The BLU J7L and BLU Vivo XL5 represent two points within BLU’s budget smartphone lineup. While both aim to deliver affordable connectivity, they differ significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on the impact of their respective CPUs on everyday use and overall performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and light social media, the BLU Vivo XL5 is the better choice. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor offers a noticeable performance uplift over the J7L’s quad-core Cortex-A53, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience.
| 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October. Released 2020, October | 2019, July. Released 2019, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 155 x 74.7 x 10.9 mm (6.10 x 2.94 x 0.43 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 | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~78.7% 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 | 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 750 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 30 h (2G) / Up to 24 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Violet, Tan | Black |
| Price | About 60 EUR | - |
BLU J7L
- Likely the more affordable option.
- Potentially longer standby time due to simpler processor.
- Sufficient for basic communication tasks.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the Vivo XL5.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Limited future-proofing.
BLU Vivo XL5
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- Improved multitasking capabilities.
- More efficient processor for potentially better battery life.
- Likely slightly more expensive than the J7L.
- May not offer a significant camera improvement.
- Still an entry-level device with limitations.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the price point of both devices, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p resolution. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual fidelity, but the Vivo XL5’s faster processor may contribute to smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided. Given the market segment, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Image processing will be heavily reliant on software optimization, but the Vivo XL5’s more powerful CPU could potentially enable faster image processing times and slightly improved image quality. However, without specific sensor details, a definitive comparison is impossible.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPUs. The BLU J7L features a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, an older architecture known for its efficiency but limited processing power. The BLU Vivo XL5 boasts an octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. The A55 architecture represents a significant improvement over the A53, offering better performance per clock cycle and improved power efficiency. The doubling of cores in the Vivo XL5 further enhances multitasking capabilities, allowing for smoother app switching and handling of more demanding tasks. While both are entry-level CPUs, the Vivo XL5’s configuration will demonstrably outperform the J7L in most scenarios.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified. The Cortex-A55 in the Vivo XL5 is more power-efficient than the A53 in the J7L. This means the Vivo XL5 could potentially offer slightly longer battery life despite having the same battery capacity. Without knowing the charging wattage, it’s difficult to assess charging speeds, but the more efficient processor could contribute to faster overall charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J7L if you need a truly minimal smartphone for essential communication and have a very limited budget. It’s suitable for users who primarily make calls, send texts, and occasionally browse the web. Buy the BLU Vivo XL5 if you prefer a more fluid experience, frequently switch between apps, or occasionally engage in light gaming. The extra cores and newer architecture provide a tangible benefit for everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the BLU Vivo XL5 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Cortex-A55 processor in the Vivo XL5 is well-equipped to handle social media apps without significant lag. The increased processing power and core count will provide a smoother scrolling and app switching experience compared to the J7L.
❓ Is the BLU J7L suitable for playing mobile games?
The BLU J7L is only suitable for very basic, less demanding mobile games. The quad-core Cortex-A53 processor will struggle with graphically intensive titles, resulting in low frame rates and a poor gaming experience. The Vivo XL5 will offer a slightly better experience, but neither phone is ideal for serious mobile gaming.
❓ How much faster is the BLU Vivo XL5 in real-world use compared to the BLU J7L?
The Vivo XL5 will feel noticeably faster in everyday tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and switching between applications. The octa-core processor and newer architecture provide a significant performance boost, resulting in a more responsive and fluid user experience. Expect app launch times to be quicker and multitasking to be smoother.
