The BLU G90 and Samsung Galaxy A11 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A11 is the better choice. While the BLU G90 offers a comparable CPU core count, the Snapdragon 450’s 14nm process provides a slight efficiency advantage, and the 15W charging is noticeably quicker than the G90’s 10W.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 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, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A115U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 24. Released 2020, June 24 | 2020, March 13. Released 2020, May 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 161.4 x 76.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 177 g (6.24 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Magenta, Blue | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A115F/DS, SM-A115F, SM-A115M, SM-A115M/DS, SM-A115U, SM-A115A, SM-A115AZ, SM-A115U1, SM-A115W, SM-A115AP, SM-S115DL |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
BLU G90
- Potentially slightly better power efficiency due to 12nm process.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Less brand recognition and software support.
- Potentially less optimized software experience.
Samsung Galaxy A11
- Faster 15W charging.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 offers a smoother experience.
- Samsung’s brand recognition and software support.
- 14nm process is slightly less efficient.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can infer they are similar – likely 720p+. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be limited on both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the A11 is largely a marketing gimmick; its image quality will be significantly lower than the main sensor. The primary camera’s performance will depend heavily on image processing, and Samsung generally offers more refined software algorithms than BLU. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU G90’s Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12nm) and the Samsung Galaxy A11’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) both feature octa-core Cortex-A53 CPUs. However, the 12nm process of the Helio A25 *should* offer slightly better power efficiency than the 14nm Snapdragon 450, but the Snapdragon’s architecture and software optimization often translate to a smoother user experience in real-world use. Both are adequate for basic tasks, but neither is designed for demanding gaming. The A11’s GPU is likely to provide a marginally better graphical experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Samsung Galaxy A11 supports 15W wired charging, while the BLU G90 is limited to 10W. This means the A11 will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, faster charging often provides a more noticeable benefit in daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G90 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A11 if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, faster charging, and the brand recognition and software support associated with Samsung. The A11 is better suited for users who occasionally play casual games or use more demanding apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G90 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio A25 can run these apps, expect occasional lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Snapdragon 450 in the A11 handles these tasks more smoothly due to its optimized architecture.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A11 with the included charger?
With the 15W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A11 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on usage during charging. The BLU G90 will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 4 hours.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A11 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Galaxy A11 is not ideal for demanding mobile games. While it can run less intensive titles, expect low frame rates and graphical settings. The Snapdragon 450 is not a gaming-focused chipset.
❓ Does the BLU G90 receive regular software updates?
BLU devices typically have a less consistent software update schedule compared to Samsung. Expect fewer security patches and potentially no major Android version updates.
