BLU consistently targets the ultra-budget smartphone market, and the J5L and G5 Plus represent two of their recent offerings. While both aim to deliver affordability, a key differentiator lies in their processors. This comparison dissects the architectural differences between the J5L’s quad-core Cortex-A53 and the G5 Plus’s octa-core Cortex-A55, revealing which phone provides a smoother user experience and better long-term value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G5 Plus is the superior choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor offers a significant performance uplift over the J5L’s quad-core Cortex-A53, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The G5 Plus justifies its slightly higher price with tangible performance gains.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - G0190UU |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 - G0190LL, G0190VV |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 - G0190UU |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October. Released 2020, October | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.3 x 11.2 mm (5.67 x 2.85 x 0.44 in) | 161.4 x 78 x 9.6 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 575 h (2G) / Up to 525 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Violet, Tan | Black, Red, Twilight, Chameleon Blue |
BLU J5L
- Lowest possible price point
- Sufficient for basic communication
- Potentially longer software support (due to simpler hardware)
- Slow performance with multitasking
- Struggles with demanding apps
- Outdated processor architecture
BLU G5 Plus
- Significantly faster processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly higher price
- Potentially shorter software support (due to more complex hardware)
- May not be a substantial upgrade for extremely light users
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are not provided. However, given the price point of both devices, it’s reasonable to expect both utilize LCD panels with 720p resolution. The G5 Plus, being slightly higher positioned, *may* have a marginally brighter panel, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. It’s probable that the G5 Plus benefits from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more powerful processor, potentially leading to faster image capture and improved low-light performance. However, the absence of information regarding sensor size and lens apertures makes a definitive assessment impossible. We can assume any 'macro' lenses on either device will be of limited utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU J5L’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 is an older architecture, designed for efficiency but lacking in raw processing power. The BLU G5 Plus boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. The A55 architecture represents a significant improvement in instructions per clock (IPC) over the A53, meaning it can accomplish more with each clock cycle. The higher core count further enhances multitasking capabilities. While clock speed is a factor, the architectural leap from A53 to A55 is more impactful, resulting in noticeably faster app launches and smoother scrolling on the G5 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are unspecified. Given the budget nature of these phones, expect capacities in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The G5 Plus’s more efficient Cortex-A55 processor *could* translate to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery. Faster charging is also a possibility on the G5 Plus, but without wattage figures, it’s difficult to quantify the difference in 0-100% charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J5L if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s suitable for users who rarely run multiple apps simultaneously. Buy the BLU G5 Plus if you value a smoother, more responsive experience, especially when multitasking or using moderately demanding apps. It’s the better option for users who want a phone that feels more future-proof and capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU G5 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the G5 Plus won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at lower settings. Expect frame rate dips during intense action, and don't anticipate high graphics fidelity. The J5L will likely struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How much of a difference will I *really* notice between the Cortex-A53 and Cortex-A55 processors in everyday use?
The difference will be most noticeable when switching between apps, opening new apps, and scrolling through content. The G5 Plus will feel significantly snappier and more responsive. For basic tasks like making calls or sending texts, the difference will be less pronounced, but the G5 Plus will still offer a smoother overall experience.
❓ Is the BLU J5L a good option for a first smartphone for someone unfamiliar with Android?
The J5L could serve as a basic first smartphone, but its limited processing power might lead to frustration if the user attempts to run multiple apps or download many applications. The G5 Plus offers a more forgiving experience for new users due to its improved performance.
