The BLU J9L and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the better experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking the most responsive experience, the BLU J9L emerges as the winner. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the quad-core Cortex-A53 in the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June. Released 2021, June | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.6 x 76.9 x 9.7 mm (6.36 x 3.03 x 0.38 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (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 |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | 4.0, A2DP | 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green, Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
BLU J9L
- Octa-core processor offers superior performance
- More modern Cortex-A55 architecture for better efficiency
- Potentially better battery life due to processor efficiency
- Less brand recognition than Samsung
- Software updates may be less frequent
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Samsung brand reputation and ecosystem
- Potentially more optimized software experience
- Wider availability of accessories
- Quad-core processor limits performance
- Older Cortex-A53 architecture is less efficient
- MT6739 chipset is known for thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize basic LCD panels. The A01 Core, being an older model, likely has wider bezels. While specific resolution data is missing, both are likely 720p or lower, prioritizing battery life over visual fidelity. Color accuracy and brightness will be limited on both, making them best suited for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The A01 Core is known to have a 5MP main camera, while the J9L's is unknown but likely similar. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and both will struggle in low-light conditions. Any 'macro' or 'depth' sensors are likely 2MP and offer minimal benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The BLU J9L’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU offers a significant architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s MediaTek MT6739, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 is a more efficient and modern design, translating to better multi-tasking and smoother app launches. The MT6739, built on a 28nm process, is older and less power-efficient. While clock speed is similar, the core count and architecture give the J9L a clear edge in real-world performance. The A55's efficiency also suggests potentially better battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their budget nature, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The MT6739’s less efficient 28nm process in the A01 Core will likely result in shorter battery life compared to the J9L, despite potentially similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU J9L if you need a phone that can handle multiple apps and light multitasking without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a more fluid user experience, even if it means sacrificing brand recognition. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prioritize the Samsung brand ecosystem and a potentially more optimized software experience, understanding that performance will be more limited and responsiveness slower, especially with multiple apps open.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the MediaTek MT6739 in the Samsung A01 Core struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The MT6739 is a very basic chipset. While it can handle simple apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, expect noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex content. The BLU J9L’s octa-core processor will provide a significantly smoother experience with these apps.
❓ Is the BLU J9L a good choice for mobile gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. However, the BLU J9L’s processor offers a slight advantage. Expect to play only very basic games at low settings. Demanding titles will likely be unplayable due to performance limitations and potential overheating.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core likely runs a more refined version of Android, potentially with Samsung’s One UI skin. However, software updates may be limited. The BLU J9L likely runs a near-stock version of Android, which may be less polished but potentially receive fewer bloatware apps.
❓ Does the Samsung A01 Core benefit from Samsung's Knox security platform?
While the A01 Core is a Samsung device, it's a very entry-level model. It's unlikely to receive the full suite of Knox security features found on Samsung's higher-end devices. Basic security features will be present, but don't expect enterprise-grade protection.
