The BLU G9 and Motorola Moto E (2020) represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences between the MediaTek Helio P22-powered BLU G9 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632-equipped Moto E (2020), revealing which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience, the Motorola Moto E (2020) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 632, built on a 14nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the BLU G9’s Helio P22, despite the latter’s higher clock speed. While the G9 is cheaper, the Moto E’s superior chipset justifies the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 30, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2020, June 05. Released 2020, June 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.4 x 71.8 x 8 mm (6.12 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) | 159.8 x 76.6 x 8.7 mm (6.29 x 3.02 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 165 g (5.82 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~88.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 250 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM632 Snapdragon 632 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.0", PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0, 1/3" | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 750 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3550 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Midnight Blue |
| Models | - | XT2052DL |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 90 EUR |
BLU G9
- Potentially lower price point
- Higher CPU clock speed (on paper)
- May include features not found on the Moto E (depending on specific model)
- Inferior chipset performance (Helio P22)
- Less efficient power consumption
- Potentially slower software updates
Motorola Moto E (2020)
- Superior chipset performance (Snapdragon 632)
- More efficient power consumption
- Better thermal management
- More responsive user experience
- Slightly higher price point
- May lack certain features found on the BLU G9
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely target a 720p+ resolution typical of this price bracket. The key difference lies in the underlying chipsets’ ability to drive the display smoothly. The Snapdragon 632’s more powerful GPU will likely result in fewer dropped frames during scrolling and video playback. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor around 13MP. However, the Snapdragon 632’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. The BLU G9’s ISP is less capable, potentially resulting in softer images and less detail in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto E (2020) utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 (14nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with a Kryo 250 architecture – a mix of performance (Gold) and efficiency (Silver) cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. This architecture allows for better task prioritization. Conversely, the BLU G9 employs the MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm) with an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the G9’s CPU has a higher clock speed, the Snapdragon 632’s more efficient architecture and superior GPU (Adreno 509 vs. IMG PowerVR GE8320 in the G9) translate to a smoother, more responsive user experience. The 14nm process of the Snapdragon 632 also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor in this segment. While specific mAh ratings are not provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Snapdragon 632’s superior power efficiency, stemming from its 14nm process, will likely translate to longer battery life on the Moto E (2020) despite potentially having a similar capacity battery to the BLU G9. Charging wattage is also likely to be low on both devices, meaning 0-100% charge times will be measured in hours rather than minutes.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G9 if you need the absolute lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The Helio P22 will handle these tasks adequately. Buy the Motorola Moto E (2020) if you prefer a more fluid user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between apps. The Snapdragon 632 offers a significant performance boost, making it a more future-proof option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G9 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Helio P22 in the BLU G9 can run these apps, but you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when multitasking. The limited RAM and less powerful GPU will be noticeable when switching between apps or loading complex content within these platforms.
❓ Can the Motorola Moto E (2020) handle basic mobile gaming?
Yes, the Snapdragon 632 in the Moto E (2020) is capable of handling less demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile (on lower settings) and Asphalt 9. The Adreno 509 GPU provides a significant advantage over the Helio P22’s GPU, resulting in smoother frame rates and a more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How important is the chipset's manufacturing process (14nm vs 12nm)?
The manufacturing process directly impacts power efficiency and heat generation. The Snapdragon 632’s 14nm process is more efficient than the Helio P22’s 12nm process, meaning it consumes less power for the same level of performance and generates less heat, leading to better sustained performance and battery life.
