The BLU J9L and Nokia C2 Tava represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU J9L offers a more compelling experience. Its octa-core processor, despite using Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C2 Tava’s quad-core Cortex-A53 chipset. While neither phone excels, the J9L’s extra cores translate to smoother multitasking and app loading.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June. Released 2021, June | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, May 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 76.9 x 9.7 mm (6.36 x 3.03 x 0.38 in) | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green, Red | Tempered Blue |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
BLU J9L
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More modern Cortex-A55 architecture for improved efficiency.
- Potentially smoother app performance.
- Specific battery capacity unknown.
- Display details are lacking, suggesting a basic panel.
Nokia C2 Tava
- Potentially better battery life due to simpler processor.
- 10W charging may be sufficient for light users.
- Likely very affordable price point.
- Quad-core processor may struggle with multitasking.
- Less efficient 16nm process.
- Limited performance for demanding apps.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are absent for both, suggesting both utilize basic LCD panels common in this price bracket. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for the segment, prioritizing cost over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume both feature low-resolution primary sensors paired with basic image processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Nokia C2 Tava’s MediaTek MT6761 Helio A22, built on a 16nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. The BLU J9L counters with an octa-core Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. While the A53 cores have a higher clock speed, the A55 architecture is more efficient and the doubling of core count in the J9L provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The Helio A22’s 16nm process is less efficient than modern nodes, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load. The J9L, while lacking specific RAM details, will likely benefit from the increased processing power, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother scrolling.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia C2 Tava’s 10W wired charging suggests a focus on conservative power consumption. The Helio A22’s less efficient 16nm process, combined with the lower charging wattage, may result in longer charge times. The BLU J9L, with its more modern CPU architecture, *could* potentially achieve comparable battery life despite a potentially smaller battery capacity, depending on software optimization.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J9L if you prioritize responsiveness and multitasking, even if it means potentially sacrificing some battery optimization. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and need a phone that doesn’t feel sluggish. Buy the Nokia C2 Tava if battery life is your absolute top priority and you primarily use your phone for basic communication – calls and texts – and very light app usage. Its simpler processor may offer slightly better efficiency in those limited scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C2 Tava struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Helio A22 chipset in the Nokia C2 Tava is a basic processor. While it can run these apps, expect slower loading times and potential lag when scrolling through feeds or viewing videos. It's best suited for light social media use.
❓ Is the BLU J9L a good choice for playing mobile games?
The BLU J9L is *not* a gaming phone. While the octa-core processor is an improvement over the Nokia C2 Tava, it won't deliver a smooth experience in demanding titles. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering, even on low graphics settings. It's suitable for very casual gaming only.
❓ How does the MediaTek Helio A22 handle multitasking compared to the BLU J9L's processor?
The Helio A22's quad-core design will struggle with multitasking compared to the BLU J9L's octa-core processor. Switching between apps will be slower, and running multiple apps simultaneously may lead to noticeable lag and performance drops.
❓ What type of storage does the Nokia C2 Tava use, and is it expandable?
While not explicitly stated, budget phones like the Nokia C2 Tava typically use eMMC storage, which is slower than UFS storage found in higher-end devices. It almost certainly includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
