The BLU J5L and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but subtle differences in their hardware can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core edges out the BLU J5L. The slightly faster 1.5 GHz CPU and the Mediatek chipset's optimization, despite being on a 28nm process, provide a marginally smoother experience, particularly in app loading times. However, the J5L remains a viable option if price is the sole determining factor.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October. Released 2020, October | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 144 x 72.3 x 11.2 mm (5.67 x 2.85 x 0.44 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 720p@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 | 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2200 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Violet, Tan | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
BLU J5L
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic smartphone functionality
- May offer expandable storage (speculation based on market segment)
- Slower processor
- Limited software support (likely)
- Unknown display quality
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Slightly faster processor (1.5 GHz)
- Samsung brand recognition
- 3000 mAh battery
- Basic camera system
- Slow charging
- Limited RAM and storage
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the BLU J5L's display, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core also utilizes a basic LCD, and given its price point, we can expect limited brightness and color accuracy. The absence of any display-related specs for the J5L makes a direct comparison impossible, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate at the expense of a modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature underwhelming camera systems. Details are scarce for the BLU J5L, but the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core features an 8MP main camera. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and will likely struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A01 Core is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of autofocus. Users should expect basic, social media-worthy photos in good lighting conditions, but not much more.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 chipset, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores. This is a slight advantage over the BLU J5L’s quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. While both CPUs share the same architecture, the 100 MHz clock speed difference, coupled with Mediatek’s chipset-level optimizations, translates to marginally faster app launch times and smoother multitasking on the A01 Core. The 28nm process of the MT6739, while older, isn't necessarily a detriment in these low-power devices; it's more about efficiency than raw speed. Neither phone is suited for demanding tasks or gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the BLU J5L are unavailable. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core packs a 3000 mAh battery. Given the low-power processors and basic displays, both devices should achieve all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the A01 Core’s charging wattage is likely limited, resulting in a relatively slow 0-100% charge time. Without knowing the J5L’s battery capacity or charging capabilities, a direct comparison is difficult, but both phones prioritize longevity over fast charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J5L if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept compromises in performance and potentially software support. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience, benefit from Samsung's brand recognition, and appreciate a potentially more polished software experience, even within the constraints of its hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 chipset in the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core prone to overheating during extended use?
The MT6739 is a low-power chipset designed for basic tasks. Overheating is unlikely during typical usage scenarios like calls, messaging, and light web browsing. However, prolonged gaming or demanding applications could lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core support popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core runs Android (Go Edition), which is optimized for devices with limited resources. It fully supports popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, although performance may be slower compared to higher-end devices. Using the 'Go' versions of these apps is recommended for optimal performance.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the BLU J5L or the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core using a microSD card?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core supports microSD card expansion up to 512GB, providing flexibility for storing more photos, videos, and apps. Whether the BLU J5L supports microSD expansion is unknown, but it's a common feature in this price segment, so it's possible.
