BLU consistently targets the ultra-budget smartphone market, and the J9L and G52L represent their current offerings. Both devices feature an identical Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU, making a direct performance comparison less about raw power and more about software optimization and other contributing factors. This comparison will dissect the nuances between these two models to determine which provides the best overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience, the BLU G52L emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same CPU, the G52L's potential for optimized software and potentially better display characteristics (based on typical BLU product positioning) give it a slight edge in everyday usability.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June. Released 2021, June | 2023, January |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 76.9 x 9.7 mm (6.36 x 3.03 x 0.38 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP
0.3 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green, Red | Grey, Blue, Burgundy, Mint Blue |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
BLU J9L
- Likely the most affordable option
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent battery life due to efficient CPU
- Potentially lower display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
- May receive fewer software updates
BLU G52L
- Potentially better software optimization
- Slightly improved display characteristics
- May have a more refined design
- Likely more expensive than the J9L
- Still limited by the same CPU
- Camera performance likely similar to J9L
Display Comparison
Both the BLU J9L and G52L likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Without specific resolution or brightness data, it's difficult to definitively state a display advantage. However, BLU often differentiates models with slightly improved color calibration or viewing angles on higher-tier devices; the G52L may benefit from this. The absence of any mention of refresh rates suggests both are limited to standard 60Hz, which is typical but less smooth than the 90Hz or 120Hz panels found on more expensive phones.
Camera Comparison
Given the target market, camera performance is unlikely to be a standout feature on either device. Both will likely feature a primary camera alongside potentially a depth or macro sensor. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to assess image quality. The G52L *might* have a slightly more sophisticated image processing algorithm, but expectations should remain modest. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely for marketing purposes and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The shared Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU means both phones will deliver similar performance in CPU-bound tasks like web browsing and basic app usage. The real-world difference will likely come down to RAM management and software optimization. BLU's software skin, while lightweight, can impact performance. The GPU, also likely a basic ARM Mali variant, will handle light gaming adequately but struggle with demanding titles. Thermal throttling is unlikely to be a major concern given the low-power CPU.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on the battery capacity (not specified) and software optimization. The 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU is relatively efficient, suggesting both phones should achieve at least a full day of moderate use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely falls in the 10W-15W range, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The G52L may have a slight advantage if it incorporates more efficient power management features in its software.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J9L if you need a strictly no-frills device for basic communication and light tasks, and are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the BLU G52L if you prefer a phone that *might* offer a slightly more refined software experience and potentially better display quality, even if it means spending a little more. Both are suitable for users new to smartphones or those needing a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, both the BLU J9L and G52L, with their Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU, should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. These apps are relatively lightweight and optimized for a wide range of hardware.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on these phones?
While you *can* technically install PUBG Mobile, performance will be limited. The integrated GPU is not powerful enough for smooth gameplay at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops, even on the G52L.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the BLU J9L and G52L almost certainly use a Micro-USB port, which is standard for budget smartphones. This means slower charging speeds and potentially less compatibility with newer chargers compared to USB-C.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
These phones likely come with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Fortunately, both models almost certainly include a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity for photos, videos, and other files.
