The BLU J6S and Nokia C01 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. While both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if slow, smartphone for basic tasks, the Nokia C01 Plus offers a more modern and capable experience thanks to its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset. While the BLU J6S is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the slight price increase for most.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 07 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 07 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 152.9 x 73.3 x 9.7 mm (6.02 x 2.89 x 0.38 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 161 g (5.68 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), proximity, gyro | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Bronze, Teal, White | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
BLU J6S
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward interface
- Compact and lightweight design
- Extremely slow performance
- Outdated processor architecture
- Likely poor camera quality
Nokia C01 Plus
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Modern ARM Cortex-A55 cores
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Still limited performance overall
- Low-resolution display expected
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the BLU J6S's display, but given its price point, it's likely a low-resolution panel with limited brightness. The Nokia C01 Plus also lacks detailed display specs, but its focus is clearly on functionality over visual fidelity. Expect narrow viewing angles and washed-out colors on both. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both are likely to feature basic sensors. The Nokia C01 Plus is likely to have a slightly more advanced image signal processor (ISP) integrated into the Unisoc chipset, potentially leading to marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. Expect significant noise and lack of detail in low-light scenarios on both. Any claims of advanced features on either device should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
This is where the Nokia C01 Plus pulls ahead significantly. The BLU J6S's quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor is based on an older ARM architecture, designed for extreme power efficiency but lacking in processing power. In contrast, the Nokia C01 Plus utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, featuring an octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) built on a 28nm process. The Cortex-A55 cores are substantially more efficient and powerful than the Cortex-A7, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The octa-core design allows for better handling of background processes. While neither phone is a performance powerhouse, the Nokia C01 Plus offers a demonstrably better experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their target market and hardware, both likely feature batteries in the 2000-3000 mAh range. The more efficient Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C01 Plus will likely translate to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the BLU J6S. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both, relying on micro-USB connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J6S if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only intend to use the phone for calls, texts, and very light browsing. Its quad-core processor will struggle with anything more demanding. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience, even for basic multitasking, and appreciate the benefits of a more modern chipset architecture. It's a better choice for those who occasionally use social media or light apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C01 Plus be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Nokia C01 Plus is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag, although multitasking with other apps open simultaneously may still cause slowdowns. The BLU J6S will struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Is the Nokia C01 Plus a good choice for a first smartphone for an elderly user?
The Nokia C01 Plus is a reasonable option for a first smartphone for an elderly user, primarily due to its relatively simple interface and improved performance over the BLU J6S. The octa-core processor will make basic tasks like making calls and sending messages more reliable. However, the small screen size and limited features may still present challenges.
❓ Can I play games on either of these phones?
While technically possible, gaming on either the BLU J6S or Nokia C01 Plus will be a frustrating experience. The processors are simply not powerful enough to handle most modern games. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings, but expect significant lag and low frame rates.