The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the BLU M8L Plus and the Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023). Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone reigns supreme.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) generally wins due to its superior chipset, stylus functionality, and overall software experience. While the BLU M8L Plus might offer a slightly lower price point, the Moto G Stylus provides a more polished and feature-rich experience.
| 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, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2023, May 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 208 x 123.7 x 10.5 mm (8.19 x 4.87 x 0.41 in) | 162.9 x 74.1 x 9.2 mm (6.41 x 2.92 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 383 g (13.51 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | - | Stylus
Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Blue, Rose Gold |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 200 EUR |
BLU M8L Plus
- Very Affordable
- Large Display (likely)
- Decent Battery Life (potentially)
- Lower Performance
- Basic Camera
- Less Refined Software
- Potentially Lower Build Quality
Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)
- Powerful Processor (Helio G85)
- Stylus Functionality
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display
- Better Camera
- Longer Battery Life
- Slightly Higher Price
- 15W Charging (relatively slow)
- Motorola's Software (can be polarizing)
Display Comparison
The Moto G Stylus (2023) typically features a larger display (around 6.6 inches) with a higher resolution than the BLU M8L Plus (likely around 6.5 inches with a standard HD+ resolution). The Moto G Stylus also benefits from a higher refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and animations. Color accuracy and brightness are likely better on the Moto G Stylus.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely offer multiple rear cameras, the Moto G Stylus (2023) generally boasts a higher resolution main sensor and better image processing capabilities. Expect improved low-light performance and more detailed photos from the Moto G Stylus. The Moto G Stylus also often includes features like macro and ultra-wide lenses.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023)'s Helio G85 chipset is significantly more powerful than the BLU M8L Plus's Cortex-A55 CPU. The G85's dual Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking. Expect smoother app launches and overall responsiveness on the Moto G Stylus.
Battery Life
The Moto G Stylus (2023) typically has a larger battery capacity (around 5000mAh) than the BLU M8L Plus. Coupled with its more efficient chipset, this translates to longer battery life. The 15W wired charging on the Moto G Stylus is adequate, though not exceptionally fast.
Buying Guide
The BLU M8L Plus is a good option for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and affordability. The Motorola Moto G Stylus (2023) is ideal for those who want a larger screen, stylus input, a more powerful processor, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the BLU M8L Plus a good phone for basic use?
Yes, the BLU M8L Plus can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, especially if you're on a very limited budget. However, don't expect stellar performance with demanding apps or games.
❓ Does the Moto G Stylus (2023) have a good camera?
The Moto G Stylus (2023) offers a significantly better camera experience than the BLU M8L Plus, with improved image quality, low-light performance, and additional features like macro and ultra-wide lenses.
