The BLU G71 and Ulefone Note 12P represent the ultra-budget end of the Android spectrum. Both aim to deliver smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly more modern CPU architecture, the Ulefone Note 12P edges out the BLU G71. The Ulefone’s use of Cortex-A55 cores, while clocked lower overall, offers improved efficiency and responsiveness compared to the G71’s older Cortex-A53 cores, despite both phones sharing 10W charging.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 19. Released 2021, February 19 | 2021, October 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, October 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 237 g (8.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 7700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Black, Red, Blue |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 130 EUR |
BLU G71
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple and functional Android experience.
- Reliable brand reputation (BLU)
- Older Cortex-A53 CPU architecture.
- Likely less efficient power consumption.
- Potentially slower app loading times.
Ulefone Note 12P
- More efficient Cortex-A55 CPU cores.
- Improved responsiveness for everyday tasks.
- Unisoc chipset offers a slightly more modern platform.
- Lower peak CPU clock speed.
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support.
- Brand recognition is lower than BLU.
Display Comparison
Neither BLU nor Ulefone provide display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits low-light performance. Any claims of 'megapixel count' should be viewed skeptically, as image quality is more dependent on sensor size and image processing than sheer pixel numbers. Expect similar results from both, with neither excelling in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU G71 features an Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, an older architecture known for its power consumption. The Ulefone Note 12P utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, featuring an Octa-core configuration split between 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the G71 boasts a higher peak clock speed, the Cortex-A55 architecture in the Ulefone is significantly more efficient, translating to better performance per watt. This means the Ulefone is likely to feel more responsive during everyday tasks, despite the lower maximum clock speed. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip is less efficient than more modern nodes, but the architectural improvements mitigate this to some extent.
Battery Life
Both the BLU G71 and Ulefone Note 12P are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a considerable amount of time – likely exceeding 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the budget nature, expect capacities around 3000-4000 mAh. The Ulefone’s more efficient chipset may result in slightly better battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G71 if you need a simple, functional device and are primarily concerned with minimizing upfront cost. It’s a viable option for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Ulefone Note 12P if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience and benefit from the newer, more efficient Cortex-A55 cores, even if the overall clock speed isn't significantly higher. This makes it better suited for slightly more demanding everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 12P struggle with multitasking compared to the BLU G71?
While the BLU G71 has a higher clock speed, the Ulefone Note 12P’s Cortex-A55 cores are more efficient at handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The Ulefone is likely to maintain smoother performance during light multitasking, while the G71 might exhibit more noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Ulefone Note 12P known for receiving frequent software updates?
Historically, Unisoc chipsets have not been known for extensive software support. Expect limited updates from Ulefone, primarily focused on security patches. Long-term software support should not be a primary consideration when choosing this device.
❓ Given the 10W charging, how long will it take to fully charge either phone?
With 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours, potentially longer if the phone is being used during charging. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities.
