The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, and the BLU J6 and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent two of the most affordable options available. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct performance characteristics. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother everyday performance, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset, featuring Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz, provides a noticeable advantage over the BLU J6’s MT6580 and Cortex-A7 cores. However, the J6 remains a viable option for extremely basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December. Released 2019, December | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.6 x 76.6 x 9.1 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~76.0% 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 1.3 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 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, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm, AF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| 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 | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Brown | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
BLU J6
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact and lightweight design
- Reliable for basic communication
- Older and less efficient CPU architecture
- Slower performance in apps and multitasking
- Likely limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- More modern and efficient CPU architecture
- Slightly smoother performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially better software support from Samsung
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by entry-level hardware
- Camera performance will be basic
Display Comparison
Neither the BLU J6 nor the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core are expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest brightness levels. The A01 Core’s slightly higher processing power *could* translate to marginally smoother scrolling, but the difference will be minimal. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors capable of capturing acceptable photos in good lighting conditions. The A01 Core *may* benefit from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset, but don’t expect flagship-level results. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device should be considered marketing features rather than substantial photographic tools.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm) utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. This architecture is a significant step up from the BLU J6’s Mediatek MT6580 (28nm) and its quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. Cortex-A53 cores offer improved instruction set efficiency and overall performance compared to the older A7 architecture. While both are entry-level chipsets, the A01 Core will handle multitasking and app loading with less lag. The 28nm process node is identical on both, meaning thermal performance will be comparable – neither phone is likely to experience significant throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their similar target markets and hardware, battery life is likely to be comparable – around a full day of light usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely ship with basic 5W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The A01 Core’s slightly more efficient chipset *could* translate to marginally better battery endurance, but the difference will be minimal without knowing the actual battery capacities.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J6 if you need a phone for absolutely essential communication – calls and texts – and minimal app usage. Its lower price point makes it suitable as a temporary device or for those on a severely restricted budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for social media, light web browsing, and basic app functionality. The A01 Core’s more modern CPU architecture offers a tangible improvement in usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the A01 Core can run WhatsApp and Facebook, expect some lag when loading or switching between apps. It's not designed for heavy multitasking or demanding applications. Keep background app usage to a minimum for the smoothest experience.
❓ Is the BLU J6 a good option for a first smartphone for an elderly person?
The BLU J6's simplicity and potentially lower price make it a reasonable choice for a first smartphone for an elderly person, *provided* their needs are limited to calls, texts, and perhaps a simple camera. The slower performance might be less frustrating than a more complex device.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Technically, PUBG Mobile *may* run on the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core at the lowest settings, but the experience will likely be choppy and unplayable. The BLU J6 is unlikely to run PUBG Mobile at all. These phones are not designed for gaming.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core?
Samsung's software update support for the A01 Core is limited. It likely received one major Android update (to Android 11 or 12) and security patches for a limited time. Expect software support to have ended or be nearing its end.
