The BLU J6 and alcatel 1x (2019) represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability and essential features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the alcatel 1x (2019) edges out the BLU J6. The MT6739 chipset’s slightly faster Cortex-A53 cores and higher clock speed provide a noticeable, albeit modest, performance boost for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - 5059A |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40 - 5008T |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 - 5008Y |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2019, January. Released 2019, Q1 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.6 x 76.6 x 9.1 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 146.4 x 68.8 x 8.3 mm (5.76 x 2.71 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~76.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| 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 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 5008T only), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Brown | Pebble Blue, Pebble Black |
| Models | - | 5008T, 5008Y, 5008U, 5008R, 5008D_EEA, 5008Y_EEA, 5008D |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 120 EUR |
BLU J6
- Potentially lower price point.
- Simple, straightforward Android experience.
- May be easier to find in certain regions.
- Slower processor (MT6580).
- Older Cortex-A7 architecture.
- Likely limited software updates.
alcatel 1x (2019)
- Faster processor (MT6739).
- More efficient Cortex-A53 architecture.
- Potentially better app compatibility.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited by low-end hardware.
- Software update support is uncertain.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the shared 28nm manufacturing process of their respective chipsets, display specs are likely similar – both likely utilize low-cost LCD panels with resolutions around 480x854. Expect limited viewing angles and color accuracy. The absence of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on the core performance differences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors (likely 5MP or 8MP main cameras). Image quality will be acceptable in ideal lighting conditions but will suffer significantly in low light. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP depth sensors) are largely marketing fluff and offer minimal practical benefit. The MT6739’s slightly more capable ISP *might* result in marginally better image processing, but the difference will be subtle.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The alcatel 1x (2019) utilizes the Mediatek MT6739, featuring quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.5 GHz. This represents a clear advantage over the BLU J6’s Mediatek MT6580, which employs older Cortex-A7 cores running at 1.3 GHz. While both are 28nm chips, the Cortex-A53 architecture is significantly more efficient and offers better instruction-per-clock (IPC) performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, even if both phones struggle with demanding applications. The MT6739 also includes a more modern GPU, further enhancing the alcatel 1x’s graphical capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their price point and hardware, both likely feature batteries in the 2000-2500 mAh range. The MT6739’s improved efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life on the alcatel 1x (2019), but usage patterns will be the dominant factor. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow, with both devices probably shipping with 5W chargers.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J6 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept slower performance and potentially limited software updates. Buy the alcatel 1x (2019) if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the potential for better app compatibility due to the MT6739’s wider adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the alcatel 1x (2019) run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the alcatel 1x (2019) with its MT6739 chipset should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. While not lightning-fast, the Cortex-A53 cores provide enough processing power for these common social media applications. However, expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps.
❓ Is the BLU J6 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
The BLU J6 is a viable option for basic communication if price is the absolute primary concern. Its MT6580 chipset is sufficient for making calls and sending texts, but the slower processor may result in a less responsive experience when navigating the phone's interface.
❓ Can either of these phones play basic mobile games?
Both phones can play very basic mobile games, but don't expect a great gaming experience. Simple 2D games will be playable, but more demanding 3D titles will likely suffer from low frame rates and lag. The alcatel 1x (2019)'s MT6739 has a slightly more capable GPU, offering a marginal improvement in gaming performance.
