to struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone acceptable for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take several hours. Neither phone is ideal for users who need quick top-ups. It's best to charge them overnight.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games should be playable on both devices, but don't expect a smooth experience with more demanding 3D titles. The Nokia G20's Helio G35 will offer slightly better performance in games, but frame rates will still be low and graphics settings will need to be reduced.
