BLU consistently targets the ultra-budget smartphone market, and the M8L Plus and G50 Plus represent their latest offerings. While both phones share a similar processor core count, key differences in charging capabilities and potential feature sets make choosing between them a nuanced decision for cost-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G50 Plus is the better choice. While both phones utilize the same Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU, the inclusion of 10W wired charging provides a tangible benefit over the M8L Plus, which lacks specified charging capabilities. This makes the G50 Plus more convenient for daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, September 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.7 x 10.5 mm (8.19 x 4.87 x 0.41 in) | 158.7 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.25 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 383 g (13.51 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~79.5% 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 |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Black, Blue, Red, Green |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 90 EUR |
BLU M8L Plus
- Potentially lower purchase price
- Identical CPU to G50 Plus for basic tasks
- May have a slightly different design aesthetic
- Lacks specified charging capabilities
- Likely basic display and camera specifications
- Uncertain battery life
BLU G50 Plus
- Includes 10W wired charging for convenience
- Identical CPU to M8L Plus for basic tasks
- Potentially better overall user experience
- May be slightly more expensive than M8L Plus
- Likely basic display and camera specifications
- Uncertain battery life
Display Comparison
Both the BLU M8L Plus and G50 Plus lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price point, it's reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. Without knowing the panel technology (IPS vs. VA), color gamut coverage, or peak brightness, a direct comparison is impossible. However, users should expect a basic viewing experience suitable for everyday tasks, but not ideal for media consumption in bright sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The provided data doesn't detail camera specifications beyond the presence of a camera system. Given the target market, it's likely both phones feature basic camera setups with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Without knowing sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, it's impossible to assess image quality. Users should not expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
Both devices are equipped with an Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU. This indicates a focus on efficiency rather than raw power. The Cortex-A55 architecture is commonly found in entry-level smartphones and is capable of handling basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The identical CPU configuration suggests performance will be nearly indistinguishable between the two devices. RAM capacity, which is not specified, will be a significant factor in multitasking performance; more RAM will allow for smoother switching between apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the BLU G50 Plus includes 10W wired charging, a significant advantage over the BLU M8L Plus, which lacks any specified charging method. This means the G50 Plus will offer faster and more convenient charging, reducing downtime. Without knowing the battery capacity, it's difficult to estimate battery life, but the 10W charging on the G50 Plus will be a noticeable benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU M8L Plus if you prioritize a potentially lower initial purchase price and are comfortable with slower, unspecified charging methods. Buy the BLU G50 Plus if you value the convenience of 10W wired charging, even if it means a slightly higher upfront cost. Both phones are suited for basic smartphone tasks, but the G50 Plus offers a more complete user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the BLU G50 Plus's 10W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to a phone without specified charging?
Yes, while 10W isn't fast charging by modern standards, it's a substantial improvement over a phone with no specified charging. Phones without specified charging often rely on very slow, 5W charging, meaning the G50 Plus will charge noticeably faster, potentially cutting charging time by several hours.
❓ Given the identical CPUs, will gaming performance be the same on both the BLU M8L Plus and G50 Plus?
Theoretically, gaming performance should be very similar, as both phones utilize the same Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 processor. However, sustained performance could differ if the G50 Plus has better thermal management, allowing it to maintain peak clock speeds for longer periods. RAM capacity, which is not specified, will also play a crucial role in gaming smoothness.
❓ Are either of these phones likely to receive software updates?
Given BLU's position in the ultra-budget market, consistent and long-term software updates are unlikely. Users should expect minimal updates, primarily focused on security patches, if any. Do not purchase these phones expecting the latest Android features or security updates for an extended period.
